Crowns, which are also known to some as caps, are used when a large percentage of you tooth structure has been lost. This is done to stabilise and protect the remaining tooth structure from breaking down further causing potential breaks, cracks, or fractures. Which could then lead to unwanted problems like potential infections.
There are different types of crowns available made of all porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, silver crowns, gold crowns and the list goes on. At both practices we primarily use all porcelain and porcelain fused to metal crowns. As we pride ourselves in making you a tooth that is not only strong, durable, and fully functional but also aesthetic.
A crown is normally done in two appointments 2 to 3 weeks apart. The first appointment is to prepare the tooth into the correct shape and take an impression of it to send away to a dental laboratory. You are then given a temporary crown to go home with, so you are not left with exposed tooth structure. A dental technician then makes your crown and sends it back to us. The second appointment involves removing the temporary crown and replacing it with the permanent one. A final check is done to make sure it fit well and is comfortable to bit on before you leave.
Although you can use your new crowned tooth straight away, we do recommend caution for 24 hours while the after we have cemented it in. Think of it a little bit like glue. Even though it has fully set it is always advised not to use it immediately afterwards to full capacity.
At Adelaide Dental Centre we are equipped with CEREC Technology where we can make you an all porcelain crown on site, so you only require one 60 minute appointment. Please refer to our CEREC Technology for more information on this.
Bridges are one option that can be used to replace a tooth that is missing. They can be made from different types of materials just like crowns are. Primarily there are two types of bridges, direct and indirect.
A direct bridge is made on the spot in the mouth. Like placing a filling in your tooth as the same material is used. However, in this case an entire false tooth is created from filling material and attached to the tooth or teeth next door.
An indirect bridge is where an impression of the area is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where a dental technician makes the structure and sends it back so it can then be cemented into the correct position. These likes crowns are strong, durable, and fully functional but also aesthetic.
If you experience any problems or issues after you have had a crown placed, or if you have any questions regarding crowns and bridges please do not hesitate to contact us.