Dental Crowns & Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth used where by the dental implant is not an option or recommenced “units”.
A dental crown is a synthetic covering made to be used for tooth repair or to protect a tooth from further damage. Dental crowns can be made from several different materials, but porcelain is still the popular choice because it is durable and looks and feels natural.
We offer crown and bridge placements to restore the appearance and overall functionality of your smile.
Why do you need a crown or a bridge?
People need crowns or bridges for a variety of reasons. Teeth fall out. They become damaged or infected, or you may wish to have a crown placed for cosmetic reasons. Common problems include:
- A damaged tooth. Your tooth may be broken, cracked, decayed or infected. If the tooth is infected, you may need a root canal to remove the infection. Your dentist may recommend a crown as part of your treatment.
- A lost tooth. Teeth sometimes fall out, are knocked out, or are removed. The lost tooth can be replaced by a dental implant or a combination of crowns and a bridge. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment plan for your situation.
- Multiple tooth loss. Perhaps you are missing two or more teeth. In that case, it is possible to fuse more dental crowns together and create a larger bridge or create an implant-supported bridge to fill the gap in your teeth.
Different Types of Dental Crowns
All-Ceramic Dental Crown
A ceramic crown is a perfect remedy for missing or damaged front teeth. These porcelain-based crowns make it easy to match the color of your teeth, providing you with a crown that is nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth or the surrounding teeth. While the color is nearly identical to your existing teeth, the strength of a ceramic crown is not, as they are not as strong as other crowns. The crown can also cause damage to the teeth opposite them, and the installation of the crown may require the dentist to remove more of your existing tooth. All of these factors make porcelain crowns a great solution for your front teeth, but not so much for all of your other teeth.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Crown
When porcelain and metal are fused together, it proves to be a much stronger crown then with porcelain alone. This crown will work to provide strength to the tooth, as well as work to prevent any signs of leaking fluid or tooth decay. Best of all, despite metal being used to secure the crown to the tooth, the color of the crown can still be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth. The metal in the crown can show through the porcelain exterior as a thin line. Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns can also have the porcelain portion break or chip.
Metal Alloy Dental Crown
These crowns are made of metal alloys, mainly gold, copper, and other strong materials. The best thing about these dental crowns is that metal is largely resistant to wear and tear, staying in tip-top shape. Metal alloy crowns also do not wear down the teeth opposite them and are very compatible with your gum tissue. The major downside of the alloy crown is the color, as the shiny metallic color will not at all match the color of your teeth, making the presence of your crown obvious when you open your mouth.
What can you expect during the procedure?
Installing a dental crown may require two visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will examine the tooth and make sure it can support a crown. She will then file or fill the tooth to the proper shape and take impressions of your teeth for the permanent crown. You are given a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown is placed. In some cases, it is possible to prepare the tooth and place a porcelain crown in one visit.
What is the process for getting a dental bridge?
Generally, the bridge rests on the teeth on either side of the gap. These are called abutment teeth. The first step is to file the abutment teeth into an appropriate shape for the bridge to be placed. Impressions of the shaped teeth are then made and sent to a dental laboratory for the construction of the bridge. A sample color will be used to match the color of the prosthetics to the natural teeth. In some cases the teeth on either side of the gap may not be strong enough to support the bridge so that a dental implant may be necessary. You may be fitted with a temporary bridge to protect the shaped teeth while the permanent bridge is being created.
The second appointment will be held scheduled within five to seven days. Before it is placed, the temporary bridge is removed, and underlying teeth are cleaned if necessary. The new bridge will be adjusted in order to achieve a proper fit. The dental bridge is then fixed in place with dental cement.
How Much Downtime is Necessary?
The amount of recovery after crown or bridge placement depends on the extent of treatment. The doctor will advise you on how much time should be taken from your daily schedule as well as any specific aftercare instructions for your prosthetics.
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Tender Care Dental
Meet Our Doctors
Dr Gitonga Ndirangu graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi in 2013. He is currently pursuing his Postgraduate Degree in Periodontology & Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Meera Shah graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Moi University in 2014. She specializes in routine dentistry, endodontics, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Frankline Kidula graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi in 2012. He is currently pursuing his Postgraduate Degree in orthodontics.
Dr. Johnson Mwangi graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( BDS) from the University of Nairobi in 1991. An MBA (Stratgic Management) in 2006 and a post graduate diploma in Oral Implantology from the University of Pretoria and New York University.
Emergency Cases
Please feel welcome to contact our friendly reception staff with any general or medical enquiry call us.