Losing a tooth or having one severely damaged can affect more than just your smile. It changes the way you eat, speak, and feel about your appearance. Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most reliable and commonly used solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth, and at DentMind CBD Dental Centre in Nairobi CBD we carry out both procedures with precision and care.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom made cap that fits over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective cover for a tooth that has been weakened by decay, a large filling, a crack, or a root canal procedure.
Crowns are made from different materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most popular choice for visible teeth because they closely match the natural colour of your teeth. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable material based on the location of the tooth and your specific needs.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth, called a pontic, to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those supporting teeth are fitted with crowns which hold the bridge firmly in place.
A bridge restores the appearance of a full set of teeth, prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the gap, and helps maintain the natural shape of your face. It is a fixed solution, meaning it stays in place permanently unlike a removable denture.
Who Needs a Crown or Bridge?
A crown is typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling to be effective but does not need to be extracted. Common situations include a tooth with a very large cavity, a cracked tooth, a tooth that has had a root canal, or a tooth that is severely worn down.
A bridge is recommended when one or more teeth are missing and the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support it. If the gap is left unfilled for too long the neighbouring teeth begin to drift and the jawbone in that area can start to deteriorate.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
For a crown, the process typically takes two appointments. At the first visit the dentist prepares the tooth by reshaping it slightly to create space for the crown. An impression is taken and sent to a dental lab where the custom crown is made. A temporary crown is placed in the meantime. At the second appointment the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted for bite, and cemented into place.
For a bridge the process is similar. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to receive the supporting crowns. An impression is taken, a temporary bridge is fitted, and the permanent bridge is placed at the follow up appointment.
Both procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic so you should not feel any pain during treatment.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
With proper care, both crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and often longer. Good oral hygiene is essential. Brush and floss regularly, avoid biting on very hard foods, and attend your routine dental checkups. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your crown or bridge at each visit.
Book Your Consultation at DentMind CBD
If you have a damaged tooth or a gap that needs filling, a crown or bridge could be exactly what you need. DentMind CBD Dental Centre is located at Victor House on Kimathi Street in Nairobi CBD. Our team will assess your teeth and walk you through the best restoration option for your situation.
DentMind CBD Dental Centre
Third Floor, Kimathi Street
Victor House, Nairobi CBD
0715 063640
www.dentmindcbd.co.ke
