A dental bridge or crown may be a perfect solution for Shelby Township area’s tooth-related issues

Both dental bridge and dental crown procedures restore the look and function of teeth. In cases of decay, large fillings may not suffice. A crown may be the treatment of choice. In other cases, the preparation and surgery involved with dental implants may be a less-than-desirable option to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge may be a more attractive solution.

Whatever the case, a dental bridge isn’t complete without at least two crowns. To understand why this is so, consider the basic features associated with a crown:

• A cover or cap that fits over badly-damaged or decayed tooth structure
• Can be made out of metal, porcelain or a mix of metal and porcelain
• Existing tooth structure must be filed down to accommodate this new part of the tooth above the gum-line
• An impression is made
• This impression is used to fabricate the custom crown
• A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while the crown is made in a lab
• The permanent crown is cemented into place

Additional steps may be necessary, such as a root canal treatment to remove infected or damaged pulp in the center of the tooth. Crowns may also cap a dental implant or titanium tooth root.

Yet another purpose for a crown is to complete a dental bridge. This type of restoration includes the following features:

• Serves to replace missing teeth
• The pontic is the artificial tooth that will fill the gap, replace a missing tooth or teeth
• The pontic is anchored on each side by abutments
• To accommodate and support the pontic, each abutment must be covered with a crown
• Like with the crown process, impressions are used to make restorations
• A temporary bridge is placed while the permanent one is created in a lab
• The permanent bridge is cemented

As with crowns, your bridgework may be made from metals, ceramic, or the porcelain-fused-to-metal option. The material of choice depends on the location and function of the tooth or teeth to be restored or replaced.

Metals may be a good option for an out-of-sight back tooth. The color isn’t an issue with teeth that can’t be seen. The metal provides strength for a tooth that sustains significant pressure from chewing. For a front tooth, however, all ceramic may be preferred, as it looks natural. These teeth also don’t demand the strength that comes with metals, as they are not subject to the same amount of force from eating as the back teeth.

Depending on your specific situation, more abutments may be needed. For instance, if you are missing three teeth, to support the artificial teeth you may need four abutments. Accordingly, crowns may be placed on each of these four abutting teeth.

Call (248) 243-6044 to schedule an appointment to discuss more about dental bridges and crowns near Shelby Township. Located in Rochester Hills, John L. Aurelia, DDS, PLLC is less than 10 miles due West.

Dr. John Aurelia | Dr. Dina Khoury
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Experience dentistry with a difference at the office of John L. Aurelia, DDS. With our friendly staff and warm atmosphere, we ensure that your comfort and wellbeing take priority.

Dr. John L. Aurelia received his BA degrees in Biology, Business and Economics from the Kalamazoo College, MI and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy. He’s keen on continuous education and has followed courses in cosmetic dentistry, implants, and occlusion at places like the Dawson Academy for Advanced Continuing Dental Education and Pankey Institute. He’s a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and American and Michigan Dental Associations. He has participated in many humanitarian missions.

Having graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Dina Khoury served Veterans during her residency at the VA Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. She has been in private practice for two decades and is passionate about cosmetic dentistry.