Crowns/Bridges
Crowns (Caps)
Crowns are necessary when large fillings wear out, teeth become cracked, existing crowns fail, very large cavities are present and following a root canal. The procedure warrants local anesthetic to numb the area. An impression is taken prior to the procedure in order to make a temporary crown. The tooth is shaped and any decay is removed. In some cases the tooth will need a “build-up”, this is when a majority of the tooth is broken or decayed and will need to be restored structurally to support a crown. Once the tooth is prepared a temporary crown will be placed and worn for approximately two weeks. Our lab will fabricate a permanent crown from gold, porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain. The permanent crown will be delivered and glued in place when the tooth is comfortable and the fit is perfect.

Bridges
A bridge is designed to replace a missing tooth. When a space exists between two teeth it is necessary to fill the gap so that the teeth on either side don’t start to shift, tip out of alignment, or alter biting pressure. When a bridge is selected for treating a missing tooth, the two teeth next to the space are prepared under local anesthetic. An impression is taken prior to modifying the teeth, this is used to create a temporary bridge. The teeth are reduced and any decay is removed. Once the tooth is prepared a temporary bridge is made. Impressions are sent to our dental lab and a bridge (essentially 3 crowns in one unit) is made. The materials used are gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Two weeks following the appointment the permanent bridge is cemented in place. Special cleaning instructions will be given in order to access under the replacement tooth.