Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are just two of the restoration options we offer at Lanie Family Dentistry for damaged or missing teeth.
Dental Crowns
A crown, sometimes referred to as a “cap,” is a complete covering for a tooth that is used to restore functionality to a tooth that has suffered damage.
When is a crown needed?
Crowns are one of many options available for restoring teeth and may be an option when bonding or other more conservative treatments are not an option. This includes cases where a tooth has extensive tooth decay, a crack that threatens the structural integrity of the tooth, or after root canal therapy has been performed.
Crowns cover the entirety of the exposed portion of the tooth. They are made from porcelain and fashioned to look just like the top of a natural tooth.
What does getting a crown involve?
Traditional porcelain crowns may take more than one visit to complete. Dr. Lanie will first prepare the tooth in question to be able to receive a crown. After this, an impression of the tooth will be made, allowing the creation of a crown that will be a perfect match for your tooth.
This impression will be sent to a dental lab where the crown will be created in a shade that will match well with your other teeth. While waiting for the crown to be created, you will be fitted with a temporary restoration to protect your tooth until your next visit, at which point your final crown will be bonded into place.
How do I care for my crown?
The lifespan of your crown can depend on how well you take care of it. Remember: the crown is still protecting a living tooth that needs the same care as the rest of your teeth. Be sure to continue to brush twice a day and floss in order to eliminate plaque from the area where the crown meets your gums and prevent gum disease.
It’s best to avoid biting into hard food or other objects which might damage your crown (such as fingernails). Let Dr. Lanie know if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, as this should be addressed to help protect, not only your crown, but all of your teeth from damage.
Dental Bridges – Porcelain Fixed Bridges
What is a fixed bridge?
When a tooth is missing, it can often lead to problems. These can include changes in occlusion (your bite), shifting of the surrounding teeth, and a higher risk of additional issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder).
In cases where only one or a few teeth are missing, Dr. Lanie may suggest a dental restoration known as a fixed bridge.
A porcelain fixed bridge will place one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, in the gap created by the missing tooth/teeth. These pontics will be held in place by dental crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap.
What is involved in getting a bridge?
Getting a fixed bridge will take more than one appointment. Your mouth will first be assessed by one of the dentists to ensure that it is healthy enough for the procedure, and any outstanding issues will be addressed. X-rays will be taken, the surrounding teeth will be prepared, and an impression will be made of your teeth, from which the bridge will be designed. You will be provided a temporary bridge while the final one is being manufactured.
Once the dental lab has created your final bridge, you will need to return to our office to have the bridge placed.
How do I care for a fixed bridge?
Your dental restoration should last for years, provided you take proper care of it. We will provide you with care instructions on how best to take care of your bridge. Brushing twice a day and flossing, as always, is necessary. In order to floss around the pontic, you will likely need a special floss threader. Feel free to speak with our team to go over the proper oral hygiene techniques.
