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Restore Your Smile
Find Out If Crowns Are Right For Your Smile!
Our team at Hensley Dental Care is here to help you smile with confidence again. Take our 2-minute quiz to see if you are a candidate for crowns!
Get Your Smile Back
Whether you need a crown to protect a damaged tooth or a bridge to replace missing teeth, we offer a welcoming, professional environment where your oral health and satisfaction are our top priorities!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, often referred to simply as a "crown," is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It serves multiple essential functions:
- Protection: Crowns provide a protective shield for a tooth that has undergone significant damage or decay. They help prevent further deterioration and potential tooth loss.
- Restoration: Crowns restore the strength, structure, and function of a damaged tooth. Once in place, they allow you to bite, chew, and speak comfortably.
- Aesthetics: Crowns are crafted to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. Whether it's a front tooth or one toward the back, crowns maintain your smile's visual harmony.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental crowns are durable and can last for many years, offering a long-term solution to dental issues.
The Crown Placement Process
Getting a dental crown is a straightforward and painless process, typically completed in two visits:
1. Consultation and Preparation: During your first visit, Dr. Hensley will examine the tooth that needs the crown. Any decay or damage will be removed, and the tooth will be reshaped to ensure a snug fit for the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken to create a custom crown that perfectly matches your bite and smile. A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
2. Crown Placement: In your second visit, the custom crown is fitted onto your prepared tooth and carefully secured in place. Your dentist will ensure that the crown's fit is perfect, and your bite is comfortable. Once in place, your new crown blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
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What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative solution used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns (called abutments) placed on adjacent teeth, with artificial teeth (pontics) suspended between them. Dental bridges offer several advantages:
- Tooth Replacement: Bridges are a practical way to fill the gap left by missing teeth. They restore your ability to chew and speak correctly and prevent the shifting of neighboring teeth.
- Preservation of Bite and Appearance: By maintaining the structure of your dental arch, bridges prevent changes in bite alignment and facial appearance often associated with tooth loss.
- Enhanced Confidence: Bridges restore your smile's completeness, enhancing your self-esteem and overall confidence.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, dental bridges can provide many years of dependable service, making them an excellent investment in your oral health.
The Bridge Placement Process
1. Initial Consultation: During your visit, Dr. Hensley will assess your oral health and discuss the options for replacing your missing teeth. If a dental bridge is recommended, a treatment plan will be developed.
2. Abutment Teeth Preparation: If you choose a traditional bridge, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth (or teeth) will be prepared to accommodate crowns. This involves removing a portion of the enamel to create space for the crowns.
3. Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians craft your bridge.
4. Temporary Bridge: While your custom bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge is placed to protect your prepared teeth and restore function.
5. Bridge Placement: On your final visit, the custom bridge is carefully fitted and secured in place. Your dentist will ensure that the bridge feels comfortable and functions correctly. Once in position, your smile is complete, and your oral health is restored.
Maintaining Oral Health
Repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth is not just about aesthetics; it's a vital aspect of oral health. Here's why it matters:
Preventing Further Damage
Preventing Shifting Teeth
Restoring Function
Enhancing Confidence
Long-term Savings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are dental crowns made from?
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal (such as gold or silver), or a combination of materials. The choice depends on the tooth's location, your aesthetic preferences, and your dentist's recommendations.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown can vary depending on factors like oral hygiene and wear and tear. On average, dental crowns can last between 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.
When is a dental bridge recommended?
Dental bridges are recommended when you have one or more missing teeth and want to restore your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper bite alignment. They also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the gap left by missing teeth.
Are there different types of dental bridges?
Yes, there are several types of dental bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges. The type recommended will depend on your specific dental needs and the condition of your adjacent teeth.
How long do dental bridges last?
The lifespan of a dental bridge can vary, but with proper care and maintenance, they typically last between 5 to 15 years or more.
Is getting a crown or bridge procedure painful?
The process of getting a crown or bridge is typically not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you don't feel any discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How many dental appointments are needed for a crown or bridge?
The number of appointments needed can vary. Generally, getting a crown or bridge requires two or more visits. The initial appointment involves preparation, impressions, and placement of a temporary restoration. The subsequent visit(s) include the placement of the permanent crown or bridge.
How do I care for a dental crown or bridge?
Caring for a dental crown or bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash regularly. Attend regular dental checkups to ensure the crown or bridge remains in excellent condition.
Can dental crowns or bridges be replaced if needed?
Yes, dental crowns and bridges can be replaced if they become damaged or worn over time. Your dentist will assess the condition and recommend the appropriate replacement options.
Does insurance cover dental crowns or bridges?
Dental insurance often covers a portion of the cost of crowns and bridges, especially when they are deemed necessary for oral health. However, the extent of coverage may vary, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown or bridge?
Yes, once your crown or bridge is securely in place, you can eat normally. It's advisable to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the restoration. Your dentist will provide specific dietary guidance based on your individual case.
Can I whiten a dental crown or bridge if it becomes discolored?
Dental crowns and bridges made from porcelain or ceramic cannot be whitened like natural teeth. If your restoration becomes discolored, you may discuss options for replacement or cosmetic adjustments with your dentist.