Crowns/Bridges

Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that are placed over damaged or weakened teeth to recover their natural appearance and prevent further deterioration. Crowns are used when teeth are chipped or broken, after a root canal procedure to cover the exposed area of a tooth, for cosmetic reasons, or to replace an old filling. If a filling can’t fix the problem, using crowns will provide a long-term solution to improving the function of your teeth and enhancing the look of your smile.

Crowns are made with a combination of both metal and porcelain. Since all crowns are custom made, it may take multiple appointments to complete. During your first visit, the area is numbed so that you are comfortable. Your dentist will then use a dental hand piece to shape and prepare the damaged tooth so that the crown can securely fit over it. Next, molds are taken of the tooth. The molds are used to fabricate a model of your mouth on which the final crown is created. While the final crown is being created, a temporary crown is typically used to protect the tooth. When your final crown is completed, dental cement is used to cement the crown to the tooth. Your tooth is now fully restored to a healthy and functioning state!

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Bridges

A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth connected to a set of crowns used to fill a gap created by one or more missing teeth. Your dentist will create a custom bridge for your mouth that will look and function like your natural teeth. During your first visit, the area is numbed and a dental hand piece is used to prepare the neighboring teeth that will support the bridge. Next, impressions are taken of the prepared teeth. The impressions are used to fabricate a model of your mouth on which the final bridge is made. While your custom bridge is being created, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the teeth. The final bridge is then cemented and anchored to the neighboring teeth. This prevents you from having to worry about removing or repositioning the bridge in your mouth. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams, bridges and crowns can be a long-term solution to problems created by missing and damaged teeth and last for years to come.