Dental Crowns and Bridges
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a type of restoration that is designed to fit over a damaged or compromised tooth. If a tooth has fractured, broken or has been recently root canaled, we may recommend that it be crowned. Crowns both protect the tooth from further damage as well as improve its size and shape. You can expect the restoration to last for many years before it’ll need to be replaced.
Why are Dental Crowns needed?
There are a couple of reasons for why you might benefit from a new dental crown. The most common reason is because a tooth has cracked, fractured or broken. You might need a crown if you’ve recently underwent a root canal, which can leave the tooth more prone to breaking. If a tooth has a large filling in it or a deep area of decay, we might recommend simply crowning it to protect and restore it.
Who is a candidate for Dental Crowns?
[Insert Doctor] will examine your teeth to determine if a crown is necessary. If it’s found that you do need a crown, it is best to have the work done right away to prevent further damage to the tooth. If you have an older crown that needs to be replaced, we can do this easily in our office at your own convenience. Crowns can be placed over virtually any tooth within the mouth in need of restoration.
What happens during the Dental Crown procedure?
The first step is to numb the area of the mouth that needs the crown. [Insert Doctor] will administer a local anesthetic to make the appointment more comfortable for you. The tooth is then filed down appropriately so that there is enough room for the restoration. We take impressions and use these to make the new crown. You will come in for a second appointment so that the final crown can be placed. You can expect the restoration to last for many years while providing you with a full and healthy-looking smile.
If you’d like to learn more about how dental crowns are made and placed, call us today to speak with one of our friendly staff members for further information.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration that helps to replace one or more missing natural teeth. The bridge attaches permanently to surrounding teeth, so it won’t need to be removed and cleaned like a prosthetic appliance. Bridge work is specifically made for each patient, providing a natural and realistic appearance. Most fixed bridges can last for many years before they’ll need to be replaced completely.
Why would a Dental Bridge be needed?
The most common reason for needing a bridge is because you’re missing a tooth. You might want to avoid having surgery done to place an implant or you’re not a good candidate for implant surgery. Bridge work helps to restore the fullness of your smile while improving functionality. Because of your bridge, your surrounding teeth are less likely to become crooked and crowded.
Who is a candidate for a Dental Bridge?
We can examine your teeth to determine if a fixed bridge is right for you. In order for the bridge to fit properly and securely, it’ll need to be placed over two surrounding teeth. In general, the larger the bridge, the less secure it will be. We may recommend implants to hold a bridge if we feel it wouldn’t be secure enough on its own.
What happens during the Dental Bridge procedure?
The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb one area of the mouth. We then shape and file down the surrounding teeth. This will help to make room for the new fixed bridge. Impressions are then taken and will be used to create both a temporary and permanent bridge. You’ll go home with the temporary one in place and will need to come back for a second appointment for the permanent. The temporary bridge is removed and the permanent one placed securely using a dental-grade adhesive. We polish and adjust the new bridge and provide you with instructions on how to brush and floss around it.
If you think you might benefit from a dental bridge, call our office today so that our helpful staff members can further assist you.
