Dental Crown And Bridge (Fixed Prosthetic For Tooth Restoration)

· Those in Chiang Mai, Thailand who need tooth damage treatment.
· Those with decayed teeth.
· Those with damaged teeth.
· Those who wish to improve their teeth appearance.
· Those who wish to have partial crowns.

Dental Crowns are fixed prosthetic restorations created to restore a damaged tooth by permanently cementing on teeth that have chipped or cracked. In some cases where it extends down onto the root surface, crowns essentially replace the original crown part of the natural tooth. Crowns are custom made to fit over each tooth by a variety of materials available.

Crowns help to protect and restore the shape, functionality, appearance, as well as strength of a damaged tooth. The tooth covered with a crown can be used as normal to chew food without risking further damage to the damage underneath.

Moreover, Crowns can be used to maintain the structural integrity of the mouth and bite as they fill the teeth gap and provide a proper structure for the support.

A bridge is a dental appliance or a false tooth that replaces a missing, damaged or cracked natural tooth or teeth, ‘bridging’ the gap between the two teeth. Typically, they are now made with porcelain so that it looks more aesthetically pleasing and blends in well with the natural teeth. A dental bridge is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It is fixed, cemented, and not removable. Another great advantage of dental bridge is it helps to prevent repositioning of the teeth remaining between the gaps.

Both dental crown and bridge are capable to last 8 to 10 years with proper care.

At our affiliated clinic, the material of the crown/bridge used is porcelain-fused-to-metal - also known as an alloy. This type of material can be color-matched to the patient's teeth to give a natural appearance, giving the suitability for installing it for front or back teeth as long as long bridges where metal is needed for strength. However, it has a higher tendency to chip and break as the outer layer is porcelain, but the outer natural appearance is worth it.

Dental crowns are one of the most common restorations. Crowns fit on teeth just as how sewing thimbles fit on fingertips - they fit over the top of the tooth and protect the damage underneath it. In most of the cases, the tooth will be reshaped for the replacement crown to cap over and cemented in place.

For the dental bridge, the total procedure can take up to 2 weeks or more, depending on your condition. In the first appointment, the doctor will make impressions of your teeth that serve as a framework for the creation of the new tooth/teeth. On the second appointment, the new bridge will be placed.

<Dental Crown>
1. Local anesthesia will be applied to numb the tooth and gum tissue around it
2. Preparation of the tooth by removing its outer portion, including the decay so the crown will fit and reshaping it
3. An impression will be made from a mold or digitally scanning of the tooth to provide an exact model for the crown
4. A temporary crown may be placed while waiting for the permanent crown to be ready within 2 weeks
5. Placing of the permanent crown under local anesthesia

<Dental Bridge>
1. During your first visit, a consultation will be done to examine your condition
2. X-ray may be performed to determine teeth and bone health
3. Teeth will be recontoured and shaped, and shade for the bridge will be chosen
4. An impression will be taken
5. On the second visit (usually after 2 weeks), the permanent bridge will be cemented in
6. End of treatment. You will be given an aftercare guideline by the doctor

<Advantages>
· Replaces a large filling
· Holds together weak teeth and protects them from further decay
· Covers dental implant
· Covers discolored or poorly shaped tooth
· Covers tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
· Restores a fractured tooth
· Preserves the function and position of teeth
· Long-lasting
· Looks natural
· Restores smile and increases confidence
· Helps with eating more comfortably
· Prevents other teeth from drifting out of position

<Limitations>
· Possible discomfort for those with sensitive teeth (temporary and can be treated with special toothpaste)
· Crowns may become chipped over time due to depletion of daily usage
· Usually flossing can be difficult with a bridge, hence a new clean regime given by the doctor should be followed
· Teeth may need to be grinded down to fit in a new restoration

The preparation usually requires 2 visits to the dentist, first involves examining and preparing the tooth, and second will be the placement of the permanent crown.

A few X-rays will be taken to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or any risk of infection to the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may be required prior to the crown replacement.

· It’s very important for you to see the dentist regularly to monitor your overall mouth health.
· It is a must to brush at least twice a day in the morning and before sleep.
· Floss threaders may be used to help remove bacteria from areas that are difficult to reach, such as the space between the bridge and adjacent teeth. Your dentist will give guidance on this.
· Avoid eating hard or sticky foods regularly to retain your dental bridge even longer.

Q1: What is the difference between a bridge and a crown?
A1: Bridge uses surrounding teeth to help fill the gap of a missing tooth. Crown is used to restore the existing tooth back to its natural appearance.

Q2: How long can the crown last?
A2: Depending upon the level of care and hygiene, it may last up to 8 to 10 years.

Q3: Will I have trouble eating with a crown?
A3: Eating should be made easier with a dental crown as it increases your ability to chew. We suggest you start with a small bite of soft food to help you adjust the feel of your tooth.

Q4: Will dental crowns impact my speech?
A4: Your speech should improve as the teeth and tongue work together to help you articulate.

Q5: Can my dental crown become chipped over time?
A5: Since dental crowns are usually made of porcelain, chipping may occur. Luckily, it is possible to repair small chips without removing the crown. Larger chips may require a complete replacement.

Q6: Is it okay to leave the teeth gaps unfilled?
A6: If you leave the gaps unfilled, surrounding teeth can drift out of position and cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. This can eventually lead to further tooth loss. Bridges not only improve everyday functions like eating and speaking, but they also prevent the collapse of facial features that can cause premature wrinkles and fine lines.

Q7: I just got my tooth extracted. Can I get a dental bridge right away?
A7: Since swelling may occur, it is better to wait around 8 to 12 weeks for the jawbone surrounding the extracted tooth to heal completely.

Q8: When can I start eating after the dental bridge procedure?
A8: Wait 1 hr to eat after the bridge is cemented. But please avoid hard or sticky foods for a few days. You must remember that any food that can cause damage to the natural teeth can also damage the restorative replacements. In order to retain dental bridge longer, chew carefully, and eat soft or easy-to-chew foods.

[Clinic Name] Kitcha Dental Clinic
[Location] Chiang Mai, Thailand
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] Located right in the center of Chiang Mai - Chang Lor Road, across Chiang Mai Gate Market. A 10 mins driving distance from Chiang Mai International Airport.
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (9:00AM-8:00PM)