Biocompatible Crowns & Bridges
Across conventional and holistic dentistry, the intent of dentists is to guard the natural tooth structure as much as possible. We determine the most conservative form of treatment before recommending any specific procedure. This is called minimally invasive treatment, a philosophy that we follow throughout our practice.
Our patients benefit from our approach to dental care, which considers the restoration of a damaged tooth or teeth first with composite resin fillings, or custom crafted inlays or onlays, before a dental crown is deemed the most suitable treatment. A bio compatibility test is done to determine which material is healthiest and best tolerated by the patient.
What is Biocompatibility Testing?
Holistic dentistry understands that not every one of the over 2000 dental materials used today are the right materials for you. Since dental procedures tend to install non-biological materials in the mouth on a long-term basis, we think it’s important to test your body’s reaction to these materials prior to installing them. The wrong material for you has the potential to cause immune response and inflammation which could be overlooked by conventional dentistry. Testing allows us to identify the best materials for your unique physiology so that we can continue to use this material in subsequent procedures to ensure your best health outcomes over the long-term.
About Dental Crowns
We’re committed to the preservation of natural tooth structure and, whenever possible, the protection of the existing structure. There are some instances when a dental crown is necessary to prevent further damage to a tooth that has been weakened in some way.
Several circumstances may call for restoration with a bio compatible dental crown, such as:
- A crack or fracture in a tooth
- A cracked or fractured filling
- Extensive damage from a large cavity
Dental crowns act as a layer of protection, fully covering the visible part of the tooth. Made of non-aluminum, fully tested porcelain, our crowns contain no metal, making them fully biocompatible as well as attractive. There is no worry over a dark line near the gums, or a galvanic effect; just a long-lasting, beautiful restoration.
Crowns may be used as the sole restoration when a tooth has been damaged. This provides protection for the tooth against further damage by bite forces and allows the natural root structure to remain in the mouth. The benefit of retaining the natural root is decreased likelihood of jaw resorption (degradation). The natural root keeps the jawbone strong by demanding more reinforcement of the supporting bone with every bite of your favourite food. Bite forces deliver pressure to the bone socket and keep the bone strong the same way that load-bearing exercises strengthen the bones of the body. When extraction is required, however, crowns may be used in a different application.
A dental crown can also be used on top of a dental implant. In this case, the crown would be referred to as a pontic (prosthetic tooth) and would be secured to the artificial root implant using an attachment called an abutment. Dental implants offer the ability to retain a strong healthy jaw despite the loss of natural tooth structure.
Fixed dental bridges can be a solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental bridges, like crowns, have been a longstanding part of restorative dental care. A fixed bridge can restore functionality and an attractive smile after a tooth or teeth have been lost. Taking precise measurements through dental impressions, two porcelain crowns are crafted in a state-of-the-art dental lab. When there is a space between two crowns, an artificial tooth, created to perfection in size and shape, can be placed. Fused together as a single piece, the bridge is then cemented into place to restore the smile affected by tooth loss.
Caring for Your Biocompatible Crowns and Bridges
Your crown and/or bridge will provide significant advantages as far as the effective function of your jaw, ease of eating and improved appearance, but these restorations require maintenance. Your crowns and bridges are resilient to bite forces, deterioration and discolouration, but debris and bacteria are still able to collect on them and cause trouble for your adjacent teeth and gums.
You will need to continue to maintain a good oral health routine daily, in order to ensure that gum disease and decay are kept at bay. It will continue to be important to eat a healthy diet rich in healthy fats, greens and protein and to abstain from too many sugary indulgences like cakes, candies and nutrient-deficient carbs like too much white bread. Your teeth will require brushing and flossing daily, and routine checkups and cleaning to make the most of your beautiful smile. Caring for your restorations with oral hygiene goes a long way in ensuring that your teeth and restorations remain strong and in good working order.
