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Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" (porcelain or metal) that is placed over a tooth -- to cover the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance.
The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
A dental crown is needed in the following situations:
To protect a weak tooth (decayed) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left to retain the filling.
To hold a dental bridge in place
To cover a dental implant
Dental Bridge
Why should I replace missing teeth?
The gap left by a missing tooth can mean more stress is put on the teeth at either side.
A gap can also mean your ‘bite' is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and change the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes tooth decay and gum disease.
How are missing teeth replaced?
This depends on the number of teeth missing and on where they are in your mouth. The condition of the teeth you still have also affects the decision.
There are three main ways to replace missing teeth.
* Removable appliance ( partial denture ).
* Fixed bridge - Usually used when there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth .
* Dental implant - This is where an artificial root is placed into the bone of the jaw and a crown or bridge placed on top of this.