Dentists’ number one goal in restorative dental work is to save your natural teeth. In certain cases, a dental crown can restore functionality to an unstable tooth. Damaged, broken or missing teeth are revitalized with dental crowns and bridges. Teeth with large fillings, such as from a root canal procedure, can also benefit from dental crowns.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap-like dental appliance that fits over a tooth. Crowns are usually used in cases of cracked, broken or heavily 
decayed teeth and restore functionality to the tooth. Additionally, crowns are often used after root canal therapy.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge utilizes the same technology as a dental crown. However, dental bridges bridge the gap between two teeth. A dental laboratory creates a custom-made dental appliance that has two crowns on either end. Between the crowns is a prosthetic tooth which replaces your missing tooth. The natural teeth around the gap are shaped to fit the crowns, and the bridge is fitted to the teeth.
How do crowns and bridges work?
The procedures for crowns and bridges usually span between two appointments. At the first appointment, the teeth in question must be reshaped to accommodate the crown. The teeth are shaved into the shape of the crown to make room for width. Shaping the tooth also ensures that the crown fits perfectly around the tooth. A dental laboratory receives a mold of your mouth, and a technician creates the custom-made crown. A second appointment is scheduled once your dentist receives the crown from the dental lab. At this visit, your crown is fitted and placed onto the tooth. Dental cement anchors the crown to the tooth. Your dentist then uses a special light to harden and set the cement.
How do I care for my dental crown?
Caring for a crown is the same as caring for your natural teeth. Exceptional at-home care includes brushing and flossing twice daily. If a bridge was placed, you should use special flossers to threaded underneath the area where your tooth was missing. This ensures that decay-causing plaque and tartar do not build up under or around your bridge.
If you are in need of dental crowns, Dunkling and Penney Dentistry in Burlington, VT can help. Please call (802) 863-3479 to schedule your appointment today.