Crowns and Bridges

When You Need a Dental Crown

A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline, essentially creating a new outer surface. You might need one if you have a large cavity that’s too extensive for a filling, a cracked or fractured tooth, severe wear from grinding, or a tooth that’s been weakened by root canal treatment.

Crowns also improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth that don’t respond well to other cosmetic treatments. They protect what remains of your natural tooth while restoring its full function for chewing and speaking.

The Crown Procedure

Getting a crown typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, we numb the area and shape your tooth to create room for the crown. This involves removing some of the outer structure, but we preserve as much healthy tooth as possible. We then take detailed impressions that a dental lab uses to fabricate your custom crown.

You’ll wear a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made, which usually takes about two weeks. The temporary protects your tooth and maintains spacing, but it’s not as strong as the final restoration. During your second appointment, we remove the temporary, check the fit and color of your permanent crown, and cement it securely in place.

Our doctors make adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable. Even small high spots can cause problems, so we verify everything before the final bonding.

Crown Materials

Different materials suit different situations. Porcelain crowns look most natural and work well for front teeth, where appearance matters most. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine aesthetics with extra strength, making them good for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces. All-ceramic crowns offer excellent durability and a translucent quality that mimics natural enamel.

Gold and metal alloy crowns last the longest and require removing less tooth structure, but their metallic appearance makes them less popular except for back molars, where they’re not visible. We discuss the best option for your specific tooth and needs.

What Dental Bridges Do

Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The replacement teeth, called pontics, fill the space and restore your ability to chew properly. The anchoring teeth, called abutments, receive crowns that support the entire structure.

Missing teeth cause problems beyond the obvious gap. Neighboring teeth drift into the empty space, opposing teeth erupt further because they have nothing to bite against, and bone loss occurs in the area where the tooth root used to be. A bridge prevents these complications while giving you back a complete smile.

Types of Bridges for Crowns and Bridges in Clearlake

Traditional bridges are the most common type. They consist of one or more pontics held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the gap. This design provides excellent stability and can replace multiple consecutive missing teeth.

Cantilever bridges attach to natural teeth on only one side of the gap. They work when you have teeth on just one side or when placing crowns on both sides isn’t feasible. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, preserving more natural tooth structure but offering less strength than traditional bridges.

The Bridge Process

Getting a bridge follows a similar timeline to crowns. We prepare the abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate crowns, then take impressions of your entire bite. The lab creates a bridge that matches your natural teeth and fits precisely in the space.

During your fitting appointment, we check how the bridge sits and make sure your bite feels balanced. Once everything looks and feels right, we cement the bridge permanently. The entire structure functions as a single unit, so you care for it just like your natural teeth.

How Long Do They Last

Crowns typically last 10-15 years, and bridges have a similar lifespan. Some last much longer with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Factors that affect longevity include the materials used, the forces your teeth experience during chewing, whether you grind your teeth at night, and how well you maintain them.

Proper care makes a significant difference. Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day prevent decay around crown margins and under bridges. Special floss threaders help you clean beneath the pontic of a bridge where food can accumulate.

Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges

Treat your restorations like natural teeth. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth to open packages. These habits can crack porcelain or loosen the cement holding your crown or bridge in place.

If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard protects both your natural teeth and your dental work. Grinding creates enormous pressure that can damage even the strongest restorations over time.

Regular checkups let us monitor your crowns and bridges for any signs of wear, loosening, or decay around the edges. Catching small issues early prevents them from becoming major problems that require replacing the entire restoration.

Alternatives to Consider

Dental implants offer another option for replacing missing teeth without involving adjacent teeth. An implant replaces the tooth root and supports a crown independently, preserving your natural teeth completely. However, implants cost more and require surgery, so bridges remain a popular choice for many patients.

For severely damaged teeth, extraction followed by an implant might make more sense than trying to save the tooth with a crown. We evaluate each situation individually and explain all your options.