.png)
Dental Crowns & Bridges
About the Service
Are you missing a tooth? Do you have a tooth that stands out due to staining, breakage, or misshapenness? Is a highly sensitive tooth preventing you from enjoying hot and cold foods? Does the appearance of your teeth lead you to hide your smile behind your hand? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you're likely a prime candidate for a beautiful crown or dental bridge from Archer Dental.
Lasting and Elegant Dental Solutions
Tooth crowns are an excellent option for restoring a broken, extensively decayed, or damaged tooth. We recommend a durable and natural-looking crown to address the various oral health issues that can come from having a missing tooth. After dental restoration work, you will regain the functionality of your tooth without requiring a dental implant.
Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Also known as “tooth caps”, dental crowns are commonly referred to as 'gold teeth,' but in reality, they can be made from various materials such as pure ceramic or have a metal core with porcelain covering. Usually our patients prefer natural-looking tooth replacements that blend in with their smile.
At Archer Dental, we often recommend crowns for teeth with:
- Extensive decay
- Undergone root canal treatment
- Multiple and/or large fillings
- Worn enamel
- Chipped or broken teeth
Installing a Dental Crown - How does it work?
Our dentists will carefully remove any old fillings, cavities, and damaged tissues from your tooth, leaving behind the solid but weak and sensitive core part of your tooth. Then, the dentist will take an impression of this prepared tooth and use it as the foundation for designing the cap. This new cap takes some time to create, but is specifically designed to fit perfectly over your remaining healthy tooth. Your customized tooth cap will protect and support the exposed core, maintaining your tooth's health and longevity.
Bridging the gap
What can you do if your tooth is missing altogether? Fortunately, our successful crown technology can assist you there as well. A dental bridge is a false tooth suspended over the spot where a tooth used to be. This fake tooth, called a 'pontic,' is supported by crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap. In other words, it typically involves three crowns bonded together, with the missing tooth in the middle and the bridge holding onto the adjacent teeth.
So, why bother closing that gap at all? Completing your smile with a restoration like a bridge can have a more significant effect than you might realize:
- Prevents teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Takes years off your smile
- Helps you chew normally
- Enhances the natural beauty of your smile
Dental crowns and bridges provide years of protection and support to your teeth while enhancing your smile's aesthetics.
Here's Some Common Questions We Get
Ready to Schedule?
What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Crown or Bridge?
This procedure typically requires two visits to the dentist. Most dental offices will send your impression to the dental lab to prepare the crown itself.
The First Visit
During your first visit, the damaged tooth will be examined and prepared. Digital X-rays will be taken for further examination. In some cases, a root canal treatment will be performed before your dental crown procedure when X-rays show that the tooth's pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection.
After reshaping the tooth, a paste or putty is used to make an impression of the tooth receiving the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth receiving the dental crown are also made to ensure that the crown will not affect your bite.
The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, which makes the crowns and usually returns them to the dentist's office in two to three weeks. During this first office visit, your dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while you wait for the permanent crown.
The Second Visit
At the second visit, the permanent crown is placed on your tooth. First, the temporary crown is removed, and the fit and color of the permanent crown are checked. If everything is okay, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the tooth, and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
Aftercare Recommendations for Dental Crown or Bridge
It's normal to experience some minor discomfort and increased tooth sensitivity after getting a dental crown or bridge. Additionally, you might feel like your bite is slightly off. These side effects are typically temporary and should resolve with time.
Daily Oral Hygiene Recommendations
- Brush and Floss: Continue with your regular brushing and flossing routine. This helps in maintaining the health of your crown or bridge and the surrounding teeth.
Dietary Adjustments
- Avoid Hard, Crunchy, or Sticky Foods: To minimize discomfort, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until any initial discomfort subsides.
- Temperature-Sensitive Foods and Beverages: If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, steer clear of foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold.
Monitoring Your Dental Work
- Bite Adjustment: During the initial period after your procedure, pay close attention to how your crown or bridge feels. If it continues to feel off or causes discomfort beyond a few days, it's important to contact Dr. Zhadovich as soon as possible.
