Crowns And Bridges Specialist

What are crowns?

Dental crowns are a type of restoration that fits over the entire visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth. They’re made of porcelain or zirconia and look like healthy natural teeth. Crowns correct the shape, size, and function of teeth.

Your dentist will recommend a crown if you’ve undergone root canal therapy to protect the restored tooth. Crowns can also protect a cracked or worn tooth from further damage. If you have a cavity that’s too large for a filling, you’ll probably need a crown instead.

Crowns can prevent complications, including decay, problems with speech and chewing, and changes to the position of your other teeth. With proper care and dental hygiene, they can last well over a decade.

What is the process to place a crown?

Crowns require two appointments at Swinney Dental. At the first appointment, your doctor removes any decay, shapes your tooth so it can fit the crown, and places a temporary crown to protect your tooth. Your dentist also takes impressions, which a dental lab uses to make your permanent crown.

At the second appointment, your dentist removes your temporary crown and fits the permanent crown. Once the crown is in place, your dentist bonds it to your tooth using dental cement.

What are bridges?

Dental bridges are fixed appliances that use the teeth surrounding a missing tooth for support. Bridges can attach to natural teeth or artificial teeth. If you have several missing or damaged teeth, your dentist can place implants or crowns, which then support a bridge.

Bridges can be a more suitable option than crowns depending on where you have missing teeth. The experienced professionals at Swinney Dental use nonmetallic materials for discreet results.

What is the process to place a bridge?

Bridges require 2-3 appointments depending on the necessary preparation. Your dentist must remove some of the enamel from the surrounding teeth to fit the bridge. If your dentist is using crowns, your dentist must install the crowns before placing the bridge.

Once your teeth are ready to accommodate the bridge, your dentist takes impressions. A dental lab uses the impressions to create a bridge that precisely fits your teeth. At your next appointment, once your permanent bridge is ready, your dentist bonds it to your teeth or crowns.

For more information about crowns and bridges, call Swinney Dental or use the online booking tool today.