Crowns & Bridges Specialist

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that repair decaying, damaged, or missing teeth. 

Crowns

A dental crown is a synthetic cap bonded to the top of a damaged or decaying tooth. Once placed, it covers the entire portion of enamel above your gum line, restoring your tooth to its near-original appearance, shape, and size.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a restoration that literally “bridges” a gap in your smile. Bridges feature one (or several) artificial teeth held in place with one or two crowns or a metal framework. Your Central Avenue Dental provider bonds the crowns or framework to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap.

What types of issues do crowns and bridges treat?

Central Avenue Dental uses crowns and bridges to:

• Treat deep decay
• Replace missing teeth
• Cover dental implants
• Make cosmetic modifications
• Restore broken or severely worn-down teeth

You might also benefit from a crown if you undergo root canal therapy. A crown covers the top of your treated tooth, preventing harmful bacteria from reinfecting your root canal.

What does getting crowns and bridges involve?

At Central Avenue Dental, getting crowns and bridges requires two appointments spaced a week apart.

First appointment

Before recommending a crown or a bridge, your Central Avenue Dental provider conducts an oral exam and takes oral X-rays. Your provider uses the X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or decay and to develop a custom treatment plan.

If you need a crown, your provider administers a local anesthetic, removes the decaying portion of your tooth, and takes a series of impressions. Afterward, your provider sends your impressions to a dental laboratory that manufactures your custom crown.

If you need a bridge, your provider administers a local anesthetic and prepares the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile to receive crowns or the metal framework. Afterward, your provider takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental laboratory that designs and manufactures your custom bridge.

Second appointment

When the dental lab finishes your crown or bridge, you return to Central Avenue Dental. Your provider administers a local anesthetic, lines the restoration up, and bonds it in place. Afterward, they polish your teeth, make necessary adjustments, and provide care instructions.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

Crowns and bridges last an average of 12-15 years*, but it’s possible to extend their lifespan. Central Avenue Dental recommends:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing before you go to bed at night
• Avoiding bad habits like nail-biting or biting down on hard objects like ice cubes
• Wearing a mouthguard to prevent chips, cracks, and other damage

In addition, visit Central Avenue Dental at least once every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To learn more about the benefits of crowns and bridges, make an appointment at Central Avenue Dental by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.

*Individual results may vary.