Dental Crowns and Bridges NYC: Dr.Antonio, Dental Crowns & Bridges, NYC

Crowns/Bridges

A crown is placed on an individual tooth. If you have a decayed tooth or a tooth that has a large filling a crown can be placed over the tooth to prevent the tooth from fracture or having further decay that may lead to root canal. We have two ways of creating crowns in our office. The first step in either procedure is to numb the patient. The next step is to prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth so that a crown can fit on it. One way of creating a crown requires the use of our CEREC machine and allows the crown to be completed in one visit. The CEREC machine is a 3D machine that can take an image of the prepared tooth. The image is then used to create a custom crown, veneer or on-lay. Then the crown is cemented to the prepared tooth. The other option is to prepare the tooth and then take an impression of the tooth. The impression is sent to a laboratory where a crown is made. This process can take about a week or two. After the crown is made, the patient would have to come in to have it inserted.

A bridge is needed when there is a missing tooth or teeth. The process for creating a bridge is similar to a crown. The patient must be numb and the teeth must be prepared. An imprint of the teeth is taken and sent to a laboratory to have the bridge made. Bridges can be created using the CEREC machine in the office but the process is time consuming. In most cases it is best if the patient comes back at a later time to complete the bridge. The bridge will be constructed with porcelain fused to metal or porcelain or a combination of both. This depends on which teeth are affected. Metal and porcelain is better for back teeth especially second molars which is usually the last tooth in your mouth. The back teeth need to withstand more pressure from chewing and grinding. Porcelain is a better choice for the front teeth as it looks more natural and creates a beautiful smile.