Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Livermore, CA
Patients with damaged or missing teeth can regain the health benefits and appearance of functional teeth with the help of dental crowns. These are artificial caps that are fitted over a tooth or an implant abutment to provide structure.
Dental crowns are available at Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore and the surrounding area. Our dentists offer crowns and other options to help optimize dental health. Crowns are often offered as part of a larger treatment plan that considers each patient's medical history, oral health, and personal preferences.
Getting a crown can provide benefits in several types of situations. Consulting a qualified dentist about available options is critical in making the right decisions for your dental care. Call us at (925) 344-3993 to make an appointment.
What is a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?
A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth. This may be necessary when a natural tooth is broken, worn down, or structurally weak. A crown can also be placed on a tooth that has a large filling, which can weaken its structure. Crowns can also be used cosmetically to cover a tooth when the patient is unhappy with its color or shape.
We also place crowns to support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is used to replace one or several missing teeth. It consists of the replacement tooth or teeth on a framework, which attaches to teeth on either side. This framework can be permanent or removable. To support a bridge, the teeth on either side need to be fitted with crowns.
“A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth.”
How Dental Bridges Work with Dental Crowns
It is not uncommon for patients to get dental crowns to complete a dental bridge. According to WebMD, bridges fill in the gap left behind by a missing tooth. If a patient has a single missing tooth, dentists may restore it by creating a dental appliance that anchors to the two adjacent teeth. The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge. Reshaping these teeth involves removing much of the enamel. The abutment teeth are topped with dental crowns which attach to the new artificial tooth that makes up the middle piece of the bridge.
“The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge.”
Preparing for a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Patients who opt for a dental crown first need an appointment to prepare the tooth. Our dentist must make sure that the roots are in good shape. If X-rays and other examinations reveal decay or infection, a root canal may be necessary. The other preparation steps include the following:
- Shaping the tooth. If the tooth’s surface is mostly intact, the dentist removes some of the surfaces and sides by filing them down, which is usually done under local anesthetic. On the other hand, if there is not a lot of the tooth left, the dentist may need to use filling material to build it up instead.
- Taking impressions. Once the tooth is the right shape and size, our team takes an impression of the mouth using dental putty. An impression of both jaws is necessary to situate the crown and ensure correct bite alignment properly. The impression is sent to the dental lab to create a mold for making the crown.
- Making a temporary crown. It usually takes the dental lab about two or three weeks to make the permanent crown. In the meantime, our dentist creates a temporary crown from acrylic. It is attached with temporary cement and shields the tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.
“Patients who opt for a dental crown first need an appointment to prepare the tooth.”
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What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Once the permanent crown is ready, the patient comes in for the placement appointment. At this time, the dentist checks if the crown is the right shape and color. If the crown fits well, the dentist removes the temporary crown and attaches the permanent one with dental cement, which is typically performed under a local anesthetic.
“If the crown fits well, the dentist removes the temporary crown and attaches the permanent one with dental cement, which is typically performed under a local anesthetic.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do dental bridges work with dental crowns?
Q. What is entailed in the process before getting a dental crown?
Q. When it comes time to get the crown, what should be expected?
People Also Ask
Q. Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. When is a dental restoration necessary?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a dental crown last?
A. Crowns usually last between five and 15 years. Good oral hygiene can extend their lifetime towards the higher end of this range. Additionally, avoid putting stress on them by biting on hard foods or chewing ice.
Q. What should I do if my dental crown comes off?
A. WebMD recommends cleaning the crown and the accessible parts of the tooth. Call the dental office right away and follow the care instructions given until the appointment. In the meantime, it is possible to use dental adhesive or temporary dental cement to replace the crown. The dentist will either replace the crown permanently or order a new one.
Q. How should I take care of a temporary dental crown?
A. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the crown, if possible. Likewise, avoid hard or sticky foods that could pull off the crown. Follow a regular oral hygiene routine but avoid flossing up and down around the crown, as that could displace it.
Q. Is it possible to whiten a dental crown?
A. Regular tooth whiteners do not work on dental crowns. It is best to choose the preferred color before the crown is placed. Most crowns are made of porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. As a result, they do not discolor easily and should not present this problem once placed.
Q. Will my dental crown look like a real tooth?
A. Crowns are shaped to look like real teeth. We also strive to match them by color and ensure that they do not stand out among the natural teeth. While metal is sometimes used for crowns, it is generally reserved for teeth that are not visible.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us to Get More Details
Our dental crown options in Livermore give patients choices for tooth restoration. If you have concerns about your teeth, call us today at (925) 344-3993 to schedule a consultation regarding any questions you have about our dental crown services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
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