Crowns And Bridges Specialist

Crowns & Bridges Q & A

What are dental crowns?

The Etruscan civilization was the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth. In fact, the materials they used — ivory, gold, and bones — were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were invented.

Today, custom-fitted porcelain dental crowns and bridges still play a significant role in replacing damaged or missing teeth. And thanks to the porcelain material, bridges and crowns are made to fit in seamlessly with your existing teeth in both color and shape.

With crowns — also known as caps — your dentist places a prosthetic over your natural tooth structure or dental implant. To fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, your caring dentists use bridges, which are anchored in place by your natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable as they are cemented into place.

With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years — even a lifetime.

Is a crown or bridge right for me?

If you have a tooth that’s damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge is the better option.

What should I expect when I have my crown or bridge placed?

If you’re a candidate for a crown or bridge, your dentist at Skyview Dentistry reduces your tooth (or teeth) to ensure a proper fit. The dentist then takes an impression of your bite, which is used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge.

While the dental lab is making your crown or bridge, you’re fitted with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Your teeth need time to heal following the crown and bridge placement process, so it’s normal for you to experience some sensitivity — especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience some soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.

If you’d like to learn more about how dental crowns and bridges can restore your smile, in both form and function, call Skyview Dentistry or use the online booking tool to set up an appointment.