Dental Crowns
and Bridges
At Pristine Smiles in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Z offers restorative dentistry methods, like crowns and bridges, to replace and repair part of the tooth structure so that individuals can regain the function, feel, and appearance of natural teeth. Our dental crowns and bridges are designed to match the natural strength, shape, and color and are a seamless addition for people that need them.
Crowns vs. Bridges: Which is right for me?
While both dental restorations can improve the appearance of a tooth, tooth crowns are ideal for those that want to strengthen or improve the look of a damaged or decayed tooth. Sometimes called “tooth caps,” dental crowns are ideal for patients that need more than a filling, inlay, or onlay but don’t need the entire tooth removed.
On the other hand, a dental bridge is used to substitute one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are composed of a two-part system: an artificial tooth (or teeth) and two crowns on either side of the tooth, which provide support. Typically, dental bridges are for those missing a tooth or who would benefit from tooth extraction and want a reliable method for tooth replacement. Besides looking great, dental bridges help keep other teeth aligned after tooth loss
Procedure Expectations
Getting dental crowns and bridges starts with a consultation at our Knoxville dental office. But the procedures themselves differ:
- Dental Crowns: First, Dr. Z preps the tooth by removing damaged, decayed, and unwanted tissue. Then, she takes a digital impression of the area, creates a “cast” to send to our dental lab, and places the temporary dental crown on your tooth. Lab technicians at our off-site dental lab create a dental crown to fit your needs perfectly. When your crown returns from the lab, Dr. Z fits and cements a tooth crown on top of the prepped tooth.
- Dental Bridges: After deciding that a dental bridge could benefit your dental health, Dr. Z preps for this appliance by extracting the teeth that require removal (if needed), shaving down the enamel on either side of the potential bridge, and taking digital impressions. At this point, there will be a gap from the missing tooth, so Dr. Z will place a temporary dental bridge until your new one arrives at our facility. When it does, Dr. Z will fit and cement it into place.
Treatment Maintenance
While dental crowns and bridges are meant to last for years with proper care, they might be repaired or replaced eventually. Dr. Z can let you know if your dental crown needs an upgrade at regular dental appointments.
Rebuild Your Smile with Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental health needs are often overlooked, but Dr. Z and her Pristine Smiles team can elevate your oral health with custom-fit dental crowns, bridges, and other restorative devices. Take your first step to a better smile and schedule a restoration dentistry consultation in Knoxville, TN. Call (865) 693-9474 or message us online.
