Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and bridges both provide long-term fixes for those who have broken teeth or have lost one or more teeth. A crown is a permanent prosthetic device that is used to fit on top of, or cap a damaged tooth, or cover an implant. Often shaped like the top of a tooth, a crown serves the biting or grinding purpose of the original tooth, allowing the patient restored use of the tooth. Crowns are commonly used after a root canal procedure to ensure the strength and protection of the tooth.

Bridges are used to replace one or more teeth. They are artificial teeth that are custom made and then cemented in place to the original teeth in the area of the mouth that needs to be filled. Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanently fixed into place and supported by existing teeth. They are permanent restorations and are cared for and function much like the original teeth.

Enjoy an Improved Appearance and Full Tooth Function

Crowns and bridges both serve several important functions. First and foremost, they improve the cosmetic appearance for the patient. Well-designed crowns and bridges are virtually impossible to distinguish from natural teeth. They restore the full ability of the mouth to bite and chew with a restored set of teeth, easing the burden on existing teeth. Bridges also serve the important function of preventing existing teeth from shifting out of place due to the gap created by missing teeth. Full smiles can give you the confidence you’re looking for.

Other conditions, such as large cavities or cracked teeth, are common causes of pain and the need for emergency dental attention. Often these conditions exist for quite some time before they become symptomatic, but when they do become symptomatic, they can be extremely painful. This is one of the reasons we recommend routine detailed exams to find these conditions before they become painful.

The failure of previously installed dental work is sometimes the cause of emergency situations also. Dental restorations don’t always last forever, and sometimes choose just the wrong time to break or become loose. Infections in teeth or abscesses that have become inflamed need to be taken care of immediately.