Crowns and Bridges
In what situations would a crown be needed for my tooth?
If the tooth has broken in a way that you are missing a significant amount of tooth structure, or at least one cusp
If the tooth is cracked and having symptoms such as biting or cold sensitivity
After a root canal has been completed to protect the tooth from breaking
If you have tooth decay forming beneath an existing crown
What is the process for having a crown?
Dr. Heim will first digitally scan your teeth. He will prepare the tooth for a crown, which may include a core restoration if there is a lot of missing tooth structure. Once the tooth is prepared, he will scan the individual tooth and email the scan to the lab. A temporary crown will be fabricated to keep the tooth in place until the permanent crown returns from the lab. After the permanent crown returns from the lab, he will cement the new crown on.
When would a bridge be a good option for me?
A bridge is recommended at Eric Heim Dental when you are missing a tooth and the teeth adjacent to the space are in good condition to support a bridge. Both teeth adjacent to the space are prepared for crowns and connected with a lab fabricated tooth connecting the two crowns. A bridge is beneficial in that it is cemented in and is not removable. You will be able to chew food like normal and teeth will not be drifting into the space created by the missing tooth.
Maryland bridge
In some cases we are able to bond a ceramic tooth in the space without needing to drill on the adjacent teeth. To the left is a photo of a Maryland bridge done at our office.