Routine Dental Care
- Regular Check-Ups: Ensure you schedule routine dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year. Regular visits help in the long-term maintenance and success of your dental crown or bridge.
By following these aftercare instructions, you can help ensure a smooth adjustment to your new dental crown or bridge. If you have any concerns or unusual symptoms, don't wait to contact Archer Dental for further assistance.
What are dental crowns?
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these materials. They provide a long-term solution for teeth that are cracked, weakened, or severely decayed, protecting them from further damage and restoring their function and aesthetics.
What is the process of getting a dental crown?
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves multiple steps. First, your dentist will examine your tooth and prepare it by removing any decay or damage and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. Next, impressions of your tooth will be taken to create a custom crown that fits seamlessly with your smile. While the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown may be placed to protect your tooth. During a subsequent appointment, the permanent crown will be bonded to your tooth using dental cement, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable fit and natural-looking results.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored in place by dental crowns attached to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are designed to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth, preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position and restoring proper bite alignment and chewing function.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges can last for many years, typically ranging from 5 to 15 years or longer. The lifespan of crowns and bridges may vary depending on various factors, including the quality of materials used, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors such as diet and habits like teeth grinding. It's essential to follow your dentist's recommendations for oral care and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity and success of your crown. Unlike natural teeth, dental crowns and bridges are resistant to staining and discoloration. Therefore, traditional teeth whitening treatments are not effective for whitening them. If your crowns or bridges become discolored over time or if you wish to achieve a brighter smile, replacement may be necessary. Your dentist can discuss your options for whitening or replacing crowns and bridges to help you achieve your desired smile aesthetic.
Potential Side Effects of Gold Crowns
Gold crowns are widely appreciated for their durability and biocompatibility, but some patients may experience mild side effects:
- Sensitivity: Some individuals may notice heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures shortly after receiving a gold crown. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few weeks as the surrounding tissues adjust.
- Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, some people experience allergic reactions to metals in the gold alloy, especially if the crown contains nickel. Symptoms include redness, gum swelling, or mild discomfort around the crown. If you have metal allergies, it’s best to discuss alternative materials with your dentist.
- Discomfort or Mild Irritation: Initial discomfort in the surrounding gum area is possible, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and proper oral care. Any prolonged pain or irritation should be assessed by a dentist.
- Incompatibility with MRI: Due to the metallic nature of gold, it can interfere with MRI scans by causing image distortion or slight tingling. Patients with gold crowns should inform their medical team before an MRI to avoid complications.
Including these insights on potential side effects can help patients make more informed decisions when considering gold crowns, and allows Archer Dental to position itself as both comprehensive and patient-focused. For best results, patients should always maintain regular check-ups to monitor the crown and surrounding tissue health.
Potential Side Effects of Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are a popular choice for their natural appearance and strength, but there are a few potential side effects to consider:
- Increased Sensitivity: Porcelain crowns can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold. This sensitivity may occur initially after placement as the tooth adjusts to the new crown. Typically, this resolves on its own within a few weeks. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoiding extreme temperatures can help manage this.
- Chipping or Fracturing: While porcelain is durable, it’s more brittle than metal. Porcelain crowns can sometimes chip or crack under excessive force, particularly if the patient grinds their teeth (bruxism) or frequently chews hard foods. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer a blend of strength and aesthetic appeal, and wearing a night guard can reduce the risk of chipping.
- Gum Irritation or Inflammation: Some patients may experience mild gum irritation after the crown placement. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can alleviate this. If inflammation persists, it’s important to check for signs of an allergic reaction or infection.
- Appearance of a Dark Line at the Gum Line: In cases where porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are used, a thin dark line might appear at the gum line over time. This line results from the metal beneath the porcelain and is usually more noticeable when gums recede with age. Opting for all-ceramic crowns can eliminate this issue for patients seeking a fully natural look.
These side effects are generally manageable, and patients can avoid many risks by following proper care routines. For any prolonged discomfort or concerns with porcelain crowns, we recommend scheduling an evaluation at Archer Dental to ensure optimal fit and oral health.
