Crowns are required when there is insufficieint tooth tissue remaining to support a conventional filling or inlay. This is usually dictated by one more missing cusps of molar teet or large fractures of anterior teeth. Crowns cover the entire biting surface of the tooth. Crowns can also be placed to protect cracked teeth.
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth and can involve either one or both of the adjacent teeth to the gap. Bridges are either conventional involving full crown type preparation of the adjacent teeth or tooth or acid etched (other terms include minimal preparation Maryland or Rochette bridges.) The bridges are bonded to the adjacent teeth by either a metal or ceramic "wing". These bridges are conservative as they involve little to no tooth preparation but they are prone to debonding (coming unstuck).
REDUCTION OF THE TOOTH STRUCTURE
All crowns and bridges involve tooth tissue preparation. Tooth preparation will be done as conservatively as practical. In preparation of the teeth, anesthetics are usually needed. Use of the anesthetic can, at times, cause swelling, jaw muscle tenderness or even a result in numbness of the tongue, lips, teeth, jaws and/or facial tissues, which is usually temporary, or very rarely, permanent. Often, after the preparation of teeth or the reception of either crowns or bridges the teeth may exhibit sensitivity. It may be mild or severe. This sensitivity may last only a shorty period of time or may last for much longer periods. If it is persistent, notify us as further treatment may be required.
CROWN OR ABUNTMENT TEETH MAY REQUIRE ROOT CANAL THERAPY
Teeth, after being crowned, may develop a condition known as pulpitis or pulpal degeneration. This may occur due to the presenting circumstances of the tooth. The tooth or teeth may have been traumatized from an accident, deep decay, extensive canal treatment, root surgery or possibly extraction.
BREAKAGE
Crowns and bridges may possibly chip or break. Many factors could contribute tot his situation such as chewing excessively hard materials, changes in biting forces, traumatic blows to the mouth, etc. Unobservable cracks may develop in crowns from these causes but the crowns/bridges may not actually break until chewing soft foods or possibly for no apparent reason. Breakage or chipping seldom occurs due tot he defective materials or construction unless it occurs soon after placement.
UNCOMFORTABLE OR STRANGE FEELING
Patients will be given the opportunity to observe to appearance of crowns or bridges in place prior to final cementation. This may occur because of the differences between natural teeth and the artificial replacements. Most patients usually become accustomed to this feeling in time. In limited situations, muscle soreness or tenderness of the jaw points (TMJ) may persist for inderterminate periods of time following placement of the prosthesis.
LONGEVITY OF CROWNS AND BRIDGES
There are many variables that determine "how long" crowns and bridges can be expected to last. General health, good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, diet, etc. can affect longetivty. Because of this, no guarantees can be made or assumed to be made. We will guarantee the structure of the crown for one year the pre-existing condition of the underlying tooth determines the longevity of the restoration. Ultimately we have no control over this. Heavily restored teeth may die, requiring root canal treatment. Teeth with root canal treamtents can become re-infected. Teeth ewith little remaining tooth issue can break under crowns. Cracked teeth may remain painful to bite with and may even worsen and teeth with posts can split. It is a patient's responsibility to seek attention from the dentist, should any undue or unexpected problems occur. The patient must diligently follow any and all instructions, including the scheduling and attending of all appointments. Failure to keeo the cementation appointment can result in ultimate failure of the crown/bridge to fit properly and an additional fee may be incurred.
