Dental Crowns & Bridges
Restore Your Smile in Woodland Hills, CA
Dental Crowns and Bridges Woodland Hills, CA
Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist. Crowns are used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth or cover an implant. Bridges are commonly used to cover a space if you are missing one or more teeth. They are cemented to natural teeth or implants surrounding the space where the tooth once stood.
Dental crowns and bridges are available at Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. in Woodland Hills and the surrounding area. Call us at (818) 657-8055 to learn more about how crowns and bridges can restore your smile.
When Are Dental Crowns Needed?
A crown may be needed in the following situations:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
- To hold a dental bridge in place
- To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- To cover a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic modification
"Crowns are used to entirely cover or 'cap' a damaged tooth or cover an implant."
How Bridges Work
A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments.
Caring for Crowns and Bridges
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily.
See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do dental crowns last?
A. On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits.
Q. Does getting a crown hurt?
A. The procedure to prepare a tooth for a crown is done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the process. Some sensitivity after the procedure is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
Q. What materials are crowns made from?
A. Crowns can be made from several materials including porcelain, ceramic, resin, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. The best material depends on the location of the tooth and your specific needs.
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