Dental Crowns and Bridges
in Scarborough, Toronto
Welcome to Benadent Dental Clinic, where we specialize in dental crowns and bridges to restore and enhance your smile.
What you need to know about Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are custom-made caps that are designed to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. They serve as a versatile and effective solution for a range of dental issues. By securely encasing the affected tooth, dental crowns provide stability and protection while blending seamlessly with your existing teeth. With their ability to enhance both the appearance and strength of teeth, dental crowns play a vital role in achieving a healthy and confident smile.
Types of Dental Crowns
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Porcelain Crowns offer a natural-looking appearance closely resembling the color and translucency of natural teeth. They are commonly used for front teeth.
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Ceramic Crowns are known for their exceptional aesthetics and provide a highly natural appearance. They are also highly biocompatible, making them a great choice for individuals with metal allergies.
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Metal Crowns, such as gold or stainless steel, are renowned for their durability and strength. They are often recommended for molars that require maximum durability.
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Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. They offer both durability and a natural appearance.
Each type of dental crown has its own set of advantages, and we can help you choose the most suitable option based on your specific dental needs and cosmetic preferences.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Restored Appearance
Dental crowns can enhance the appearance of damaged or discolored teeth, providing a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Improved Tooth Function
Crowns can restore the functionality of teeth allowing for normal biting and chewing without discomfort or sensitivity.
Customized Fit
Each dental crown is individually crafted to ensure a precise fit and optimal comfort.
Common Dental Issues Requiring Dental Crowns
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Tooth Decay: Dental crowns are often used to restore and strengthen teeth that have extensive decay and cannot be effectively treated with fillings alone.
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Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Crowns provide protection and support to cracked or fractured teeth, preventing further damage and restoring their strength and integrity.
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Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling, a dental crown may be recommended to provide additional support and reinforcement to the tooth structure.
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Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal procedure, a dental crown is typically placed to protect the treated tooth, which may have become weakened or more susceptible to fractures.
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Worn Down Teeth: Teeth that have been significantly worn down due to bruxism (teeth grinding) or other factors can be restored and strengthened with dental crowns.
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Misshapen or Discolored Teeth: Dental crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth, helping to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
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Dental Bridge Support: Dental crowns are used to anchor dental bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth, providing stability and support to the artificial teeth.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. Just as a bridge connects two points, a dental bridge spans the gap created by missing teeth, restoring both the appearance and functionality of the smile. These custom-made restorations consist of artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored on either side by dental crowns or dental implants.
Types of Dental Bridges
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Traditional Dental Bridges: This is the most common type of dental bridge. It involves creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the gap and placing an artificial tooth (pontic) in between.
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Cantilever Dental Bridges: In cases where there is only one adjacent tooth next to the gap, a cantilever bridge is used. The pontic is supported by a single crown on one side of the gap.
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Maryland Dental Bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges or Maryland bonded bridges, these bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. The pontic is attached to the framework, providing support.
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Implant-Supported Dental Bridges: This type of bridge is supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the bridge.
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Hybrid Dental Bridges: Also called implant-supported hybrid bridges or fixed-detachable bridges, these bridges combine the stability of dental implants with the convenience of removable dentures. They are secured in place with implants but can be removed for cleaning.
Each type of dental bridge has its own advantages and considerations. Doctor Ben Shahnazaryan will recommend the most suitable option based on your specific dental needs, oral health, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Crowns and Bridges
How long does it take to get a dental crown?
Generally, it takes two dental visits to complete the process. During the first visit, your dentist will examine the tooth, prepare it by reshaping and removing any decay or damage, and take impressions of the tooth and surrounding area. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom crown is fabricated to ensure a precise fit. The second visit involves removing the temporary crown and carefully bonding the permanent crown to the tooth using dental cement. This appointment typically takes around one to two hours. However, it's important to note that the timeframe may vary based on the specific circumstances, such as the complexity of the case or the need for additional treatments.
How painful is getting a permanent dental crown?
Getting a permanent dental crown is generally not a painful procedure. Your dentist will ensure your comfort throughout the process by administering local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. This ensures that you do not experience pain during the crown placement. However, it's important to note that you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort as the tooth is prepared and the crown is fitted.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can last on average between 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can even last longer. The longevity of a dental crown depends on various factors, including oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, biting forces, and habits such as teeth grinding or clenching.
Will my insurance cover the cost of my dental crowns?
Dental insurance plans can vary in terms of coverage, deductibles, annual maximums, and specific procedures covered. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns, while others may not provide coverage at all. Our team can assist you in verifying your insurance coverage and provide guidance on the estimated out-of-pocket expenses for your dental crown treatment.