QUESTIONS ABOUT CROWNS & BRIDGES
(To advance directly to the questions that interest you, click on the
list below)
1. If you have a root canal, do you need a crown?
2. I've seen crowns on front teeth and they have a metal
edge showing along the top edge, can that be fixed?
3. Are the non-metal crowns as strong as metal crowns?
4. Does insurance cover the cost of a crown?
5. What is a Bridge?
6. Is a Bridge necessary?
7. If you have a bridge do you have to watch what you eat?
Q. If you have a root canal, do you need a crown?
A. Yes. Root canals are done when there has already been significant
damage to the tooth. As a result the tooth structure is weakened. While
the filling material used in replacing the root helps it often cannot
withstand the grinding pressures we put our teeth through. The leading
cause of root canal failures is the cracking or shattering of the tooth
itself. A crown covers the tooth and is designed to strengthen it.
Q. I've seen crowns on front teeth and they have
a metal edge showing along the top edge, can that be fixed?
A. Newer crowns show less than they did in the past, but if they are
made with metal, there will always be some showing. There are non-metal
crowns available now that look completely natural. They are not as strong
as a metal crown but many prefer them for their front teeth.
Q. Are the non-metal crowns as strong as metal crowns?
A. Generally no, but the newer materials do approach the strength
of metal crowns. Provided you are not abusing your teeth, they should
prove to be just as reliable.
Q. Does insurance cover the cost of a crown?
A. The cost of one porcelain veneer is approximately the same as that
for a crown.
Q. What is a Bridge?
A. A bridge is a false tooth held in place by attaching it to crowns
on either side of the missing tooth. A bridge can replace one, two and
sometimes three teeth although an implant is usually recommended once
you go beyond two teeth.
Q. Is a Bridge necessary?
A. Bridges are recommended for optimum dental health. It can restore
and help maintain the natural bite, it prevents unnatural stress on adjacent
teeth and it helps discourage further dental decay and periodontal problems.
Q. If you have a bridge do you have to watch what
you eat?
A. In general no, but it is strongly recommend that you avoid eating
sticky foods like gum, caramels and taffy. You should also avoid hard
candy and definitely not chew ice cubes.
If you have any other questions about crowns and bridges or other dental
questions, please feel free to call our office. We will work to answer
all of your questions.
Call: 1 (860) 668-0241
