Dental Prosthodontic FAQs in St. Charles, MO

Dental Bridges & Crowns FAQs

If you’re planning for dental bridges and crowns, you may have questions and concerns about your upcoming procedure. At Donahue Dental in St. Charles, MO, we strive to make our patients feel informed and confident in their dental work, which is why we have compiled a helpful dental prosthodontic FAQ to provide them with a wealth of knowledge.

How Are Dental Crowns Placed?

Dental crowns require a carefully executed process that requires two appointments. The first appointment is used to prepare the teeth by shaving down the enamel, shaping the tooth, making an impression of the teeth, and placing a temporary crown. During the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is placed.

How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?

Dental bridges and crowns can last for up to 15 years. However, the precise timeline will depend on several factors, including your oral health habits. Practicing a good oral hygiene regimen is important to promote longevity for your dental crown or bridge. Furthermore, it’s recommended to avoid sticky or hard foods.

Should I Replace My Old Dental Crowns?

When crowns become damaged or worn down by age-related wear, it may be time to pursue a replacement. Furthermore, older crowns were not made from the same advanced materials as the dental crowns we use today, leading to aesthetic imperfections that may bother certain patients.

Will People Be able to Tell if I Have Dental Bridges & Crowns?

One of the many advantages of dental crowns and bridges is that they are virtually undetectable. They are made using natural-looking materials that allow for a seamless fit that resembles your natural teeth for subtle wear that you can feel confident about.

How Many Crowns Can You Have on a Bridge?

Dental bridges can be used to replace one or several teeth. While a dental bridge can replace up to four teeth, most patients only replace one or two. To replace more teeth with a dental bridge, a patient must have optimal oral health to support the fixture safely and effectively.

Are Darkened Lines Between Teeth & Gums Cause by Dental Crowns or Bridges?

The dark lines you may see on certain older crowns are a result of porcelain fused to metal. Over time, the gum line would recede, and the metal would become exposed. However, newer crowns are made from solid porcelain and do not deteriorate, meaning exposed metal or dark lines are not possible.

Can A Porcelain Crown Remedy Discoloration Following a Root Canal?

If a tooth is discolored and requires a root canal, it’s likely due to the nerve within the tooth having died; as such, blood pigments break down and become absorbed by the calcified tooth structure. A porcelain crown is an excellent remedy to restore the color of the tooth, allowing for a seamless smile.

What Are My Options?

Depending on the condition of your natural teeth and the issue you are looking to solve, you have several options when it comes to dental crown procedures, including:

• All porcelain crowns for a natural appearance.
• Porcelain and metal crowns for a long-lasting, natural appearance.
• Metal crowns are ideal for molars where function is the main concern.

Which Foods Should be Avoided With a Dental Bridge?

Patients with dental bridges should refrain from hard chewing. As such, foods, including raw vegetables, ice, or hard candy, should be avoided to deter damage to the dental bridge.

What Are the Types of Dental Bridges?

There are three primary types of dental bridges, including:

• Traditional Fixed Bridge – One false tooth fused between two crowns to remedy a gap.
• Resin Bonded Bridges – Traditionally used for front teeth and suitable for those with healthy abutment teeth.
• Cantilever Bridges – For areas of the mouth exposed to less stress and areas where there are only teeth on one side of the gap.

Which Foods Should be Avoided With a Temporary Dental Crown?

Temporary dental crowns are made out of acrylic. As such, they are not as durable as porcelain or metal permanent crowns. While wearing a temporary crown, avoiding hard or chewy foods, such as candy, raw vegetables, or sticky desserts, is recommended.

How Do I Care For Dental Bridges & Crowns?

You care for dental bridges and crowns the same way you care for your natural teeth. It’s imperative to engage in proper oral health habits, brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Additionally, be mindful of hard and chewy foods to ensure your dental bridge or crown remains intact.

What Is The Difference Between a Bridge & a Removable Partial?

Dental bridges and removable partials are very different. A dental bridge is fixed in the mouth to fill spaces of missing teeth, offering a permanent solution with a natural feel. A removable partial is another type of dental restoration. However, it requires more maintenance as it is not secured in place.

Can I Eat My Favorite Foods With a Dental Bridge?

You will be pleased to hear that you can continue to eat your favorite foods with a dental bridge. Dental bridges offer a more natural chewing surface than a removable partial, making them as effective as natural teeth.

Contact Donahue Dental

If it’s time to consider your options and you are seeking more information on dental bridges and crowns, Donahue Dental is here to guide you. Contact our friendly dental professionals to schedule an appointment