If you find yourself dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth, you might be wondering what your options are. Can your tooth be repaired? Or is it so badly damaged it will need to be removed?
Let’s take a look at two popular procedures—crowns and bridges—and talk about which might be the best option in your particular situation. Ultimately, you will want to confer with your High Point, NC, dentist to find out whether crowns or bridges might be right for you.
What Is the Difference between a Crown and a Bridge?
A dental crown is a “cap” that fits over the existing tooth structure. One of the more common uses for a crown is to cap a tooth that has a very large filling in it. Over time, the filling starts to cause fractures in the tooth. Because so much of the tooth is decayed, a crown is the best option for saving the tooth.
Dental crowns are also used on dental implants as a tooth replacement.
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more teeth that are missing. Attached to healthy teeth next to the gap in your mouth—or attached to crowns that have been fitted on the teeth—bridges are permanent structures.
They not only mean you can chew comfortably and speak confidently again, but they protect your healthy teeth by preventing them from shifting.
When You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
Crowns are used to repair a broken, cracked, or decayed tooth. They save the tooth structure and restore its appearance and function.
Bridges are used to fill in the space left behind when teeth are missing.
Find Out More about Crowns and Bridges
If you live in the High Point, NC, area and would like to know more about crowns and bridges, please contact our office today!