What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Our teeth may be strong but they are not perfect. Teeth tend to fall out either because of injury, decay, or just old age. And when teeth fall out or get damaged, they often need to be fixed with restorative dentistry. There are a variety of restorative procedures including both dental crowns and dental bridges. In this article we will cover what these procedures are, how they work, and when they are recommended to patients. If you have questions about dental procedures or need to see a dentist, please give us a call to set up an appointment with our team.
What Are Dental Crowns And Why Do I Need Them?
A dental crown is a replacement for the chewing surface or “top” of a tooth. Dental crowns are often called synthetic caps. They are placed to cover the part of the tooth that is going to come into contact with food. A dental crown might be recommended for a variety of reasons. If your tooth is chipped or cracked near the chewing surface a crown might be added. These cracks can happen from chewing on hard food or on items like ice or from grinding teeth. Another common reason for crowns is root canals. When infection spreads deep into a tooth a root canal is necessary. During a root canal the decay is removed from the root and a dental crown is then placed on the top of tooth.
Part of how the procedure works is reshaping the tooth to have a hook that connects and bonds to the synthetic dental crown. Like teeth, dental crowns can also get damaged. If a crown breaks or is cracked you should immediately see a dentist to have it repaired or replaced.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a solution for a missing tooth or missing teeth. When an adult tooth is lost there are a few options. When the majority of teeth start falling out dentures or All-On-Four implants. But if a single tooth falls out the two most common options are a bridge or an implant. A dental bridge works by connecting a false tooth to the nearby teeth. A false tooth is anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap via dental crowns placed on these teeth.
Visit A Dentist in Lewiston Maine
If you need restorative dental services, we can help. Whether you need to make a routine appointment, see a dentist for a dental emergency, or handle issues with a dental implement like a bridge, please give us a call.
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