Crowns & Bridges
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made prostheses that cover and protect damaged teeth. They are like a “cap” that fits over your tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. Crowns are recommended for teeth that have extensive damage or decay, or if you want to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. They can be made from different materials, such as zirconia or metal-ceramic, carefully chosen to ensure the best outcome for your specific situation.
The process of getting a dental crown involves preparing the damaged tooth by removing a small amount of its outer layer. This creates space for the crown to fit comfortably. Then, an impression or mold of the prepared tooth is taken. This mold serves as a guide for a dental laboratory to create a custom crown that matches the shape, color, and size of your natural teeth. Finally, the crown is securely placed over the prepared tooth and bonded in place, giving it a strong and natural-looking restoration.
What are Dental Bridges?
When one or more teeth are missing, dental bridges are recommended. A bridge consists of multiple crowns that are fused together. These crowns serve as replacements for the missing teeth, while the adjacent healthy teeth act as supportive “pillars” to hold the bridge in place. Dental bridges not only fill the gaps in your smile but also help restore proper chewing and speaking abilities.
Both dental crowns and bridges can be placed on either natural teeth or dental implants, depending on your specific needs. They are durable and long-lasting solutions, designed to withstand the pressures of everyday use. However, it’s important to remember that maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent decay or complications beneath the crown or bridge.
Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns provide a strong, protective layer that covers damaged or decayed teeth. By placing a crown, the tooth becomes shielded from further harm, such as cracks or fractures. This protection helps to preserve the natural tooth structure and prevents the need for extraction in many cases.
Crowns and bridges can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. Dental crowns are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural look. Similarly, dental bridges fill in gaps caused by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s symmetry and boosting your self-confidence.
Both dental crowns and bridges restore the functionality of your teeth. Crowns can strengthen weakened teeth, allowing you to bite and chew comfortably. Bridges, on the other hand, replace missing teeth, enabling you to speak clearly, eat a varied diet, and maintain proper jaw alignment.
Both dental crowns and bridges are durable and can last for many years with proper care. They are designed to withstand the pressures of daily use, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices and scheduling regular dental check-ups, you can maximize the lifespan of your crowns and bridges.
Stages of Dental Implant rehabilitation
Implant Placement
During this procedure, the implants, which are biocompatible titanium or ceramic posts, are precisely positioned into the jawbone. The dentist carefully creates an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and then places the implants securely. This is done under local anesthesia or sedation to ensure your comfort. After implant placement, the gums are sutured, and the healing process begins.
Waiting Period
Following implant placement, a waiting period phase called osseointegration takes place. This stage involves allowing time for the implants to fuse with the surrounding jawbone. The bone tissue gradually grows around the implants, providing stability and a strong foundation. The waiting period typically lasts 12 weeks, during which you may wear a temporary dental restoration to maintain aesthetics and function.
Crown Placement
Once the waiting period is complete and the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, the final stage involves placing the dental crown. The crown is the visible portion of the implant and resembles a natural tooth. This step begins with uncovering the implants by making a small incision in the gum tissue. An abutment, which serves as a connector between the implant and the crown, is attached to the implant. Then, the custom-made crown is securely placed onto the abutment, completing the restoration process. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Dr. Flavio Molina
Implantologist / Prosthodontist
Why Choose Us?
At Central Dental Care, you can trust the expertise of Dr. Flavio Molina, a highly accomplished dental professional specializing in prosthodontics, dental implants, and dental rehabilitation. Dr. Molina’s expertise, combined with our commitment to using high-quality materials and implants, ensures that you will receive top-notch treatment outcomes. Dental implants, made of biocompatible titanium or ceramic materials, are skillfully placed to mimic the natural structure and function of teeth. This allows for stable support of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, resulting in a restored smile with improved chewing and speech capabilities. By choosing Central Dental Care, you can trust that you are in the hands of skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing you with a restored smile that not only looks great but also enhances your overall oral health and quality of life.
Contact Us Today
We are open Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm.
Call us at +353 1 547 1080, or email us at info@centraldentalcare.ie