Crowns and Bridges

If a missing or fractured tooth is hampering you from eating well or smiling, then you can consider having a dental crown and bridge as a replacement.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is an artificial cap that is used to cover the tooth from all the surfaces. A dental crown can be given for various reasons. The indications for a crown are:

1. A badly decayed tooth
2. Attrited tooth
3. A chipped or fractured tooth
4. To make a tooth functional after root canal treatment

What is a dental bridge?

Whenever there is a missing tooth or multiple damaged teeth that need replacement together, a single dental crown cannot be placed. Rather a bridge is placed. The bridge is made up of more than one crown. 

 When placed over a missing tooth, a bridge can have a pontic in the palace of a missing tooth and abutments placed over supporting teeth.

Indications of a bridge:

1. Multiple missing teeth.
2. Multiple decayed teeth
3. For smile correction
4. Single missing tooth

What are the different materials used for the fabrication of the crowns?

Over the period, dentistry has advanced and we have used various materials for the fabrication of the crowns. The different materials used are:

1. Zirconia: Zirconia is a very strong white metal. This has a long life and is very compatible with the gums. It is stronger than porcelain and some metal alloys also. It causes less wear and tear to the opposing tooth. Zirconia crowns are fabricated exactly like the shade of the tooth.
2. Porcelain fused to metal: The base crown is made up of strong metal alloys and the surface is then coated with porcelain to match the tooth colour.
3. Base metal alloy crowns: These are made up of some strong base metals. They require less alteration of the natural tooth structure. The only drawback is they are of a sting silver hue and do not match the surrounding teeth.
4. Gold alloy crowns: Pure gold is not very strong; hence gold is mixed with other metals to enhance its strength. The gold alloy crowns have good durability and are very strong.
5. Full porcelain crowns: These crowns are not very strong; however they match the aesthetic requirements of the patients and can be given in anterior teeth where biting pressure is very less.

We deliver all types of crowns to our patients at Madhav Multispecialty Dental Clinic.

How would you decide which crown to go for?

Every patient has different needs and requirements as far as dental crowns are concerned.The type of crown to be delivered depends upon:

1. Location of the tooth that would receive the crown
2. Biting forces that a crown would be subjected after placement in the mouth
3. Esthetic requirements of the patient

What is the procedure to get a crown or a bridge?

1. Investigations: Whenever a patient visits us, then we examine them clinically. Radiographic investigations are then carried out to access the amount of alveolar bone present. The treatment plan is then laid down for the patient.
2. Preparation of the tooth: The tooth is prepared from all sides to receive the crown or the bridge. A root canal-treated tooth does not require anesthesia for preparation. If the preparation is done on vital teeth, then anesthesia may be given for the patient to have a painless experience.
3. Impressions: We use high-quality putty impressions for recording the impressions. This gives us accurate details of the prepared tooth. These impressions are then sent to the lab. Our labs finish the work with utmost precision.
4. Delivery of the crowns or the bridges: After the work is done, the crowns are delivered to the patient. The fitting, shade, and appearance are checked well. If everything is fine then the crowns are delivered to the patient. If anything is not right, the crowns are sent back for correction. The patient may have to visit more than once for the delivery of the crowns.

Dr. Ritika Wadhwani makes sure that every patient receives the best quality crown. We outsource our work to the best labs. The material used is of high quality and the work is done with great accuracy.

Cost of the crowns

As explained above, different crowns are made up of different materials. The cost of the crown depends upon the material used. The gold alloy and zirconia crowns are expensive. Metal crowns are the least expensive.

Postoperative care:

1. Your crowns would give you an awkward feel for some time in the mouth. You would take a few days to get used to them. This is very natural.
2. You can start with a softer diet and then switch on to harder food.
3. Take care of your crowns like you take care of your teeth. Brush them just like your natural teeth. Gargling after meals is a must.
4. Avoid very sticky food. Often sticky food leads to dislodgement of the crown.
5. Do not try to break the shells of nuts with your crowns. Do not open bottle caps with the crowns.
6. If you ever dislodge the crown somehow, get it back to the dental office and it can be fixed again.

We deliver all types of crowns depending upon the requirements of our patients. We ensure that we assist you in the journey to make you comfortable with the crowns and the bridges. 

 We are known for delivering quality at reasonable prices.