Dental Crowns & Dental Bridges in Tucson, AZ
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can restore teeth that are damaged, weakened, cracked, or extensively worn. A crown fits over the visible portion of a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function while helping protect the remaining healthy tooth structure. Crowns may be recommended when a tooth has significant decay, a large or failing filling, a fracture, or damage following root canal treatment. Dental bridges serve a different purpose: they replace one or more missing teeth by filling the space with an artificial tooth supported by neighboring teeth or other dental structures.
The right treatment depends on the condition of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. During your evaluation, our dentist can assess the affected area and explain which restorative option is appropriate for your needs, including whether a crown or bridge is the best way to restore your smile.
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Dental Crowns vs. Dental Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are both restorative treatments, but they solve different dental problems. A crown strengthens and protects an existing tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth.
| Dental Crown | Dental Bridge |
|---|---|
| Restores an existing damaged or weakened tooth | Replaces one or more missing teeth |
| Covers and protects the remaining tooth structure | Fills the gap created by a missing tooth |
| Restores strength, shape, and function | Restores chewing and speaking function |
| May be used after root canal treatment | May be supported by neighboring teeth or dental implants, depending on the type |
Dental Crowns Explained
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the most common dental restoration is a single dental crown. Dentists utilize dental crowns in a variety of treatment situations. Crowns may help protect vulnerable teeth from further decay. They may cap damaged teeth and cover deep fillings. Crowns often complete dental implants or cover teeth treated with root canals. Dentists can work with their dental lab and the patient to create custom-fitting dental crowns that may restore a tooth’s shape and size to near perfect.
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth has significant damage or has lost enough structure that it needs additional support. Depending on your individual situation, a crown may address:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Extensively decayed teeth
- Teeth with large fillings
- Weakened teeth
- Teeth following root canal treatment
- Dental implants requiring a crown
Your dentist works with you to select a crown that fits comfortably and complements the surrounding teeth. The crown is designed to restore the tooth’s shape and function while providing the support needed to protect the remaining tooth structure. The final restoration is also designed to blend naturally with your smile.
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.”
Why Patients Get a Dental Crown
Some patients may choose dental crowns to avoid further damage or decay to an existing tooth or to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile. Crowns can also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work. Additionally, patients may find crowns help them maintain a normal bite and keep the teeth from shifting.
“Crowns also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work.”
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How the Dental Crown Procedure Works
1. Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Your dentist will examine the tooth and the surrounding teeth and gums to determine whether a crown is appropriate. The evaluation may include dental X-rays or other diagnostic imaging when needed. Your dentist will discuss the condition of the tooth and explain your treatment options before treatment begins.
2. Preparing the Tooth
If a crown is recommended, the tooth is carefully reshaped to create enough space for the restoration while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Any decay or damaged portions of the tooth may also need to be treated before the crown is placed.
3. Impressions or Digital Scanning
An impression or digital scan of your teeth is taken to help create a crown that fits the prepared tooth and works properly with your surrounding teeth. The color, shape, and size of the restoration can also be considered to help it blend with your smile.
4. Temporary Crown, When Needed
A temporary crown may be placed while the final crown is being made. It helps protect the prepared tooth and allows you to continue using the area while you wait for the permanent restoration.
5. Final Crown Placement
Once the final crown is ready, your dentist will place it over the prepared tooth and evaluate how it fits. Adjustments can be made before the crown is permanently secured.
6. Bite and Fit Check
Your dentist will check the crown against your opposing teeth to make sure your bite feels comfortable and the restoration functions properly. Any necessary adjustments can be made to improve the fit and comfort of the finished crown.
Getting a dental crown typically involves several steps, from evaluating the tooth to making sure the final restoration fits comfortably and functions properly.
“In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Does getting a dental crown hurt?
A. During preparation, the dentist may numb the area for the patient’s comfort. After fitting, patients may have a little soreness in the area where the crown sits for a few days. Pain that continues well after the crown fitting may indicate a poor fit, which requires a return visit for an adjustment.
Q. Does a dental crown look natural?
A. Most dental crowns look just like the rest of the natural teeth. Dentists work to help patients select a natural-looking shade for the new dental crown that matches the other teeth. Today’s dental crowns are indistinguishable from permanent teeth.
Q. Does a dental crown need replacement?
A. Dental crowns need replacement over time. The crown’s material and the patient’s oral health may determine how often they will need replacement. On average, it takes five to 15 years before crowns require replacement.
Q. Are crowns a cost-effective choice?
A. Patients should discuss dental crown options with their insurance provider to see if crowns are covered. Crowns that are part of a treatment plan, such as tooth decay repair, may have a higher likelihood of insurance coverage. The choice of material for the crown also influences the cost.
Q. How long will it take to get a crown?
A. The length of the dental crown treatment is dependent on several factors. Crowns that are part of a root canal or another intensive treatment may take longer because of the other steps in the procedure. Talk to the dentist to get an idea about how long the crown process will take.
Q. What are the alternatives to getting a crown?
A. Patients may have other options besides dental crowns, depending on their case and situation. For some patients, a filling, inlay, or onlay may be sufficient to restore the tooth. Pulling the tooth may also be a viable alternative to a dental crown.
Restore a Damaged or Missing Tooth at Simply Smiles
Whether you have a damaged tooth that needs additional support or a missing tooth that needs to be replaced, the first step is a thorough evaluation. At Simply Smiles Dentistry in Tucson, our dental team will assess your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health to determine which restorative options may be appropriate for you.
Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include a dental crown to restore and protect a weakened or damaged tooth or a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth. We will explain the available options and provide a personalized recommendation based on the condition of your teeth and your treatment goals.
Located in Tucson, Simply Smiles Dentistry can help you understand your restorative options and plan the next step for your smile. Schedule an appointment to have your tooth evaluated and discuss whether a dental crown or bridge is right for you.
Dental inlays and onlays
Root Canal and Crown to Save a Cracked tooth
Routine Dental Procedures
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Schedule a Dental Crown or Bridge Consultation
If you have a damaged, weakened, or missing tooth, a dental crown or bridge may help restore your smile and improve everyday function. Schedule an evaluation with our dental team to discuss your oral health, available restoration options, and which treatment may be appropriate for your needs.