CARY DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES
RESTORE DAMAGED OR MISSING TEETH
CROWNS & BRIDGES
If you have a tooth that has been damaged by decay or an oral injury, a dental crown can restore and protect its structure. Dental crowns can also be used to create a dental bridge and replace one or more missing teeth. Together, crowns and bridges are effective, versatile options for patients looking to restore a wide range of issues.
WHEN CROWNS ARE NECESSARY
PROTECT YOUR DAMAGED TOOTH
Dental crowns are used to cover up and protect damaged teeth, and they are beautifully-crafted from porcelain to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Usually, crowns are required if you have a large cavity that cannot be treated with a filling, or if you have had root canal therapy and need a supportive structure to protect your tooth from further damage. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes to cover up teeth that are slightly damaged, misshapen, stained, or have other cosmetic flaws.
WHAT TO EXPECT
THE DENTAL
CROWN PROCESS
The crown placement process is minimally-invasive and only takes two appointments. To begin the process, one of our dentists will numb and clean the area. Sedation may be administered, if you choose, to help keep you comfortable and avoid any dental anxiety. Then, any damaged enamel is removed from your tooth to create a healthy, stable platform for your dental crown. Impressions and images are taken of your mouth and sent to an outside lab where a custom dental crown is made to match your teeth perfectly. After this appointment, you’ll be sent home with a temporary crown until your permanent restoration arrives at our office. When we receive your permanent crown, you’ll come back to our office for your final appointment. One of our dentists will attach the crown to your tooth using a special dental cement, and you'll leave our office with a beautiful, fresh smile.
UNDERSTANDING DENTAL BRIDGES
HOW BRIDGES
REPLACE MISSING TEETH
Dental bridges are comprised of two dental crowns and a false tooth. The dental crowns are attached to healthy teeth on either side of the gap that is left behind from your missing tooth, and this creates a bridge. The bridge holds a dental crown in place to restore the function and beauty of your smile. Bridges are a cost-effective way to get your smile back if you have one or more missing teeth, and this option is typically more comfortable and stable than partial dentures.
HOW IT WORKS
DENTAL BRIDGE TREATMENT
To begin the treatment, your mouth will be numbed and your abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap) will be prepared to receive a dental bridge. Impressions and images are then taken of your mouth and used to craft your customized bridge. We’ll give you a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent restoration is manufactured.
When your permanent bridge arrives, one of our dentists will check to make sure that it fits perfectly, and bond into place using powerful dental cement. After your final appointment, you’ll leave our office with a complete, confident smile.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BRIDGES VS.
OTHER REPLACEMENT OPTIONS
Dental bridges can restore a patient’s smile if a tooth has been knocked-out or extracted due to extensive damage or decay. Bridges are a great replacement option if your jaw bone is not strong or sufficient enough to support a permanent dental implant. Bridges are also less invasive than implant surgery, which means that are an ideal choice for patients who fear more extensive dental procedures. At Enamel Dentistry, we use high-quality materials and our skilled dentists ensure that your bridge will be durable and look beautiful.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
HOW TO CARE FOR CROWNS & BRIDGES
Caring for a dental crown is just like caring for your natural teeth. It’s important to brush twice per day and floss once per day because crowns can become decayed and infected without proper care. Other than daily oral hygiene and routine preventive care at Urban Smiles Dental, there is no special care required for crowns!
Regular brushing and flossing are also key to taking proper care of dental bridges. To clean around your bridge, it’s important to floss between the gum and the base of the bridge using a soft back-and-forth motion. This will ensure that all plaque is removed from under your false tooth.
