Crowns and bridges
Crowns
When a tooth is excessively damaged, it becomes weak, leaving the remaining walls vulnerable to cracking. The forces inside the mouth can reach 50 to 60 thousand pounds per square inch. The tooth doesn’t need to be devitalized in order to place a crown on it, but if it is, it’s preferable to reinforce it.
During a root canal treatment, the inside of the tooth is vacated to clean the canals. A crown is a good alternative to large fillings or composites, as it surrounds the tooth, reducing the risk of recurrence of cavities or fractures.
Procedure
When having a crown installed, you’ll have an initial two- to three-hour appointment during which the practitioner will document the color and size of the tooth before reducing it by 0.5 to 2 mm all around. The professional will make a temporary acrylic crown and take an impression. If you’ve had a root canal, the roots will be reinforced with a post.
The second appointment will last less than an hour. This is when the practitioner will cement the crown after adjusting its height and contact with the adjacent teeth.
Dental bridges
If dental crowns are added on top of devitalized teeth, dental bridges are rather used to replace one or more missing teeth. Indeed, to replace a missing tooth, you can install a dental implant, or otherwise make a bridge by “cutting” teeth adjacent to the space.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is anchored securely in place using adjacent teeth as supports, creating a “bridge” connecting the natural teeth and filling the space left by missing teeth. Just like crowns, dental bridges can be made from different materials, such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, ensuring both optimal durability and aesthetics.
Procedure for installing a dental bridge
Placing a dental bridge is a methodical and precise process, ensuring a perfect fit and harmonious integration in the patient’s mouth. It all starts with a consultation with the dentist, who assesses the patient’s oral condition and discusses treatment options. Next, adjacent teeth, called abutments, are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to allow the bridge to fit.
A precise impression is then taken for the fabrication of a custom bridge. During the time the bridge is fabricated in the laboratory, the patient may wear a temporary prosthesis to maintain aesthetics and function. When the bridge is ready, the dentist carefully adjusts it, ensuring that it fits perfectly with the neighboring teeth and the patient’s bite. Once the optimal position is confirmed, the bridge is securely fixed in place, restoring the patient to a full, natural smile.
By opting for a dental bridge, patients can not only improve their dental aesthetics, but also restore masticatory function and prevent complications related to tooth loss. The lifespan of a dental bridge is on average 8 to 12 years, up to 30 years with excellent oral hygiene and frequent visits to the Richard Landry Dental Clinic in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district of Montreal.
