Crowns and Bridges From Precision Dentistry of Olympia Provide a Great Restorative Dental Solution That Lasts
Do you have a chipped, badly decayed, heavily restored, or missing tooth? No need to worry! Dental crowns and bridges could be the affordable, restorative solutions you’re looking for, helping strengthen your tooth, restore its normal shape, and close any gaps between your teeth!
At Precision Dentistry of Olympia, our conservative approach to dentistry always aims to save your natural teeth, giving them another chance to survive and restore their natural appearance and performance. We are also committed to providing many affordable restorative options that both fit your budget and maintain good oral health!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a restorative treatment used to preserve badly decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth. These caps are usually made of porcelain, ceramics, or zirconia since these materials match the natural color of your teeth and are strong enough to allow for proper chewing. They could be a good choice to save weakened teeth and avoid extractions.
How Are Dental Bridges Different From Crowns?
Both dental crowns and bridges are restorative treatments. While dental crowns primarily cover and protect individual damaged teeth, dental bridges are specifically designed to replace one or more missing teeth, effectively closing the gap caused by tooth loss. A dental bridge consists of three or more adjacent crowns or units bonded to the natural teeth (abutments) located on each side of the gap. These abutments are prepared and shaped to provide support for the bridge.
How Do I Know If I Need A Dental Crown?
Since dental crowns can be used for a wide variety of conditions, dental crowns will usually be recommended in the following cases:
Badly Decayed Teeth
Extensive tooth decay or dental caries can significantly weaken your teeth, so Dr. Xu advises his patients to get a dental crown after receiving a large permanent filling.
Root Canal Treatment
Once the caries or tooth decay progresses deeper into the pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove this inflamed pulp. Dental crowns are often used to protect the entire tooth structure from further damage.
Over a Dental Implant
Dental implants are often the most suitable restorative treatment for missing teeth. After the implant is securely fitted into the jawbone, crowns are placed over the implant abutment, rejuvenating your teeth’ appearance and capability.
Certain Cosmetic Purposes
For patients with severely discolored teeth, teeth whitening or veneers may not be the ideal option, so our team recommends dental crowns as a cosmetic solution to restore your natural, white smile.
What Is The Process Of Getting A Dental Crown Or Bridge?
The process of getting dental crowns or bridges has become easier and more comfortable, thanks to recent advancements in dentistry. After an initial consultation with Dr. Xu, you’ll get a clear idea of whether these restorative treatments are the right fit for you.
Both dental crowns and bridges follow similar steps, with just a few variations. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
Clinical Examinations
After taking a detailed medical history, our team performs extraoral and intraoral examinations to determine which dental treatment suits you.
Tooth Preparation
If you meet the criteria for a dental crown, our team prepares and shapes your tooth to receive the crown. On the other hand, if you have one or more missing teeth, Dr. Xu carefully prepares the two natural teeth or abutment adjacent to the gap to accommodate the new bridge.
Taking a Digital Impression
Intraoral scanners capture a 3D impression of the prepared teeth and the entire mouth. Our team then places temporary crowns to cover the prepared teeth, which helps reduce sensitivity and preserve the teeth until your next visit.
Bonding the Crown or Bridge to Your Teeth
Once your final prosthesis is milled, it’s then bonded to your prepared teeth. Dr. Xu then takes a final radiograph to ensure proper crown or bridge placement.
What Can I Expect After Receiving My Crown?
After receiving your crown, you can enjoy a stronger tooth, greater protection against fracture or loss, greatly improved aesthetics, and the ability to chew a variety of foods, all while maintaining a natural, healthy smile.
How Does A Dental Bridge Improve My Smile?
While dental bridges may not be the ideal choice for replacing one or more missing teeth since they are more invasive than dental implants, they still serve as an affordable restorative option. They help you restore your natural appearance, reduce the accumulation of food in gaps, and improve your ability to chew food more comfortably. Also, getting a dental bridge allows you to brush and floss properly, reducing the risk of tooth decay and other periodontal diseases.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
At Precision Dentistry of Olympia, we prioritize transparency with our patients and aim to offer a range of personalized restorative treatments that are budget-friendly and effective, enabling our patients to choose the option best suited to their needs. Dr. Xu often recommends the biomimetic approach, minimizing unnecessary drilling and tissue removal. That’s why we prefer dental implants over bridges: Implants are usually less invasive and more conservative in preserving natural teeth.
However, when considering the financial aspect, dental bridges still offer many benefits, including cost-effectiveness, restoring the function of the missing tooth, and bringing back your natural smile!
Don’t hesitate! Schedule your appointment with Dr. Xu today by calling (360) 995-0025 or clicking the button below.
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