Crowns are needed when a tooth has lost a significant amount of structure due to decay, trauma, or gradual wearing down from to grinding. Sometimes, when a filling needs to be replaced because new decay has occurred, your tooth may be at greater risk for fracture and your dentist may recommend a crown. The crown, also known as a cap, will cover every surface of the tooth to protect and strengthen it and allow it to function without the risk of breakage. Crowning a tooth will usually take two visits and the final crown restoration is custom made by skilled laboratory specialists. There are several materials available for crowns, such as gold, ceramic, and metal covered with porcelain. Your dentist will explain all the options and find the most appropriate material for your situation.
Bridges are used when one or more teeth are missing and need to be replaced. To place a bridge, the neighboring teeth will be trimmed to allow the bridge to fit over them, similar to a crown. Bridges have an advantage over other methods of tooth replacement, like dentures, because they are fixed in the mouth and are not removed. However, because they are placed on other teeth, it is essential that a high level of oral hygiene is maintained to ensure these supporting teeth do not experience decay or bone loss.
New York Total Dental offers cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry services including full mouth rehabilitation, Invisalign, dental implants, orthodontics, veneers, periodontics gum treatment, teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, teeth fillings, and dental cleaning to Midtown Manhattan, Upper Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, and Downtown Manhattan in New York City.
