Dental Crowns and Bridges
Rebuilding and restoring teeth for lasting health and function Near You.
What Are Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges restore damaged or missing teeth, improving both function and appearance. A dental crown is a custom cap placed over a weak or decayed tooth to strengthen and protect it, often after a root canal or implant placement.
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth by anchoring artificial ones to nearby natural teeth or implants. It restores chewing ability, prevents teeth from shifting, and maintains proper alignment for a healthier smile.
Dental crown and bridge treatment are available at North Mankato Family Dentistry in North Mankato and the surrounding area. We provide dental crowns and dental bridges for our patients. Call us at (507) 480-4606 to get your teeth problems checked out today.
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.
Why Do 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.
Receiving a Dental Crown Step-by-Step
It may take a few appointments for a patient to receive a crown. In many cases, the dental crown procedure is part of another dental treatment plan, such as a root canal. Here is the step-by-step process for getting a dental crown:
- Before the Crown. The dentist treats any problems before starting the dental crown creation process. Any infections or cavities must be addressed or filled. Sometimes, an old crown needs replacement. In this case, the dentist will remove the remnants first.
- Preparation. Next, the dentist must prepare the tooth for the crown. The dentist or another member of our team will shave down the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, the dental staff makes a series of impressions to send to the lab. Some patients receive a temporary crown at the end of this appointment.
- Crown Delivery. Once the crown is ready for delivery, the patient must return to the office for placement. First, the dentist tries on the crown to make sure it feels and looks right in the mouth. If it fits correctly, the dentist uses dental cement to glue it in place permanently.
Understanding What a Dental Bridge Can Do for You
A dental bridge is a partial set of replacement teeth, usually made from porcelain that looks and feels like natural teeth. There are several types of dental bridges, but most connect to the abutting natural teeth to hold them in place. This helps prevent the rotating and shifting that can be brought on by gaps in the mouth left by missing teeth. Bridge work is typically designed to be a permanent addition to the mouth and is not removable. Dental bridges require healthy surrounding teeth or implants to have enough bone support.
With proper care, dental bridges can last for close to ten years. Dentists recommend patients brush and least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is important to floss daily around the teeth and bridge and use an antiseptic mouth rinse. Your dentist may recommend a proxabrush to clean under your bridge. Patients who have bridgework are also advised to avoid tobacco products and hard sticky items like caramel.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be an effective treatment for missing teeth. Our team recommends this option to patients who are candidates and want to restore the form and function of their mouths. These are a few of the benefits:
- Emulate Natural Teeth: The porcelain teeth on a dental bridge look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They are stable in the mouth. Therefore, they are similar to natural teeth when eating and speaking.
- Allow Brushing: Patients can clean dental bridges in the mouth, unlike with removable dentures, meaning they can brush and floss like normal. Maintaining this familiar process can make care more manageable.
- Provide Value: Compared to implants, dental bridges are less expensive. They may cost more than removable dentures. Many patients find that they provide a healthy balance between cost and effectiveness.
- Perform Effectively: Missing teeth may produce embarrassment and make speaking and eating more challenging. They may also slowly erode the jawbone over time. A dental bridge is an effective way to overcome these issues.
More Restorative Dentistry Services We Offer
Explore our range of advanced restorative dentistry treatments for every need.
Dental Fillings
Repair cavities and minor tooth damage using durable materials like composite resin or amalgam to restore tooth function and strength.
Dental Bonding
Improve the appearance of chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth with tooth-colored resin for a seamless, natural look.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Restore oral health, function, and aesthetics by combining multiple treatments tailored to individual dental needs.
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges FAQs
Giving you the answers you need.
Does a dental crown look natural?
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.
Does a dental crown need replacement?
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.
Are crowns a cost-effective choice?
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.
How long will it take to get a crown?
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.
How can I care for my dental bridge?
According to the Oral Health Foundation, dental bridge patients should continue to care for their teeth as usual. They should brush at least twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash. Take special care to clean thoroughly around the bridge and along the gumline.
How many appointments will I need to get a dental bridge?
In most cases, at least two appointments are necessary. The first is a consultation and measurement, and the second is the placement of the bridge. More appointments may be necessary, depending on the need for adjustments.
How long will my dental bridge last?
With proper care, a dental bridge should last five to seven years. Some modern bridges last even longer, upwards of 10 years. Good daily hygiene and regular dental visits can help extend the life of a dental bridge.
