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crown-or-bridge

What is a Crown or Bridge? What Will They Do for You?

There are many different types of dental care available to maximize your oral health and ensure your best smile. Often, a dentist will recommend a crown or a bridge as a response to cracked, broken or missing teeth. What’s the difference between a crown and a bridge? What conditions are they typically used to treat?

What Is a Crown? How Is It Different from a Bridge?

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, a crown (also referred to as a “cap”) is a tooth-shaped device that fits over an existing tooth or is affixed to an artificial root. Three crowns together make up a bridge.

When Is a Crown an Effective Treatment?

Crowns are particularly useful for treating deep decay, cracked, broken or worn-down teeth. Crowns are also effective to cover dental implants and root canals.

What Are the Signs that You May Need a Crown?

Here are the clear warning signs that you may need a crown:

  • You have a tooth that you know is cracked
  • You experience sensitivity to heat, cold or pressure near or in your teeth, particularly when you bite
  • You have deep decay in a tooth
  • You’ve had a root canal
  • You have a filling that’s breaking down

When Is a Bridge Necessary?

You will likely benefit from a bridge when:

  • You are missing more than one tooth in the same spot
  • You have a removable partial denture, but want a more permanent solution

We Love to See You Smile

At Hutto Hippo Family Dental, our friendly staff is here to answer your questions or address any concerns you have about your dental health. Call us at (512)806-7740 to schedule an appointment.