Dental Crowns and Bridges and Dentures

A dental crown is a synthetic restoration that is placed on a prepared tooth to make it strong and to give it the shape and structure of a natural tooth. A dental crown is also known as a 'dental cap'.

The dentist prepares the tooth by removing the outer layer of the tooth and leave the strong inner core. The tooth will resemble a stub. The dentist will then take two impressions (mould). One of the prepared tooth and one of the opposite jaw. This is to determine the bite together. The impressions is given to a dental Laboratory, along with information on the shade to use and other information they need.

The crown has to be designed in precision as its thickness and structure should be the same as the original Tooth. If there is even a millimeter difference it will cause discomfort to the patient. Once the crown is place it will take few days to get used to it. Patient may experience some amount of discomfort. If this discomfort continues please contact us so that we can make adjustments accordingly.

It is imperative to care for the crown just as you would care for your natural teeth. Decay can start at the crown edge (where the crown connects to the tooth). Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss between your teeth.

A Bridge is a synthetic restoration for missing teeth. To place a bridge, a dentist will secure the crowns to the teeth on either side of a gap, anchoring the bridge so that they fill the space. The result is a smile that is fully restored in terms of function and appearance.

A bridge is the easiest and most inexpensive way of tooth replacement. The procedure is almost the same as that of a crown.

Missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech. Dentures are removable false teeth that fit securely over the gums. The treatment process will consist at 3 to 4 visits to the dentist. The dentist will then take impressions (moulds) of the upper and lower jaws. This is to determine the bite together. The impressions is given to a dental Laboratory. First a trial denture will be created. The dentist will try this in the mouth to assess the fit and for the patient to assess the appearance. Once the trial is finalized, the lab then makes the final set of dentures with the comments received after trial.

Dentures may feel a bit strange to begin with, but you will soon get used to wearing them. At first, you may need to wear your dentures all the time, except when you sleep. When the dentures are removed for the night, they should be kept moist by soaking in water or in a suitable overnight denture-cleaning solution. This is imperative to ensure that the denture does not dry out and change shape.

• Cleaning dentures - Unclean dentures can lead to many problems like bad breath and gum disease. Thus it is important to regularly remove food deposits and plaque from your dentures. Clean your dentures as twice a day like you would your normal teeth with toothpaste and water. You can also soak them in a solution made of water and denture-cleaning tablets to remove bacteria and stains. Clean them adequately but don't scrub them too hard.
• Eating with dentures - Using dentures takes a little time getting used to. After the first fitting you should eat soft foods or get food cut into small pieces, chew slowly with both sides. Avoid foods that is sticky or hard. Graduallyyou can start eating other types of food.
• Denture adhesive - In some people whose jawbone has shrunk considerably dentures may not stay on and will slip into the oral cavity. Denture adhesive helps to retain dentures in place. Please note if your dentures fit properly, there is no need to use denture fixative (adhesive). Denture Adhesive from the denture can be easily removed by brushing with soap and water.
• Dentures last many years if you take good care of them. Please note that after a while gums and jawbone shrink, and the dentures may become loose. It just means you need to visit your dentist. If loose fitting dentures aren't replaced, they can cause great mouth sores, infections or problems in eating and speaking.