Dental Crowns & Bridges in Ipswich MA
At times, comprehensive restorative care is needed to restore and replace teeth. We combine our experience and expertise in these procedures, with the use of the finest and strongest materials, to provide long-lasting tooth restorations that look and feel natural. Crowns and bridges are two of the restorative procedures that we take pride in providing to our patients.
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Dental Crowns Ipswich
A crown is a dental restoration that covers your entire tooth. There are a number of reasons why you may need a crown to strengthen a tooth, including large, old silver fillings, cracks or fractures within the tooth, exposed and worn tooth structure caused by grinding, root canal treatment, new cavities, or trauma.
When teeth are cracked or the damage is beyond needing a simple filling, we use porcelain or zirconium crowns that are strong and beautiful just like natural teeth. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite.
How long does it take to fit a dental crown?
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.
On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful-looking tooth.
Key Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Replaces missing teeth
- Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
- Looks completely natural
- Fixes “smile” and functional chewing problems
Dental Bridges Ipswich
A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dental professional. Fixed bridges offer more stability than their removable counterparts.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it’s difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
Dental Crowns Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged tooth or a dental implant. It mimics the look and feel of the natural tooth and preserves your appearance while protecting or replacing a damaged or missing tooth. They are made of various materials, with porcelain and zirconium being the most attractive and durable.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A porcelain crown typically lasts 15 years, but many of them last for 25 years or more with proper care. Zirconium crowns last longer, with many lasting a lifetime. You can prolong the life of your crown by taking proper care of your teeth and gums and avoiding chewing ice. Twice yearly professional cleanings are also needed to remove plaque and debris around the crowns.
How Long Does Getting A Crown Take?
There are two visits to our office needed for crowns. We will clean the tooth, remove any decay, and prepare it for the crown. The crown is designed by a dental lab and delivered to our office, which may take a few weeks. On your second visit, we fit and place the permanent crown. While you are waiting for the permanent crown, we will provide you with a temporary one.
Is It Painful To Have A Crown Put On Your Tooth?
No. We numb the area with a local anesthetic. The most you may feel is a bit of pressure.
Can Your Teeth Rot Under A Crown?
Yes, if you do not care for your teeth and gums, particularly along the bottom edge of a crown, infection or a cavity is always possible. However, with proper care and a dental checkup every six months, it is unlikely that the underlying tooth will rot, as it is protected by the crown.
Which is Better, Veneers Or Crowns?
A crown is best if the tooth being treated is damaged or has a cavity. It restores and preserves the tooth and covers it like a cap. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain, resin, or other material placed over the front of the tooth for cosmetic reasons. They can be effective for correcting minor chips and improving the appearance of your teeth but do not affect the function of the teeth. If your teeth are damaged or have a cavity, crowns are the best choice.
Does A Crown Require A Root Canal?
Not usually. Unless there is an infection in the pulp or root, a crown can be placed directly over the existing tooth.