What You Need to Know About
Dental Crowns and Bridges

Missing or damaged teeth can be a serious issue for our patients, and here at Pike Smiles, we take them very seriously. Fortunately, our crowns and bridges can help you restore your smile. Here’s what you need to know.

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are a great option for restoring missing or badly damaged teeth. In addition to making your smile look like new, crowns and bridges will help patients with chewing and speaking.

A dental crown is used when a tooth has a very large filling that exceeds its structure, a tooth had root canal therapy, or for cosmetic reasons. A crown can be installed over a tooth as a cap or attached to a dental implant to replace missing teeth.

Dental bridges are used in cases where there are one more missing teeth. Bridges consist of one or more replacement teeth that bridge the gap that was created when the original tooth or teeth were lost. Bridges are secured using either abutment crowns on each end or permanently installed precision metal mechanisms.

How Will They Look?

Dentists work to ensure your dental crowns and bridges blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth and will function like natural teeth. Each part of a dental bridge is custom designed to make sure it looks natural and performs correctly.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Getting a dental crown or bridge usually requires at least two visits to the dentist. In the first visit, the dentist will make an impression of the teeth which are then sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary crown may also be installed at this time.

Once the crown or bridge is ready, the patient can return to make sure it fits properly and have it placed.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental crowns and bridges, or think they may be the right option for you, call our office today at (703)533-8200.