Crowns and bridges offer durable, functional, and attractive options for people who have broken or missing teeth. At Paradise Dental Associates, we design each of your dental crown and bridge restorations for function and a natural appeal. We also offer same-day crown treatment for certain candidates.
What are Dental Crowns?
When your smile is too damaged to repair with a small filling, a crown offers added reinforcement. Sometimes called “caps,” crowns cover the entire tooth above the gum tissues.
Placing a crown over broken or severely decaying teeth helps prolong the overall lifespan and function of your tooth. Since it disperses biting pressure evenly, you can enjoy a wide variety of food textures without worrying about additional tooth breakage.
Traditional and same-day CEREC® crown options are available.
Do I Need a Dental Crown?
You may need a full-coverage crown if you have a large cavity, severe fracture or crack in your tooth, recently completed endodontic (root canal) treatment, or are replacing a large, old metal filling.
Crowns are often the last restorative option for teeth that are structurally compromised. Without timely treatment, they may break past the point of repair and need to be removed. During your dental exam, we’ll take an X-ray of your tooth to determine the full extent of any damage or decay. At that point, we can recommend whether a crown is in your best interest.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Fixed dental bridges are a traditional solution for replacing missing teeth. The bridge—which looks like a set of 3-4 teeth—is anchored on top of supporting teeth on either side. Bridges fill in the open space and also provide added protection, similar to crowns, for the teeth that support them.
Bridges can also be attached on top of dental implants to prevent the need for a partial denture. A traditional bridge can replace one or two teeth, whereas implant bridges can restore up to four teeth or more.
Candidates for Bridge Treatment
In order to qualify for a conventional dental bridge, there need to be healthy, structurally-sound teeth on either side of the missing one. Our Salem dentists will need to screen for any gum disease or decay in the supporting teeth before recommending bridge treatment. If you lack appropriate support, another option like dental implants may be appropriate.
What to Expect During Treatment
Our traditional crowns and bridges usually require two separate appointments to complete. The first is a preparation visit, and the second appointment is the final placement. We also offer CEREC® same-day options for patients who qualify.
Each of our custom restorations is crafted from durable materials that match the color of your natural smile. That way, you can feel confident around other people, whether you’re talking, laughing, or having a photo taken.
Same Day CEREC® Crown Treatment
Thanks to revolutionary 3D CAD/CAM imaging resources, we’re able to design, fit, and deliver your new crown in just one appointment.
CEREC® utilizes chairside-assisted digital scanning and milling resources, allowing us to bypass the use of an offsite dental lab. Instead, we capture a digitized version of your smile (like a virtual impression) and input it into our planning software. Then our Salem dentist selects a matching shade of ceramic. CEREC® then custom-mills the restoration while you wait—or catch up on other dental work—for us to install it the same day.
Your new CEREC® restoration will be made from solid ceramic for optimal aesthetics as well as function.
Implant Crowns and Bridges
If you have missing teeth, Paradise Dental Associates will pair your custom crown or bridge with dental implants to permanently restore your smile. Since implants function as the “root” portion of your new teeth, each one will need to be covered with a corresponding crown or bridge.
How to Get the Most Out of Your New Restoration
The better you maintain your new restoration, the longer it will last. It’s important to care for crowns and bridges the same way you would natural teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are key. For bridges, be sure to use a floss threader or water floss to clean underneath them daily.
We also recommend wearing a nightguard or bite splint when you sleep if you’re prone to clenching or grinding your teeth.
No-Obligation Treatment Plans
When you visit Paradise Dental Associates, our Salem dentists talk with you about the best restorative plan for your broken or missing teeth. You can take all the time you want to review your care options without feeling pressured. Once you’re ready to get started, we’ll be happy to help!
