Missing or damaged teeth? A dental crown or bridge can restore functionality and help you feel confident in your smile again.
Dental Crowns
What is a dental crown?
Your teeth are composed of two main parts: The crown is the part visible above the gum. The root is the area below the gum that holds your tooth firmly in your jawbone. If the crown of your tooth becomes weakened by decay or fractures, it can be restored and strengthened by an artificial crown (cap). Artificial crowns are covers that fit over a damaged or badly stained tooth.
How long do crowns last?
How long your crown lasts depends on good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. Most dental crowns last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. However, if cared for properly, it is common for them to last 25-30 years.
What can I expect when getting a crown?
-
All decay and damage are removed from your tooth.
-
The tooth structure is decreased to make room for the crown.
-
We take impressions and photographs using our intra-oral camera, which are then sent to a lab to make your permanent crown. Our iTero intra-oral camera makes your visit more pleasant because it eliminates messy impressions.
-
Dr. Frank fits you with your temporary crown.
-
You return to our office once your permanent crown is ready and Dr. Frank places your permanent crown.
Dental Bridges
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. It is permanently cemented to your adjacent or neighboring teeth and is not removable like dentures.
How long does a bridge last?
How long your bridge lasts depends on good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. The lifespan of dental bridges tends to be from 5-15 years, but can also last up to two decades or even longer!
What is the procedure like for getting a bridge?
The teeth on either side of your gap are prepped and crowned. These teeth support the artificial tooth that will fill in your gap. An artificial tooth is attached to the dental crowns abutting the gap.
You can expect to visit Dr. Frank multiple times for shaping, impressions, placement of temporary teeth, and, finally, the placement of your permanent bridge.
Crowns and Bridges – Common Questions
How do I care for my crowns and bridge?
The success of your new dental hardware depends on your general and oral health. But you can positively impact how long your crowns and bridge last by taking good care of your teeth and gums.
Brush and floss daily.
Get regular cleanings.
It’s as simple as that! Caring for dental bridges and crowns is the same as caring for your teeth.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge? How about with a crown?
Yes! One of the main benefits of crowns and bridges is that they allow you to eat normally.
Is getting a crown painful? What about a bridge?
No. We use numbing agents to prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure, and we will check in with you often to be sure you are comfortable.
Do you have more questions about dental crowns and bridges? Contact us anytime! Dr. Andrew Frank and his experienced team at Albany Smiles are always available to answer your questions.
Our Services
