Our teeth are susceptible to a number of factors that can impact their functionality and their appearance. In instances when a tooth has been significantly weakened or cosmetically impaired, your dentist may recommend restoration with a dental crown.
Bridges
A crown will fully cover the visible surfaces of a tooth with a custom-designed tooth-shaped shell of porcelain, metal, or gold. Gold crowns have a great number of benefits, such as long-lasting strength and superior fit. However, many people are reluctant to receive a full gold crown due to perceived aesthetics. When placed in the back of the mouth, gold crowns are barely noticeable. To remedy aesthetic concerns, a metal-based crown can be made with a porcelain overlay, leading to a seamless, white smile.
Dental crowns may be used on a single tooth to restore strength after damage, or after root canal therapy. Crowns are also an integral part of dental bridges, which are used to replace lost permanent teeth. The bridge appliance will contain two dental crowns, which are secured to the teeth on each side of a gap. In between these crowns is a pontic, or artificial tooth that sits on top of the gums, filling the empty space.
Receiving a dental crown or dental bridge in our Indianapolis dental practice, serving the areas around Indianapolis, including Anderson, Lawrence, and others; restores your smile to its most functional condition. The process is typically completed in two to three visits, with the first devoted to preparing the tooth or teeth to be fitted with dental crowns. Preparation consists of removing damaged tooth structure and shaping the tooth for optimal fit of the dental crown. Our dentists ensure your comfort by thoroughly numbing the area before treatment begins. After reshaping the tooth, an impression is made. This mold will be sent to the dental lab to guide the fabrication of your new dental crown. A temporary crown is placed, protecting your tooth from sensitivity while you wait for your permanent crown.
Creating a dental crown in the laboratory takes approximately two weeks, at which point you return to our office for the removal of the temporary, and the placement of your permanent crown. Your dentist will once again use local anesthetic to numb the area to ensure comfort.
Real Patients, Real Results
Washington Street Dentistry – Dental Crowns Before and After Images of Patients
Dental crowns and bridges have long been standard forms of restorative dental treatment. Crowns typically have a life span of up to fifteen years, and they are maintained with the hygiene practices recommended by the American Dental Association. With twice a day brushing and daily flossing, your restored smile can last many years.
Contact Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis for your appointment with one of our skilled practitioners.
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancement – a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak eat and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge maybe right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fit appliance worn over a tooth to improve its structure and appearance. It matches the exact specifications of your tooth (size, shape, color, etc.) to provide a snug fit and natural look.
Dental crowns serve multiple purposes in dentistry. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to:
- Protect a tooth after a root canal
- Secure a dental bridge
- Cap off a dental implant
- Strengthen a fractured or decayed tooth
- Beautify a tooth that is badly discolored or malformed
- Replace old fillings or onlays
What is a dental bridge?
A dental replaces a few missing teeth in a row. A traditional dental bridge sits in the gap left by missing teeth and is supported by natural teeth (abutments) on either side of the gap. Dental crowns fit over the support teeth to ensure your bridge remains stable when eating, talking, or smiling.
Unlike a conventional denture, bridges are securely fixed in the mouth—only a dentist can remove them. Bridges are also created from life-like materials. This natural appearance makes your bridge look like an extension of the remaining teeth.
What is involved in getting a dental bridge and crown?
It takes 2-3 appointments to restore your smile with bridges and crowns. The first appointment is a consultation to determine your eligibility for crowns and bridges. If so, the dentist will prepare your teeth by reshaping the enamel to accommodate space for your crowns. Then, we’ll take digital scans of your teeth, taking the exact dimensions of the gap, teeth, gums, etc. This ensures our dental lab custom-creates restorations that fit securely and comfortably. Until your restorations, the dentist restores the appearance and function of your teeth by placing temporary restorations.
During your second appointment, the dentist places your crowns before attaching your bridge. You’ll need several adjustments to ensure your restorations offer optimal function and alignment. The last step is to bond your restorations to your teeth with durable dental cement. It will take a few days for your bridgework to adjust. However, your restorations will feel and function like other teeth after adjustment.
How do I maintain my crowns and bridges?
Dental bridges and crowns are fixed and maintained like natural teeth. Brush and floss your restorations to ensure they keep looking their best. Only use non-abrasive products to avoid chips and stains.
Visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and screenings. Although your crowns and bridges are created from durable materials, refrain from biting on hard substances. So, avoid using your teeth to cut fingernails or open packages. Lastly, wear a customized nightguard if you are a chronic tooth grinder. Dental crowns and bridges can last 10 years or more with proper maintenance.
What happens if my crown or bridge falls out or becomes loose?
Contact your dentist immediately. Avoid chewing on the affected area, and do not attempt to fix it yourself. Prompt treatment can often repair or replace the restoration.
Can I get bridges and crowns near me?
Do you need dental bridges and crowns in Indianapolis, Indiana? Call (317) 333-6788 to schedule an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry.
