Crowns & Bridges
If you have dedicated years to maintaining your smile, the frustration of tooth loss, damage, or decay can feel disheartening. At Surrey Hills Dental, we understand the impact compromised teeth can have on your daily life; however, this doesn’t have to be your reality. With high-quality dental crowns and bridges, we can restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is custom-fitted to cover a damaged or decayed tooth to its original size, shape, and strength. Several materials are available for crowns, including durable and aesthetic porcelain and zirconia.
Dr. Brandon Onley, our Yukon dentist, may recommend a crown for several reasons, including:
- Restore extensive tooth decay
- Stabilize a cracked tooth
- Strengthen a worn or broken tooth
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling
- Support dental bridgework
- Conceal a discolored or misshapen tooth
- Restore a dental implant
Dr. Onley will perform a thorough examination, including x-rays, to determine if a crown is the best solution for your specific needs. He will also discuss your smile goals, discuss available treatment options, and ensure you feel confident with your treatment plan.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring teeth. Opting for a bridge is a good choice if you don’t want to wait for an implant to heal or are interested in a non-surgical alternative.
Restoring your smile with a dental bridge offers several benefits:
- Support facial features to avoid a sunken appearance
- Distribute biting and chewing forces evenly
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
The Process for Getting a Dental Crown or Bridge
Getting a dental crown or bridge typically requires two visits to our Yukon dental office about two weeks apart.
The first step is to numb the tooth thoroughly and then reshape it to ensure a proper fit for the crown or bridge. Next, we take impressions and work with you to select the ideal shade for your restoration to match your smile perfectly.
We then place a temporary on the tooth to protect it while a custom dental lab carefully fabricates the final restoration. When we receive the restoration, we check it carefully for fit, make adjustments as necessary, and then cement it securely on your tooth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?
A dental bridge can last 10 years or longer with proper care, and crowns have been known to last as long as 20 years. It depends on how well you care for them and your general oral health. At Surrey Hills Dental, we recommend the following steps:
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing once.
- Avoid hard foods, like popcorn kernels, that can crack or break your crown.
- Don’t chew on pens or pencils or use your teeth as tools to open packages.
- Schedule routine dental exams and teeth cleanings.
Schedule Your Crown or Bridge Consultation
If you have broken or missing teeth and wonder if a crown or bridge is right for you, we are here to help you. Please call our Yukon, OK, dental office to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs with Dr. Onley.
