Crowns Bridges

Are you tired of concealing your smile due to missing or damaged teeth? Dental crowns and bridges offer a permanent solution to rejuvenate your smile and boost your confidence. Whether grappling with decay or injury or seeking to enhance your appearance, these cosmetic dental procedures provide a durable and natural-looking remedy.

At Lakeside Dental, our commitment to your oral health extends beyond routine checkups and cleanings. We recognize the necessity of comprehensive restorative treatments to ensure the longevity and functionality of your smile. This is where porcelain crowns and bridges comprehensively address various dental concerns. We will delve into dental crowns and bridges, emphasizing their significance, the cutting-edge technology behind them, and why Lakeside Dental is your premier destination for top-notch oral healthcare.

Understanding the World of Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are vital components of restorative dentistry, each serving a unique purpose in preserving and enhancing your smile.

What are Crowns?

Crowns, often called "caps," are full-coverage restorations designed to protect and restore a compromised tooth. These versatile dental wonders offer multiple benefits and are recommended in various situations:

  1. Post-Root Canal Treatment: A tooth may become structurally weaker after undergoing a root canal (endodontic therapy). A crown provides the necessary reinforcement, ensuring the tooth can withstand everyday wear and tear.
  2. Large Areas of Decay or Fractures: A simple filling may not restore its integrity when a tooth has extensive decay or fractures. A crown covers the entire tooth, preventing further damage.
  3. Replacement for Old, Large Fillings: If you have an old, large filling that needs replacement due to wear and tear, a crown is an ideal solution to protect the tooth effectively.
  4. Significant Fractures or Chips in Enamel: Teeth that have experienced substantial fractures or enamel chips can benefit from the crown's structural support and protection.
  5. Evidence of Cracks: Even if a tooth appears outwardly healthy, internal cracks can jeopardize its long-term stability. Crowns help reinforce such teeth, preventing potential catastrophic fractures.

While it might seem that nothing is wrong with a compromised tooth, addressing it promptly with a crown is essential. Delaying treatment could result in the tooth splitting or deteriorating to a point where extraction becomes the only option. Lakeside Dental understands the critical role crowns play in preserving oral health, and our experienced team ensures each crown is meticulously crafted to fit your unique needs.

Why Do You Need a Dental Bridge?

Missing teeth can profoundly impact your appearance, self-confidence, and overall oral health. Dental bridges offer a solution for replacing one or more missing teeth that are adjacent to one another.

Here are some compelling reasons why you might need a dental bridge:

  1. Fixed, Long-Term Solution: Dental bridges are a permanent solution to tooth loss, unlike removable appliances. They are anchored to adjacent teeth, providing a stable and durable replacement for missing teeth.
  2. Preventing Teeth Drifting: When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth shift into the space. A dental bridge prevents this undesirable movement, maintaining proper alignment and function.
  3. Alternative to Dental Implants: In some cases, dental implants may not be viable due to insufficient bone structure or other factors. A dental bridge can serve as a practical alternative for tooth replacement.

Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges

Proper care is paramount to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental crowns and bridges. With the right maintenance, these restorations can serve you well for many years. Here are some essential care tips:

  1. Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. Flossing around your crowns is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and debris collection around the restoration.
  2. Avoid Teeth Grinding: If you suffer from bruxism or clenched teeth, consider wearing a nightguard. These habits can significantly reduce the lifespan of your crowns and bridges.
  3. Mind Your Diet: Be mindful of your dietary choices. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, as they can compromise the adhesion of your crowns and potentially damage them.
  4. Regular Checkups: Schedule and attend regular dental checkups as advised by your dentist. These appointments allow for the early detection of any issues with your crowns or bridges and ensure they remain in optimal condition.

The Placement Process for Crowns and Bridges

Understanding the process behind the placement of dental crowns and bridges can help alleviate any concerns or uncertainties. This therapeutic journey typically involves two appointments:

First Appointment:

Dental Impressions: During your initial visit, precise dental impressions of your teeth will be taken. These impressions are critical in creating a mold of your mouth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory.

Tooth Preparation: If you receive a crown, your tooth will be prepared by removing any decayed tissue and reshaping the remaining structure. This ensures a secure fit for the crown. The adjacent teeth that will serve as anchors are prepared similarly for bridges.

Temporary Restoration: While your permanent crown or bridge is being fabricated at the dental laboratory, a temporary restoration will be placed to protect your teeth.

Second Appointment:

Removal of Temporary Restoration: The temporary crown or bridge is removed at your second appointment.

Cleaning and Fitting: Your teeth will be cleaned, and the permanent restoration will be carefully fitted and adjusted to ensure a precise and comfortable fit. With this process, Lakeside Dental ensures that your crowns and bridges are custom-made to suit your unique dental needs, promoting optimal function and aesthetics.

Embracing Advanced Technology with 3D Imaging

In the past, dental work often involved uncomfortable, gooey impressions that could be quite bothersome. However, thanks to cutting-edge 3D scanning technology, this is no longer the case at Lakeside Dental. Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art 3D scanning to capture virtual impressions of your teeth with remarkable precision. These digital impressions allow us to collaborate effectively with our dental lab to create crowns and bridges that fit seamlessly into your smile. There's no need for re-impressions or concerns about errors during manufacturing or transportation.

The Lifespan of Crowns and Bridges

The longevity of dental crowns and bridges can vary based on several factors, including the materials used, proper care, and oral hygiene practices. As a general guideline:

  • Dental crowns typically last 5 to 15 years or longer, depending on the material used and your oral hygiene routine.
  • Dental bridges, with appropriate care, can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more. The specific type of bridge, the materials used, and your oral hygiene habits all play a role in determining their lifespan.

Wrapping Up

Lakeside Dental offers comprehensive restorative treatments, including porcelain crowns and bridges, to address various dental concerns. With the significance of these restorations, their meticulous placement process, and the adoption of advanced 3D imaging technology, Lakeside Dental is your trusted partner for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. Your dental crowns and bridges are designed to last, provided you follow proper care guidelines and attend regular dental checkups. The Lakeside Dental team is committed to ensuring your restorations serve you well for years.

For all your restorative dentistry needs, Lakeside Dental is here to provide top-quality care and beautiful, functional smiles. Contact your Moses Lake dentist today to schedule an examination and discover more about our services!