Dental Crowns and Bridges
At Lake Five Dentistry, we aim to help you and your family keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. Unfortunately, missing and damaged teeth are a reality for many people, so it’s essential to understand your dental options to restore your smile’s beauty and function.
Both dental crowns and dental bridges are commonly used to restore or replace broken, damaged, or missing teeth. Keep reading to learn how dental crowns and bridges can give you a natural-looking, durable smile.
Dental Crowns in Colgate
A dental crown is essentially a porcelain cap covering your entire tooth; it reaches your gum line and strengthens your tooth if it is damaged or weakened. A dental crown is a way to keep your natural tooth intact while restoring its function and aesthetics.
In our dental office, we recommend a dental crown if you have any of the following dental concerns:
- A broken or cracked tooth
- A decayed tooth where the decay is too deep for a composite filling
- A large dental filling that is broken or lost
- A final restoration for a dental implant
- A final restoration after root canal therapy
- A chipped, stained, or discolored tooth that needs cosmetic dentistry
Bridging the Gap with Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by using your natural teeth to anchor one or more artificial teeth. By placing a dental crown on either side of your missing teeth and attaching your dental bridge to those crowns, we can “bridge the gap” in your smile and restore its function and beauty.
Replacing your missing teeth will allow you to eat your favorite foods again and give you the confidence to smile in pictures. We can create a dental bridge to blend with your natural teeth, making it look and feel natural.
What’s the Procedure for Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Whether you need a dental crown or a dental bridge, the procedure is similar in that it usually takes two dental appointments to complete. Here’s what you can expect:
Preparation
The first appointment will be to prepare your teeth for the dental crown or bridge and take impressions to send to the dental lab. We will also make a temporary restoration for you to wear until your permanent restoration is ready.
Placement
Once the dental lab has finished creating your dental crown or bridge, we will remove your temporary restoration and attach your dental crown or bridge. After placement, we will check your bit to ensure a proper fit.
Caring for Your Dental Crown or Bridge
Once you have a dental crown or bridge, you want it to last as long as possible, so practicing good dental hygiene habits is essential to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily, paying careful attention to where your dental crown or dental bridge is located.
In addition, be sure to make and keep your regular appointments for dental exams and cleanings to ensure the longevity of your dental restoration.
Contact Your Lake Five Dentistry Team Today
If you think dental crowns and bridges can improve your smile, we want to hear from you! At Lake Five Dentistry, we strive to help the Colgate community achieve the best oral health possible, so contact us at (262) 628-0555 to schedule a consultation or an appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you.
