RESTORATIVE DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES IN NEW ORLEANS
Dentist New Orleans
For a severely damaged, decayed, or missing tooth, two common restorative procedures are a dental crown and bridge. This treatment restores the form and function of the affected tooth to help you speak and smile with full confidence once again. Keep reading to learn more about dental crowns and bridges from the team at Canatella Dental!
WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that fits securely around the affected tooth. It is bonded on top of the tooth and can only be removed by your dentist. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain/ceramic, gold, or metal alloys.
The material that is right for you depends on the location of the tooth as well as your personal preference.
Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to fix the following issues:
- A broken tooth
- A weak or worn tooth
- A severely decayed tooth
- Severe discoloration or staining of a tooth
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WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
A dental bridge is a sturdy solution for one, two, or several consecutively missing teeth. It works like an actual bridge — a dental crown is placed on each tooth surrounding the gap, and replacement teeth (or “pontics”) fill in the space between. This restorative option offers a number of benefits after tooth loss, including:
- Keeps the surrounding teeth from drifting out of place
- Restores the form and function of the smile
- Promotes better oral health
TREATMENT PROCESS FOR A CROWN OR BRIDGE
Traditional dental crowns and bridges are placed in 2 visits to your dentist. A week or two will separate the appointments; this time is necessary for the restoration to be prepared in our partner laboratory.
In the first visit, each tooth that is receiving a crown will be reshaped to accommodate the new restoration. An impression is then taken for the lab and a temporary crown(s) will cover the prepared tooth/teeth in the time between appointments.
Once your crown or bridge has been prepared, you return to our office for its final placement. We will remove the temporary and check the new restoration to make sure it fits just like it should. After any final adjustments are made, we will place the crown or bridge — and you will get the first look at your new smile!
CARING FOR A DENTAL CROWN OR BRIDGE
Keeping up with excellent oral hygiene after your crown or bridge has been placed is important for making sure that it lasts for years and years to come. With proper care, you can expect the crown or bridge to last for up to 20 years. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist as recommended for follow-up visits. If a problem occurs with your crown or bridge, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR RESTORATIVE OPTIONS
If you have a broken, decayed, or otherwise damaged tooth, you may need a crown or bridge. The only way to find out for sure is to schedule an appointment with your dentist — and we invite you to contact the team at Canatella Dental today!
