Dental crowns and bridges are some of the most popular types of implants available in dentistry today. However, they are both used and installed in different ways, so it is essential to know all the information before moving forward with a procedure.
Crowns
Crowns go over a single tooth in which a root canal was performed. The crown will keep the tooth covered and protected, and helps restore the tooth to a healthier state. It is important to note that even though a person can have many individual crowns, a crown only covers one individual tooth and does not support multiple teeth.
Dental Bridges
Because permanent dental implants are often more expensive, and insurance companies do not always cover them, it may be the best option to install a dental bridge, which is a much cheaper alternative. Dental bridges are porcelain prosthetic teeth that use your healthy teeth as anchors. Using your healthy teeth as anchors ensures that your dental bridge has a better chance at a longer lifespan and can even replace more than one missing tooth at a time.
Why Would I Need a Dental Crown or Bridge?
Dental crowns and bridges are common alternatives to permanent dental implants. More specifically, a dental crown is a sort of “cap” put over your tooth after a root canal to save it from being extracted. In a different way, a bridge will be put in if you are missing multiple teeth in a row but have otherwise healthy teeth on either side. Those healthy existing teeth will hold the dental bridge and replace the teeth that are missing.
What to Expect When Getting a Crown
If you are getting a crown put in, you will get an anesthetic to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist will then remove any damaged pulp from the tooth before cleaning out the cavity so that the crown will have a clean, healthy surface for application. In the next few weeks, you will then have another appointment to install the permanent crown that will replace the temporary one they made in your first appointment. Your dentist will use a special dental cement to securely and permanently hold the cap to your tooth. Finally, your dentist will make sure that the new crown matches the function and appearance of your natural teeth.
What to Expect When Getting a Bridge
Similar to getting a crown, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic when getting a dental bridge put in. This is done to help you avoid any discomfort or pain you may feel during the procedure. You may also need to undergo any necessary root canals or extractions before your dentist takes an impression of the critical areas for your dental bridge. Doing so will ensure that the bridge fits perfectly into your mouth and is comfortable. Just like a crown, you will receive a temporary bridge to wear until your permanent one is ready. In just a few weeks, you will have another appointment to replace the temporary bridge with a permanent one. Finally, the dentist will make any necessary modifications to the bridge to ensure the most comfortable, well-fitted fit.
How Much Do These Procedures Cost?
Depending on the material of your crown and the state of the tooth it will be covering, dental crowns will cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500.
For dental bridges, the average cost ranges from about $700 to $1,500, depending on the location of the bridge’s placement and how many teeth it will be used in place for.
These costs will also depend on your dentist, the location of your new crown or bridge in the mouth, the area you live in, and the materials used to create your bridge or crown.
With proper care, dental bridges and crowns can last up to 10 to 15 years.
If you would like to learn more about dental crowns and bridges, give Carlsbad Dental Associates a call today.
Located in Carlsbad, California, Dr. Edward Adourian is an experienced, renowned specialist in all things dental. From general dentistry to family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Adourian and his team can help you and your loved ones with all your dental needs. Our experienced professionals here at Carlsbad Dental Associates are more than happy to help you with Invisalign, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, and so much more. Give us a call today at (760)918-9000.
