If you have a severely damaged, decayed, or missing tooth, there’s still hope for your smile. The fixed bridges and dental crowns in Agawam, MA are popular restorative treatments that can last for many years with proper care. Keep reading to learn more about this wonderful solution from Dr. Frank Michitti.
A dental crown is a thin covering that is custom crafted to fit over a damaged, weak, worn, or decayed tooth. The crown can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the location of the affected tooth, your budget, and your personal preference. Ceramic/porcelain and gold are two popular options for dental crowns.
A crown may be used in one of the following situations:
The process for a dental crown is completed over the course of two visits to the dentist. The affected tooth will be reshaped to accommodate the restoration. After it has been manufactured in a separate lab, you will return to the dental office for its final placement.
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more consecutively missing teeth. Two dental crowns are placed on the teeth surrounding the gap, and the replacement tooth/teeth (pontics) fill in the space between. This type of bridge is a fixed restoration, meaning it can only be removed by your dentist.
Some of the advantages of a dental bridge include:
The bridge is also completed over the course of two visits to our dental office. In the first appointment, we will prepare the surrounding teeth for the crowns, take impressions, and send this information to the lab. When your bridge is ready about two weeks later, you come back to our dental office to have your smile restored.
After you have received a crown or bridge, make sure you stay on top of your excellent hygiene practices to keep it healthy and intact. A well cared for restoration will last for many years. Continue to brush and floss your teeth as recommended. Cleaning around a crown or bridge can be made easier using an interdental brush or water flosser. If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, consider investing in a customized mouthguard -- especially for protecting porcelain restorations at the front of the smile.
If you have an aching, damaged, or missing tooth, please do not hesitate to find the solution your smile needs. A dental crown or bridge can help. Get in touch with Dr. Michitti’s dental office to schedule an appointment today!
Dental crowns in Agawam have been used for decades because of their high success rate. Although they hold a commonplace in dental care, restorations are a big commitment. We understand if you have some concerns, which is why we will explain everything at your consultation . While you wait, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Dental crowns aren’t permanent, but they aren’t reversible, either. Your tooth must be reshaped to allow the customized cap to fit over it. Unfortunately, your tooth structure won’t grow back. Therefore, it will always need to be covered by a restoration. Thankfully, crowns are designed to serve as a long-term treatment, so you won’t have to budget for replacements often.
Modern restorations are made of high-quality materials, allowing crowns to last for 5 to 10 years. However, it’s not unusual for crowns to thrive for a decade or longer. Various factors affect the longevity of a restoration, like its location. Molars undergo more pressure, so crowns in the back of the mouth have a slightly shorter lifespan than those in the front. You can get the most out of your investment by committing to your oral hygiene at home. Besides brushing and flossing, visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. It’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods to prevent damaging your restoration. Your dentist will recommend breaking any bad oral habits, like using your teeth to open packages or chewing on your fingernails. Don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports. Ask your dentist for a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
Every situation and policy differs, but most dental insurances offer coverage for restorative procedures, including crowns. If deemed medically necessary, you can use your benefits to offset the amount you pay out-of-pocket. After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expense. Your policy may also cover any required prep work to lower the cost. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to file the required paperwork, so you have one less thing to worry about. They will explain how your coverage is being used and if you owe any remaining balance. If there are any out-of-pocket costs, we offer various payment methods to keep your care affordable.
If your dental crown falls off, you have a dental emergency on your hands. It is best to keep your mouth clean and avoid chewing with the tooth until after you’ve seen your dentist in Agawam. You can use an OTC pain reliever to manage any discomfort. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to numb the area temporarily. It’s best to eat softer foods until after your restoration has been reapplied or replaced.