Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are among the most common forms of restorative dentistry, but they’re also quite misunderstood by many nervous patients. Luckily, a dental crown procedure is quick, painless, and very important in achieving a happy and healthy smile! Learn more about the basics of our services and the benefits of receiving dental crowns and bridges in Bellevue, WA.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Both dental crowns and bridges are types of full-coverage restorations that typically treat more moderate or advanced stages of tooth decay and damage or cracks and fractures. Crowns can fit entirely over the tooth to protect the damaged tooth underneath. Crowns—or caps, as they are also called—are custom made by our expert lab technicians to appear aesthetically similar to your other teeth and are made of the strongest of materials. They are placed over reshaped teeth to protect the dental pulp, dentin, and remaining enamel (a reshaped tooth is a formally cracked or chipped tooth shaved down to fit a crown). Alternatively, dental bridges consist of multiple crowns and utilize existing teeth to support a replacement tooth for a missing tooth. Bridges are typically cheaper than a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Evidently, dental bridges are used in more extreme instances of oral damage or decay where a tooth has to be removed. Most bridges require maintenance and replacement every 10–12 years, but if well taken care of, they can last upwards of 20–30 years.
The Basics of a Dental Crown and Bridge Procedure
Dental crown and bridge operations are painless but do typically involve two separate appointments. During the first procedure, our team will numb up the affected area to ensure a pain-free process. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will reshape the tooth to allow a crown to fit over it. Once the preparation of the tooth is finished, a highly detailed impression is taken that allows our expert lab tech to make you the best fitting crown. This process usually takes two weeks and in the meantime, you will be wearing a “temporary” crown. Finally, we will insert the crown or bridge and secure it using highly effective dental cement. With a new strong tooth, our patients can eat and chew without fear for many years!
Contact our friendly team at Bellevue Hilltop Dental to learn more about receiving crowns and bridges and restorative dentistry overall; we’re eager to help you find the very best oral treatments for your specific needs!