Dental Crowns & Bridges
Restoring Your Smile’s Beauty and Functionality
Dental crowns and dental bridges are essential restorative dental treatments that play a crucial role in preserving oral health and restoring the functionality and appearance of teeth. Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made, tooth-shaped coverings that are placed over damaged or weakened teeth. They provide strength, protection and a natural appearance to teeth that have suffered from extensive decay, fractures or root canal therapy.
What is a Dental Bridge?
If you are missing a tooth or teeth, dental bridges can fill the gaps in your smile. A bridge is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure designed to close gaps between teeth and restore the function of your bite and appearance of your smile. The bridge consists of an artificial or false tooth that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. The artificial tooth is composed of porcelain or a composite material designed to look like your natural teeth. It is bonded to the adjacent teeth to close the area of the missing tooth.
Benefits Of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges fill the gap created by a missing tooth or teeth and offer many benefits including:
What To Expect with dental bridges
At James River Family Dentistry, we can determine if a dental bridge is the best treatment option to meet your individual needs. A bridge is a minimally invasive restorative procedure that offers many benefits to patients. The procedure begins by preparing the abutment teeth for crowns. A small amount of enamel will be removed to allow room for the crowns to be placed over them. An impression is made so the bridge can be custom-made to fit your exact requirements. As the new bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge will be placed over the abutment teeth and gap.
Once the dental bridge is made, you will come in for the second appointment to permanently place the new bridge. The new bridge will be cemented into place and Dr. Guthrie will make any necessary adjustments to perfect the fit.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a tooth that has sustained too much decay, a severe crack or an anomaly that jeopardizes the structural integrity of the tooth. A crown restores the function, shape, size and strength of a tooth, as well as offers a natural appearance. Dental crowns are also used to hold a dental bridge in place, cover a dental implant or make a cosmetic modification. Crowns are a safe and effective restorative dental procedure.
What To Expect With Crowns
After it is determined that a crown is the best restorative procedure for you, Dr. Guthrie will prepare the tooth for the crown. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area so there is no pain involved in the process. The enamel of the existing tooth is filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. An impression will be taken to obtain the precise measurements of the surrounding teeth and gums to make sure that the new crown will fit perfectly.
You will receive a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth while the new crown is being manufactured. New crowns are made of porcelain and designed to match the color and texture of your surrounding teeth. At your next appointment, the new crown will be cemented into place. The dentist will make any adjustments necessary to ensure that you have the proper fit and alignment. Your new dental crown requires no special wait time for full function to be restored, and is cared for just like a natural tooth.
Benefits Of Crowns
Crowns are a common restorative procedure that offer numerous benefits including:
Which Option is Right for You—Crowns or Bridges?
It’s important to note that candidacy for dental crowns or bridges is determined through a comprehensive dental examination and consultation with Dr. Guthrie. She will assess your oral health, discuss your specific needs and goals, and recommend the most suitable treatment option to restore both function and aesthetics. Additionally, good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of dental crowns and bridges.
Dental Crowns:
Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are typically recommended for individuals with damaged, weakened, or decayed teeth. Candidates for dental crowns may include those with:
- Significant Tooth Decay: When a tooth has extensive decay that cannot be resolved with a filling, a dental crown can protect and strengthen it.
- Fractured Or Cracked Teeth: Teeth that are fractured or cracked due to injury, trauma, or extensive wear may require crowns to restore their structural integrity.
- Large Fillings: Teeth with large fillings that compromise their strength may benefit from crowns to prevent further damage.
- Root Canal Treated Teeth: After a root canal procedure, a dental crown is often placed to provide strength and protection to the tooth.
- Cosmetic Enhancements: Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes to cover discolored, misshapen, or poorly spaced teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of the smile.
Dental Bridges:
Dental bridges are recommended for individuals who are missing one or more adjacent teeth. Candidates for dental bridges may include those with:
- Missing Teeth: Dental bridges are an effective solution to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring proper chewing function and aesthetics.
- Healthy Adjacent Teeth: Candidates for bridges should have healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, as these teeth will serve as anchors (abutments) for the bridge.
- Desire For A Fixed Restoration: Unlike removable dentures, dental bridges are a fixed prosthetic, making them an ideal choice for individuals who prefer the stability and convenience of a permanent restoration.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Bridges help maintain the natural shape of the face and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, which can occur when there are gaps in the dental arch.
Ready To Get Started?
giving you the elevated dental care experience you deserve
Dr. Guthrie and her team are ready to provide you with top-notch dental services within a pristine and expertly managed setting. We aim to ensure that patients of all ages feel at ease and self-assured during their dental visits. Ready to schedule an appointment with JRFD?
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