Month: August 2020

A dental crown is a porcelain cap that either covers a natural tooth or is placed on top of a dental implant. This type of dental restoration is an excellent option for a single missing or damaged tooth. At Smith Dentalworks, we consider both form and function to help ensure your new tooth crown looks and feels natural. We will also discuss the process with you so you understand what to expect. Each case may be a little different depending on your specific circumstances, but the general elements are relatively similar.

The process of getting a crown:

For a Missing Tooth

Dental Implant

If you are getting a crown to replace a missing tooth, you will also need a dental implant. This is a titanium post that is placed in your jaw and acts as an artificial tooth root. It helps support your jaw health while also providing a strong base for your crown. Your dental implant will be placed by an oral surgeon. We will attach a temporary crown, depending on your circumstances. After a few months, the implant will heal and integrate with your bone and we will be able to proceed with the rest of the process.

Exam and Impressions

At our dental office, we will examine your implant to make sure it is ready for the crown. We will then take impressions to make sure the crown will fit properly and we will match the color and shape of the crown to surrounding teeth. A dental lab will fabricate the porcelain crown which usually takes a few weeks.

Final Tooth Crown Placement

When your crown is complete, you will return to our office for the final placement. In the case of dental implants, this can be accomplished either with an abutment or a screw. We work to ensure that the crown looks natural and that you are satisfied with its appearance. After the crown is placed, you can begin enjoying your new smile.

For a Damaged Tooth

Tooth Crown Preparation

We can usually complete dental crowns to cover damaged teeth over the course of two visits. During the first visit, we will examine your tooth and make sure a crown is the best option for restoration. If it is, we will prepare the tooth by shaping it. We use our Solea Laser and other state-of-the-art technology to make this process pain-free. Once the tooth is shaped, we will take a digital impression, match the color and shape of your crown to nearby teeth, and send this information to the dental lab. While you wait for your permanent crown, we will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

Dental Crown Placement

At your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and then attach the permanent porcelain crown to your tooth. We will make sure the fit is secure and that you are happy with the appearance of your new tooth.

Restore Your Smile at Smith Dentalworks

Smith Dentalworks provides compassionate and skilled dental care. We can use a dental crown to replace a missing tooth or to cover a damaged tooth.

Contact us today to discuss the process of getting a tooth crown.

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, a dental bridge is one possible solution. This restoration consists of two dental crowns, either placed on natural teeth or supported by dental implants, with one or more artificial teeth suspended between them. This option can restore your smile both visually and functionally.

Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant

To replace one tooth, your two main options are a bridge or a dental implant topped with a crown. A bridge uses the natural teeth on either side of the gap to support a false tooth in the middle. A surgeon will then place a dental implant in your jaw where the original tooth used to be. Your dentist will then top the implant with a crown. If you have a larger gap you need to fill, you can also use two dental implants as support for a dental bridge.

Which Type of Restoration is Right for You?

Both bridges and implants can be beneficial, so which is best for you depends on your unique situation. In general, a dental implant is a good choice for a long-term solution. This is because it continues to stimulate your jaw, which prevents bone loss. Bridges have the benefit of typically taking less time to place and may be a better fit if you already have teeth needing crowns on both sides of a gap or if existing bone loss makes dental implant surgery more difficult. In order to get a dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap must be strong enough to support the bridge and have long enough roots.

The Process of Getting a Dental Bridge

If you are getting a dental bridge using natural teeth as supports, we will typically complete the process in two appointments. Note that if you are getting dental implants as well, the surgery will be completed separately and your implants will need to fully heal before we can proceed with the final bridge placement.

First Appointment

During your first appointment, we will prepare your teeth for the bridge and will take impressions that will be sent to a dental lab. We will also match the shade of your bridge to your natural teeth and will make sure you are happy with the color choice before moving forward. To protect your natural teeth while you wait for the permanent restoration, we can fit you with a temporary bridge.

Second Appointment

Once your bridge is ready, you will come in for a second appointment where we will actually place the final restoration. We will make sure that everything fits perfectly and that you love your new smile. We will also go over care instructions to help ensure that your bridge lasts for as long as possible.

Restorative Dentistry at Smith Dentalworks

Missing teeth can have a huge impact on your confidence and can make it harder to eat and speak. A dental bridge is one way to restore your smile and improve your oral health.

Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss getting a dental bridge.