west street dental group logo

Crowns and Bridges
 
Crowns
Bridges
Patient Instruction for Crowns and Bridges
Crowns
  If your tooth is damaged but not lost, a crown (also called a cap) can be used to cover the damaged part of your tooth. A crown protects your tooth from further damage. You may need a crown if:

- you have a root canal
- you have a large filling in a tooth
- you have a broken tooth
- your tooth is badly stained, not the right shape, or out of line

Crowns can be made of different kinds of metals, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. Brush and floss your crown, just like you clean your natural teeth.
  Back to Top
Bridges
  Missing Tooth BeforeAcid Etched Fibre Reinforced Composite BridgeIf a tooth is lost, it is important to replace it with a false (or artificial) tooth as soon as possible. This will prevent the teeth that are left from drifting out of line and causing other problems.

A bridge is also called a "fixed bridge" or a "fixed partial denture." It can replace one or more missing teeth. You cannot take a bridge out, as it is permanent. It is comfortable, and it looks good. There are different kinds of bridge to fit different kinds of situation.
  Back to Top
Patient Instructions for Crowns and Bridges
  You have just had some crowns or fixed bridges cemented onto your teeth. They will replace your missing tooth structure or missing teeth very well and should give you years of service if you will observe the following suggestions: 
  1. CHEWING: Do not chew hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented. The cement must mature for about 24 hours to have optimum strength.
  2. SENSITIVITY: Don't worry about mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. It will disappear gradually over a few weeks. Infrequently sensitivity lasts longer than 6 weeks. Please tell us if this occurs. 
  3. AGGRESSIVE CHEWING: Do not chew ice or other hard objects. Avoid chewing very sticky foods such as "hard tack" candy because they can remove restorations. 
  4. PREVENTIVE PROCEDURES: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, please use the following preventive procedures that are checked: 
    1. Brush and floss after eating and before bedtime. 
    2. Swish vigorously for at least 30 seconds daily with one of the following fluoride rinse products:
      1. Colgate FLUORIGARD;
      2. Johnson & Johnson ACT; or
      3. LISTERMINT with Fluoride. The best time is immediately before bedtime. 
    3. Use bridge cleaners as advised by us. 
    4. Use and Electric tooth brush as advised by us. 
  5. CHECKUPS: Visit us at regular checkup periods. Often problems that are developing around the restorations can be found at an early stage and corrected easily, while waiting for a longer time may require redoing the entire restoration. INADEQUATE RETURN FOR EXAMINATION IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT REASON FOR PROSTHESES FAILURE. Checkup visits are usually pre-arranged.  Please keep them. 
  6. PROBLEMS: IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OCCURS, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID FURTHER PROBLEMS:
    1. A feeling of movement or looseness in the restoration.
    2. Sensitivity to sweet foods.
    3. A peculiar taste from the restoration site.
    4. Breakage of a piece of material from the restoration.
    5. Sensitivity to pressure. 

We have provided you with the finest quality oral restoration available today. However, as with a fine automobile or watch, only your continuing care and concern can assure optimum service longevity.

Thank you.
  Back to Top
  © Copyright West Street Dental Group 2002-2005, all rights reserved