Dental Crowns & Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

A dental crown is also called a "cap" and is placed on top of a damaged tooth. It’s sculpted to the shape of the original tooth and enhances both the appearance and stability. The crown acts as a protective covering and is sealed in place with dental cement.

A bridge is a set of natural-looking prosthetic teeth and is used to “bridge” gaps in your smile. Often replacing one or several missing teeth, bridges are made to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Dr. Ranzinger typically bonds your bridge with a special dental adhesive to surrounding teeth. These teeth act as stabilizing anchors that hold your bridge in place.

Why would I need a crown or bridge?

There are a variety of reasons the experienced dentists at Blakeney Dental may suggest a crown or a bridge. A crown can cover a dark or misshapen tooth or a dental implant. Bridges are used to replace missing teeth and improve your smile.  

However, both crowns and bridges can do more than improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can protect and hold together a weak tooth. Teeth with large fillings and little natural tooth remaining are especially susceptible to breaking, but a crown can prevent this from happening.

Bridges, on the other hand, help prevent teeth from shifting into empty spaces. When your teeth shift unnaturally, they become harder to clean, more susceptible to decay, leading to gum disease or jaw problems.

What type of crown is best for my teeth?

There are a variety of dental crown materials to consider. Crowns can be made from:

• Stainless steel

• Gold or another alloy

• Porcelain fused to metal

• Resin

• Ceramic

The choice of material depends on a range of factors. Dr. Ranzinger and his team can help you decide which option is best for you, based on cost, appearance, and durability.

Bridges are typically made out of porcelain fused to metal or ceramics. These materials blend in easily with your existing teeth making your smile look natural.

What should I expect when I get a crown or a bridge?

Under the careful care of the Blakeney Dental Center professionals, a dental crown or bridge is a relatively simple procedure. It typically involves two visits. At the first appointment, X-rays are taken so that Dr. Ranzinger can evaluate the area of interest.

Next, Dr. Ranzinger applies a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area to minimize any discomfort. Your tooth will be filed down or built up so that the crown or bridge will fit properly and securely. Then, Dr. Ranzinger takes an impression of your tooth so a dental lab can create a custom crown or bridge.

At your second visit, Dr. Ranzinger bonds your permanent crown or bridge. Crowns get bonded directly to the tooth, while bridges are either attached to implants or bonded to surrounding teeth to help hold it in place.

A crown or bridge is nothing to fear. Contact the professional team at Blakeney Dental Center by phone or schedule a consultation online today.