What Are the Steps Involved in Getting a Dental Crown or Bridge?, Altona Meadows
Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorative treatments that help restore damaged teeth or replace missing ones, improving both oral health and aesthetics. At Altona Meadows Dental Clinic, we outline the steps involved in receiving these dental prosthetics to guide patients through their dental care journey.
Steps for Getting a Dental Crown
Getting a dental crown typically involves several stages to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance:
Initial Consultation and Examination: The process begins with an initial consultation with our experienced dentist at Altona Meadows Dental Clinic. During this appointment, the dentist will examine the affected tooth or teeth that require a crown. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of damage or decay and determine the suitability for a crown.
Tooth Preparation: If the tooth is deemed suitable for a crown, the next step involves preparing the tooth to accommodate the crown. This process may involve removing a portion of the outer enamel to create space for the crown. For teeth severely damaged by decay or trauma, additional structure may be built up to support the crown.
Impressions and Temporary Crown: Once the tooth is prepared, impressions (moulds) of the tooth and surrounding teeth are taken. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent crown is custom-made to fit the specific dimensions and contours of your tooth. While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated, a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain aesthetics and function.
Permanent Crown Placement: During the final visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully fitted and adjusted to ensure a comfortable bite and natural appearance. The dentist checks the colour, shape, and fit of the crown before bonding it permanently to the tooth using dental cement. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure proper alignment with adjacent teeth and optimal function.
Follow-Up Care: After placement, our dental team at Altona Meadows Dental Clinic provides instructions on caring for your new crown, including proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups. Routine examinations help monitor the condition of the crown and ensure its long-term success.
Steps for Getting a Dental Bridge
The process of getting a dental bridge involves several stages to replace missing teeth and restore oral function:
Initial Consultation and Examination: Similar to getting a crown, the process begins with a consultation and thorough examination by our dentist at Altona Meadows Dental Clinic. The dentist evaluates the condition of the missing teeth, surrounding teeth, and supporting bone structure to determine the suitability for a dental bridge.
Preparation of Abutment Teeth: If the patient opts for a traditional bridge, the next step involves preparing the abutment teeth (adjacent natural teeth) that will support the bridge. This process may involve reshaping these teeth by removing a portion of their enamel to create space for the bridge crowns.
Impressions and Temporary Bridge: Impressions (moulds) of the prepared teeth and the gap created by the missing tooth/teeth are taken. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent bridge is custom-made to fit the space and match the colour and shape of your natural teeth. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.
Permanent Bridge Placement: During the final visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is placed and checked for fit and aesthetics. The dentist ensures that the bridge crowns fit snugly over the prepared abutment teeth or implants and align properly with the bite. The bridge is then cemented or bonded into place, restoring the ability to chew and speak properly.
Follow-Up Care: After the bridge is placed, our dental team provides instructions on maintaining oral hygiene around the bridge area, including brushing, flossing, and using special brushes or floss threaders for cleaning under the bridge. Regular dental check-ups at Altona Meadows Dental Clinic are essential to assess the bridge’s condition and ensure its long-term durability and functionality.