If your tooth is damaged or lost, it can cause a number of troubles, such as discomfort when chewing food, inability to talk properly, and lack of self-confidence. But do not worry, because today dentistry has everything you need to save your tooth or even replace it and look good. Two main procedures used in this case are dental crowns and bridges. These two restorations help solve various dental problems. In order to understand which option to choose, you should know about them in detail.
Know the Purposes of Each Restoration
Despite their similar appearance, crowns and bridges have different purposes. A crown is a cap that is put on top of the damaged tooth to protect it and make it stronger. There can be many reasons for covering a tooth, including decay, large filling, cracks, or root canal therapy. A dental bridge, on the contrary, is used to replace one or several missing teeth and fill the gaps between them.
As a result, a bridge improves your ability to chew food and prevents adjacent teeth from moving into the gap.
Know When a Crown Can Help You
If your tooth still remains in the mouth and has enough healthy tissue, it is always better to save it. The crown will help it to stay strong and protected. One of the most popular questions patients have is why dentists suggest crowns after root canal treatment. It happens because after this procedure the tooth becomes more fragile, and the crown can prevent it from future cracks and help you eat normally.
The crown also can be used if your teeth are discolored or misshaped.
Compare the Benefits Before You Decide
Replacing a lost tooth is also very important. In addition to improving your appearance, a bridge helps you keep the right bite.
Without a bridge, your teeth can move into the gap, thus causing chewing difficulties and changing their
position in your mouth. Besides, a bridge helps to fix your bite and improves speech and your ability to chew comfortably.
Important Factors That Influence Your Treatment Plan
There is no universal solution for everyone who has dental problems. Several factors can help you decide what treatment to choose: the amount of remaining healthy tooth, condition of gums and bone tissue, your bite, location of teeth, and treatment goals.
In addition, it is sometimes possible to use a dental implant if your surrounding teeth are healthy. Therefore, a comprehensive dental examination is needed to determine the right procedure.
Protect Your Restoration With Regular Care
Both crowns and bridges need your regular care to function well and stay healthy for a long time. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing can help you keep your natural teeth and surrounding tissues in good condition.
Cleaning your bridge from bacteria is especially important because the replacement tooth is hard to clean. To make this process easier, special cleaning devices can be used.
Conclusion
Your choice of dental crown or dental bridge should be based on your specific dental problems. Both of these treatments can restore your comfort and chewing and help you smile again. But to select the best solution, you need a professional consultation considering your dental condition, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
If you have any dental problems, you should deal with them immediately. Aransas Pass Dental provides personalized treatment options that can help you restore your smile.
Contact Aransas Pass Dental and start your path to healthy teeth.