Prosthodontics

CROWN & BRIDGE

Crown and bridge (Restorative Dentistry) refers to the restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. The dentist examines your teeth and evaluates your dental and medical history, then gives you the diagnosis, and treatment options. A crown may be constructed to restore an individual damaged tooth back to it's original form and function, while a bridge may be utilized to replace one or more teeth. These restorations are cemented onto the teeth and are referred to as "fixed" dentistry as opposed to a restoration of missing teeth with a removable appliance or partial denture.

A crown is fabricated using an indirect procedure. The tooth is modified and prepared by using special instruments and a copy of the tooth preparation is made by taking an impression. The crown is then "permanently" cemented onto your tooth preparation. A fixed bridge refers to a prosthesis that will span the area of a missing tooth. The procedure involves a local anesthetic and the preparation of two or more abutment teeth. Once this has been accomplished, an impression is made and sent to the dental laboratory for fabrication of your new tooth. This procedure will take five to ten days and will encompass two to four appointments.