Dental Crowns and Bridges offered in San Fernando, CA

Dental crowns and bridges are restorative dental treatments used to repair damaged teeth or replace missing teeth. They are commonly made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, and are designed to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

1. Dental Crowns

A. What Are Dental Crowns?

  • Description: A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made covering that encases the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. Crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of the tooth.
  • Purpose: Crowns are typically used when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling or other less extensive treatment. They provide structural support and protect the tooth from further damage.

B. When Are Crowns Needed?

  • Severely Decayed Teeth: When a tooth has a large cavity that can’t be filled, a crown can provide the necessary protection.
  • Cracked or Broken Teeth: Crowns can hold together cracked teeth and prevent further damage.
  • After Root Canal Therapy: A tooth that has undergone a root canal is often weakened and needs a crown to restore its strength and function.
  • Cosmetic Improvement: Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
  • Tooth Replacement: Crowns are used in conjunction with dental implants to replace missing teeth.

C. Types of Crowns

  • Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns:
    • Appearance: These crowns are tooth-colored and can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them ideal for front teeth.
    • Durability: While aesthetically pleasing, they may not be as strong as metal-based crowns.
  • Metal Crowns (Gold, Silver, or Other Alloys):
    • Durability: Extremely durable and resistant to wear, making them suitable for molars.
    • Appearance: Less aesthetically pleasing due to their metallic color.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns:
    • Combination: These crowns have a metal base with a porcelain overlay, offering both strength and a more natural appearance.
    • Durability: Stronger than all-ceramic crowns, but the metal can sometimes show through at the gum line.
  • Zirconia Crowns:
    • Durability and Appearance: Zirconia crowns are strong, durable, and tooth-colored, offering a balance between aesthetics and strength.

D. The Procedure for Getting a Crown

  1. Initial Consultation:
    • Evaluation: The dentist evaluates the tooth and determines if a crown is the best treatment option.
    • Impression: An impression of the tooth is made, or a digital scan is taken to create a custom crown.
  2. Tooth Preparation:
    • Shaping: The dentist removes a portion of the tooth’s outer structure to make room for the crown.
    • Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready.
  3. Crown Placement:
    • Fitting: Once the custom crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is checked for fit and color.
    • Cementing: The crown is permanently cemented onto the prepared tooth.
  4. Aftercare:
    • Care Instructions: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintain the crown’s longevity.

2. Dental Bridges

A. What Are Dental Bridges?

  • Description: A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between two teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns attached to the adjacent natural teeth (abutment teeth) or dental implants.
  • Purpose: Bridges restore the function and appearance of missing teeth, helping to maintain facial structure, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, and improve chewing and speaking abilities.

B. Types of Dental Bridges

  • Traditional Bridges:
    • Structure: Composed of one or more pontics held in place by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth.
    • Material: Typically made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
  • Cantilever Bridges:
    • Structure: Similar to traditional bridges but supported by a crown on only one adjacent tooth, rather than two.
    • Use: Suitable when only one natural tooth is available next to the gap.
  • Maryland Bonded Bridges:
    • Structure: Consist of a pontic supported by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
    • Use: Less invasive, as it does not require the adjacent teeth to be crowned.
  • Implant-Supported Bridges:
    • Structure: The bridge is supported by dental implants rather than crowns on natural teeth.
    • Durability: Provides strong and stable support, especially for multiple missing teeth.

C. The Procedure for Getting a Bridge

  1. Initial Consultation:
    • Evaluation: The dentist assesses the gap and the health of the adjacent teeth or implants.
    • Impression: An impression or digital scan is taken to design the custom bridge.
  2. Tooth Preparation (if applicable):
    • Shaping: The adjacent teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge.
  3. Bridge Placement:
    • Fitting: The custom bridge is checked for fit and appearance.
    • Cementing: The bridge is permanently cemented onto the prepared teeth or attached to implants.
  4. Aftercare:
    • Care Instructions: Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent decay under the crowns and maintain the health of the bridge.

3. Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

  • Restored Function: Crowns and bridges restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently.
  • Aesthetic Improvement: Both crowns and bridges are designed to blend in with natural teeth, improving the overall appearance of your smile.
  • Preventive Care: By covering damaged teeth and filling gaps, these restorations help prevent further dental issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or shifting of adjacent teeth.
  • Durability: With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years, providing long-term solutions for dental issues.

4. Risks and Considerations

  • Tooth Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity after the crown or bridge is placed.
  • Potential for Decay: The teeth underneath crowns and bridges can still be susceptible to decay, especially if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
  • Cost: Crowns and bridges can be expensive, particularly if multiple teeth need treatment. However, they are often covered by dental insurance plans.

Conclusion

Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorative options that provide both functional and aesthetic benefits for damaged or missing teeth. They help preserve the natural tooth structure, restore proper function, and improve the appearance of your smile. Consulting with a dentist can help determine the best type of crown or bridge for your specific needs.