5 Surprising Ways Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Wellness
Your oral health is distinct from your overall health, right? Not so fast. It turns out that poor oral health may be associated with several systemic problems. Learn all about it here.
Dental Crowns vs. Bridges: Which Solution Is Right for Your Smile?
When you have a damaged or missing tooth, finding the right way to restore your smile is essential for your health and confidence. Choosing between different dental restorations can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options makes the decision much easier. Our goal is to help you understand how these treatments protect your oral health.
At Hometown Family Dental Centers, Dr. Edward F. Scammon and our team of experienced dentists help patients in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North Carolina, find the right fit. Whether you need a crown, a bridge, or another restorative treatment, we’re here to guide you through each step. We focus on creating a comfortable, family-friendly environment so you can feel completely at ease during your visit.
What is the difference between dental crowns and bridges?
A dental crown is a protective cap that covers a single damaged tooth, while a dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A dental crown fits directly over an existing tooth that is cracked, decayed, or weakened. According to the Cleveland Clinic (2023), these protective caps reinforce your tooth structure and typically last between five and 15 years.
In contrast, a dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with artificial teeth. It uses artificial teeth anchored to your natural teeth on either side of the gap to restore your full chewing function. This option is ideal when you want to fill a gap without using a removable appliance.
How do dental bridges restore your smile?
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can slowly drift into the open space, causing alignment issues. A traditional dental bridge can help restore chewing function and reduce the chance that nearby teeth will shift into the open space, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic (2023). This simple step helps maintain the natural shape of your face and keeps your bite properly aligned.
These restorations are also highly durable and designed to withstand daily wear. A CADTH review published in NCBI Bookshelf that dental bridges supported by natural teeth achieve an estimated 10-year survival rate of 79% to 82%. With proper care and routine cleanings, your bridge can keep your smile healthy for a very long time.
Which solution is right for your smile?
The right choice depends on whether your natural tooth can be saved or if it needs to be replaced entirely. If you have a weakened tooth that is still structurally sound, a crown is usually the best way to preserve it. If the tooth is already missing or requires extraction, a bridge is an excellent option to complete your smile. We evaluate your teeth and help you choose the path that fits your goals.
We want to help you make the best decision for your oral health and confidence. If you're ready to restore your smile, contact our team at Hometown Family Dental Centers today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient offices. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Is Your Jaw Pain a Sign of TMJ – and What Can You Do About It?
If you’re experiencing pain in your jaw, with or without clicking and grinding noises, you may have a problem with your temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Fortunately, some treatments can help. Learn about them here.
When to Have an Old Filling Replaced
Fillings are semi-permanent dental restorations, but they don’t last forever. Learn when it’s time to get your old filling replaced here.
4 Reasons to Choose Dental Implants Over Partial Dentures
When you’re missing one or more teeth, you have several options for tooth replacement, including partial dentures and dental implants. We have four solid reasons for you to choose dental implants.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns replace the visible part of your teeth, but how long do these restorations last? Keep reading to learn the answer.
How to Avoid a Root Canal
A root canal can be a tooth-saving procedure, but it’s invasive, uncomfortable, and worth avoiding. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent needing a root canal in the first place.