Crowns and Bridges
Dental Crowns and bridges are restorations that repair broken, damaged, or missing teeth and restore them back to full functionality.
Dental technology has come a long way in the last few years. It used to be that dental crowns and bridges left noticeable signs of their presence – often in the form of the telltale gray line right at the gumline. If you or somebody you know has older crowns, you are probably familiar with this marking.
Modern dental crowns and bridges are carefully crafted to look just like your own natural teeth. Once your restorations are in place, the only people who will know the difference are you and Dr. Grizzle!
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have a range of uses. From protecting damaged or weakened teeth to covering a discolored or misshapen tooth to restoring a dental implant, dental crowns can fix a variety of cosmetic and functional concerns. Dental crowns are also often used to hold other restorations, including bridges, partials, and dentures, in place.
Before a crown can be placed, your tooth must be shaped so that the crown fits in with the rest of your teeth. Once your tooth has been shaped, we will take impressions and photographs, which are then sent to a trusted lab that will create your crown. We may fit you with a temporary crown for your comfort.
When your crown is ready, return to our office, and we will place the crown and check the fit. At that point, you are free to continue on with your life and enjoy your restored functionality.
Dental Bridges
Dental Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. Many patients find a dental bridge to be a simple and affordable solution, and they are typically covered by dental insurance. Like crowns, bridges are designed to blend in well with your other teeth so that nobody can tell the difference.
The bridge consists of artificial teeth held in place by crowns fitted over the adjacent teeth or dental implants. You’ll be fitted for your bridge in the same way that we would fit you for a crown (including shaping the teeth if your bridge will be held in place this way). If your bridge will be held in place by dental implants, we will refer you to an oral surgeon, who will place your implants.
Caring for Your Restorations
While your crowns and the teeth in your bridge cannot develop cavities or decay, your other teeth still can. Crowns and bridges are designed to be durable, but they can still stain and become damaged in some situations. Additionally, plaque and tartar can build up on the surface of crowns and bridges and lead to gum disease.
We’ll help you set up a home-care routine that is easy to stick to. Continue to see us for regular examinations and cleanings so we can monitor the condition of your crowns or bridge. Of course, if you ever break a crown or experience a similar problem, call our office immediately for a same-day emergency appointment.
To learn more about dental crowns and bridges or to discuss your restoration options, please call 281-980-4104 today to schedule an appointment with Sugar Land dentist Dr. Reagan Grizzle.