When it comes to dental care, most of us are familiar with basics like the importance of brushing and flossing and the need for regular trips to the dentist. But how familiar are you with more specific dental procedures, such as what bridges and crowns are and how they are intended to help?

Both bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that are permanent, cemented onto your original teeth by a doctor. Patients in St. Peters, MO, know that for all of their dental care needs, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and even root canals, they can count on the team at Schaible Dental Group. Revered as top-notch specialists, you can rest easy knowing your teeth and gums are in the most capable hands, even during intensive oral procedures.

Crowns and bridges are likely both terms you’ve heard before, but you may have little to no idea what they actually are. Crowns are used to cover a damaged tooth, which can improve the overall appearance as well as help with the shape and alignment of your other teeth. A crown can also be placed overtop of an implant to provide a more normal tooth shape and improve the functionality of it. They are made of porcelain or ceramic and will be matched to the color of your teeth. Crowns are great for those who need to replace a large filling in one of their teeth, protect a weak tooth from fracturing, cover a dental implant, or even attach a bridge.

A bridge is usually recommended for someone who is missing one or more teeth. They are meant to span the gap where teeth are gone so that the surrounding teeth do not shift. Bridges are cemented to natural teeth, which act as anchors. The replacement tooth is attached to the bridges, resulting in a healthier-looking smile that won’t shift over time. Porcelain or ceramic bridges are used once again and can be matched to the exact color of your teeth.

Bridges and crowns are designed to last a lifetime, although they can sometimes become loose or fall out, which is easily remedied by a quick trip to the dentist. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, however, you can avoid the need for emergency dentistry. It’s also helpful to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods to prevent damage.

Many people are eligible for a bridge or crown implant and simply don’t know it. If you think you may be a candidate, contact Schaible Dental Group by visiting the office’s website or giving them a call at (636) 279-1633. You can also connect to the dental team on Twitter.