Crowns and Bridges

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Let’s start with the basics. Crowns and bridges are restorative dental treatments designed to repair damaged teeth and fill gaps due to missing teeth. A crown acts as a cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Bridges, however, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They literally “bridge” the gap where teeth are absent, ensuring you maintain a beautiful, functional smile.

Why Might You Need a Crown?

Crowns are incredibly versatile, and we can use them for several reasons:

Decay or Damage: If you have a tooth that’s severely decayed or cracked, a crown can provide the necessary protection and restore its function.
Root Canal Protection: A tooth can become brittle after a root canal procedure. Crowns offer the support needed to prevent further damage.
Cosmetic Enhancement: Sometimes, a tooth might be discolored or misshapen. A crown can significantly improve its appearance.
Large Fillings: When a tooth has a large filling, and not much of the natural tooth structure is left, a crown can help keep the tooth intact.

Why Might You Need a Bridge?

Bridges serve as an excellent solution for missing teeth, and here’s why our patients might opt for this service:

Restore Your Smile: Missing teeth can affect your confidence. Bridges help you regain that beautiful, complete smile.
Maintain Facial Structure: Gaps from missing teeth can cause your facial structure to shift. Bridges help maintain your natural facial shape.
Proper Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make everyday actions like chewing and speaking difficult. Bridges restore functionality, ensuring you can eat your favorite foods and speak clearly.
Prevent Teeth Shifting: Empty spaces in your mouth can cause adjacent teeth to shift out of position. Bridges keep your teeth aligned, preventing potential issues.

The Crowns and Bridges Process

At Drs. Harrison, Tucker, & Teel Family Dentistry, we make the process of getting crowns and bridges as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, one of our experienced dentists Dr. Tucker or Dr. Teel, will evaluate your dental health, discuss your concerns, and determine whether crowns or bridges are the appropriate solution. We’ll take X-rays and possibly 3D scans to comprehensively view your dental structure.

Preparing the Tooth

If a crown is the chosen treatment, we’ll need to prepare your tooth. This involves reshaping the tooth to make room for the crown. Don’t worry; we’ll ensure you’re comfortable with local anesthesia. If you receive a bridge, we’ll prepare the adjacent teeth supporting it.

Taking Impressions

Once we prep the teeth, we’ll take impressions or scans. These impressions or scans serve as a model for creating your custom crown or bridge. We use advanced digital impression technology for the utmost precision and comfort.

Temporary Crown or Bridge

While lab technicians craft your permanent restoration, we can provide you with a temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth and maintain your appearance. This ensures you can go about your daily life with minimal disruption.

Fitting the Permanent Restoration

When your custom crown or bridge is ready, you’ll return to our office for the fitting. Our dentist will ensure it fits perfectly and make necessary adjustments for comfort and functionality. Once everything looks and feels right, we’ll cement the crown or bridge in place.

Aftercare Tips

We care about your long-term dental health, so here are a few aftercare tips to keep your crowns and bridges in great shape:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine checkups and cleanings with us to monitor the condition of your crowns and bridges.
Avoid Hard Foods: Avoid biting down on hard foods, such as ice or hard candies, as this can damage your new restorations.
Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a nightguard can protect your crowns and bridges from excessive wear.

Why Choose Drs. Harrison, Tucker, & Teel Family Dentistry?

Choosing a dentist is important, and we want you to feel confident in your choice. Here’s why our patients trust us with their dental care:

Experienced Team: Our skilled dentists have extensive experience in restorative dentistry, including crowns and bridges.
State-of-the-art technology: We use the latest dental technology to ensure precision, comfort, and top-notch results.
Personalized Care: We get to know our patients and tailor our treatments to meet your individual needs and goals.
Friendly Environment: Our office is designed to be welcoming and relaxed, making your visits as pleasant as possible.