Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap covering part or the entire coronal part of the tooth (visible part of the tooth at or above the gumline).
What are crowns made of?
Crowns are typically made of metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, composite resin, zirconia, porcelain fused to zirconia, porcelain or ceramic. Each type of crown has different characteristics and usage.
Why did my dentist recommend a crown?
Sometimes structure of a tooth can be compromised due to deep fracture lines, extensive cavities, missing a piece, large defective filling that needs to be replaced, a fragile tooth due to a root canal therapy, esthetics, severely worn-down tooth due to grinding, dental implant coverage or to hold a dental bridge in place, are some of the reasons that may prompt a dentist to recommend a partial crown or full coverage crown to increase the tooth’s longevity.
The molar was missing a large piece and cavities on the right a natural looking crown is covering the tooth.
Dental Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
Fixed partial dentures or simply dental bridges are typically made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth/teeth supporting the artificial tooth/teeth in between. Dental bridges are great alternatives to replace the missing teeth if the patient does not want or cannot receive removable partials or implants.
Dr. Sanaz is an expert in dental crowns, and she teaches the preparation and application of veneers, partial crowns, dental bridges and full coverage crowns at U.S.C. School of Dentistry. She will discuss your options in detail at the time of your treatment plan and will address all your concerns.
