Dental Bridges and Crowns: Solutions for Damaged and Missing Teeth

Over time our teeth can become damaged due to trauma or decay. A crown offers a cosmetic and structural solution to these problems.

The procedure for a dental crown usually takes 2-3 visits to the dentist or prosthodontist. The first visit involves numbing the tooth that will receive the crown so you do not experience any discomfort. The dentist or prosthodontist will reshape the tooth and create a mold to send to a lab.

Crowns Repair Damaged Teeth

Dental crowns protect weak, damaged, and decayed teeth. These tooth-shaped restorations fit over the remaining part of the tooth like a protective cap and closely mimic its size, shape, and shade, restoring function and aesthetics.

A crown is not indestructible and can break for a variety of reasons. Chewing on hard substances puts excessive pressure on the tooth, which can crack or break the crown itself or the underlying tooth. Trauma and injury can also cause fractures. Finally, age and wear can lead to weakening of the underlying tooth, which can increase the likelihood of breaking a crown.

If your crown is cracked or chipped, you should contact your dentist right away. They will examine the damage and advise you on whether you need to come in for an emergency dental appointment. In some cases, they will be able to repair the crown with resin or another material, depending on the extent of the damage and any other symptoms you are experiencing.

Dental Bridges Replace Missing Teeth

Dental bridges Cypress TX fill in the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function. Like dental crowns Cypress TX, they can also cover a damaged tooth that is too weak to support a filling or bonding treatment.

A bridge consists of two or more natural teeth on each side, called abutment teeth, and a false tooth, known as a pontic, between them. Generally, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth by removing a small layer of enamel from them. Then they will cement or bond the dental bridge to them.

Dental bridges are available in a variety of materials, including porcelain bonded to gold, metal alloys, ceramic, or resin. You and your dentist will choose the material that best matches your smile’s color, shape, and appearance. Ceramic crowns, for example, offer a more lifelike shade and appearance than porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. They are durable and resist staining and decay more than traditional crowns. They may be more expensive, though.

Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth

Missing teeth are not just unsightly, they can also cause problems with your speech and your ability to chew foods. Our dental implants provide a permanent solution to your tooth loss that is both functional and natural-looking.

We will create a treatment plan that fits your needs and budget, including any necessary dental grafts to ensure the site is strong enough for an implant. You can expect to wait about three or more months for the site to heal after the graft, then we will insert a titanium implant post (the equivalent of your tooth’s root) and a metal spacer called an abutment.

Once osseointegration has finished, we will fabricate a custom-made porcelain tooth crown and cement it into place over the abutment. You may have temporary dental bridges in the meantime to avoid any gaps in your smile. We will also schedule regular appointments so we can monitor your progress and keep your oral health at a healthy level.

Crowns and Bridges Boost Your Oral Health

Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorations that can help patients enjoy a healthy smile. Crowns act as protective caps over weakened teeth, shielding them from biting and chewing forces that can cause further damage. Similarly, dental bridges fill in gaps left behind by missing teeth to prevent them from shifting out of alignment.

They also shield damaged teeth from the heat and cold that can make them prone to discomfort and decay. People with cracked or fractured teeth, large fillings, or a history of root canal treatment can benefit from dental bridges Cypress TX, as can those who are prone to tooth sensitivity.

Crowns and bridges also ensure that patients can chew food effectively, allowing them to get the nutrition they need for good health. This is important for a healthy diet, and it can help reduce risk of serious conditions like heart disease and obesity. They can also help keep the jawbone healthy, preventing further problems down the road.