CROWNS AND BRIDGES

What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?

Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as
dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing
teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?

A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged
tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be
placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or
ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and
metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be
recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both
strong and attractive.

Dr. Flagiello may recommend a crown to:

� Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
� Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
� Restore a fractured tooth
� Attach a bridge
� Cover a dental implant
� Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
� Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

How do Bridges Work?

A bridge may be recommended if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth
eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite.
The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint
(TMJ) disorders.

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the
teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty
space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a
pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of
materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the
missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges
can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

How are Crowns and Bridges Made?

Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that
the crown or bridge will fit over it properly. After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an
impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, your dentist
will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.
Using this impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge, in the material your dentist
specifies. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the
permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the
temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your
prepared tooth or teeth.

How Long do Crowns and Bridges Last?

While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most
important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral
hygiene. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental
disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and
flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard
objects.