Traditional Solutions for Missing Teeth
A missing tooth can impair the ability to chew and speak, and some people are uncomfortable with having gaps in their smiles. Replacing a missing or severely damaged tooth with one of the available dental restorations can renew confidence, while restoring attractiveness and functionality to the mouth. While dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option, traditional crowns and bridges are chosen by many because they are effective while being less invasive and less costly.
To learn more about replacing missing teeth with dental crowns or bridges, contact Dr. Bucher in Oakland, New Jersey.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to cover the entire visible portion of a weakened or decaying tooth. They help to block further damage from occurring, preserving the functionality of teeth while preventing the need for extraction. In addition to providing this protection, dental crowns offer aesthetic benefits. By concealing cosmetic damage, including decay, discoloration, and chipping, a dental crown restores an attractive appearance to the tooth being treated. Dental crowns may be anchored by dental implants or used to hold dental bridges in place.
In order to fit you with a dental crown, Dr. Bucher will numb the area being treated, or administer anesthetic. The tooth being treated will be shaped, contoured, and reduced in size in order to accommodate the crown. Conversely, if the crown is being placed over a tooth that has been broken or significantly decayed, Dr. Bucher may add bulk to the tooth using a filling material such as a core material or composite resin. In either case, the prepared tooth will be given a tapered shape to ensure a proper, secure fit of the dental crown.
Dr. Bucher has been expertly placing dental crowns in his New Jersey office since 1991, and he will draw upon this experience to ensure that your new crown incorporates seamlessly into your bite and matches the shade of your existing teeth. Because dental crowns produce both aesthetic and functional results, they fall under the categories of both cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is made up of two crowns on either side of a dental prosthetic known as a pontic, and is used to fill the gap created by missing teeth. The teeth on either side of the gap are referred to as “abutment” teeth, because they will serve as the anchors for the dental bridge. In order to do so, these teeth must first be fitted with crowns.
Dr. Bucher will perform the dental crown procedure on each of the adjacent teeth, removing a small amount of enamel and reshaping the tooth as necessary. Impressions will be taken of the teeth, which will be used as a model for the permanent bridge, crowns, and pontic, typically made of porcelain, gold, alloy, or a combination of these materials. You will be fitted with a temporary bridge for several weeks while your permanent bridge is being custom-crafted in a dental laboratory. Once it is ready, you will return to Dr. Bucher’s office to have it affixed with dental cement.
In some cases, the gap caused by a missing tooth may not have a remaining tooth on both sides. When there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth, cantilever bridges are used, supporting the prosthetic tooth from one side. Often, two crowns are still used as the abutment, only instead of being on either side of the missing tooth, both anchor teeth may be next to each other, with the prosthetic tooth placed at the end.
Maintaining Dental Crowns and Bridges
With proper care, bridges and crowns can last more than ten years. Since the stability of dental bridges depends upon the health and strength of the surrounding teeth, maintaining a thorough oral hygiene regimen is of the utmost importance. Brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular exams.
Restorative Dentistry with CEREC® Technology
The CEREC® system at our office allows us to provide restorative dentistry, including dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and porcelain veneers, in a single office visit! This means fewer shots, less drilling and less time out of your busy schedule. With CEREC® technology, a digital image of your tooth is used to create a ceramic tooth restoration that both matches the natural color of your teeth, and provides a strong, durable replacement for your damaged tooth. By using ceramic materials to create aesthetically appealing and highly functional tooth restorations, the CEREC® system provides you with unparalleled quality in restorative care. For more information on how you can have a beautiful, healthy smile through dental crowns or porcelain veneers using this extraordinary new technology, please contact our cosmetic dentistry office in New Jersey today.
Learn More about Dental Crowns and Bridges
To learn more about tooth replacement with dental crowns or dental bridges, contact Dr. Bucher’s New Jersey dentistry practice today. Conveniently located in Oakland, Laser Dentistry of North Jersey is committed to providing patients in the Bergen County area with reliable dental restorations.