Crowns & Bridges

What is a Crown?

A crown is a cover for a damaged tooth. It's designed in the shape of your original tooth and can enhance the tooth's appearance and stability. The crown is placed on top of the original tooth, completely covering the area of the tooth that can be seen above the gumline. It's sealed in place with a special cement.

Your dentist at Rifkin Dental may suggest a crown in the following situations:

• Cracked tooth
• Chipped tooth
• Oddly-shaped tooth
• Recent root canal on a tooth
• Dark tooth

Dental crowns can effectively restore your smile's beauty and function.

What are the Different Types of Crowns?

There are several different crown materials, including:

• Stainless steel
• Gold or another alloy
• Porcelain fused to metal
• Resin
• Ceramic

The choice of material depends on multiple factors. Metal crowns are very durable, so they're great for back teeth like molars. For front teeth, you may prefer a less durable but more aesthetically appealing resin or porcelain-fused crown.

What Should I Expect When I Get a Crown?

A dental crown procedure generally requires at least two visits to the dentist. The first visit includes X-rays, and after that, your dentist administers anesthesia then files down or builds up the tooth.

Next, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth. The lab uses it to custom-make your crown. Your dentist fabricates a temporary crown to safeguard your tooth until the permanent crown is completed and in place.

What is a Bridge?

A bridge replaces a missing tooth or group of teeth. Your dentist at Rifkin Dental may recommend a bridge when you've got a missing tooth and the teeth on either side are decayed or have big fillings. A bridge can also be a good option when your tooth or teeth have been missing for an extended period of time and there's gum recession in the area.

What are the Different Types of Bridges?

There are several options when getting a bridge, including:

• Traditional: the teeth on either side of the bridge get crowns for bridge support
• Cantilever: one neighboring tooth gets a crown for bridge support
• Resin-bonded: small winglike metal pieces on the replacement tooth attach to the adjacent teeth

Your dentist at Rifkin Dental can help you determine which bridge is best for your needs.

To learn more, or if you think you need a crown or bridge, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.