Hales Corners
Dental Crowns & Bridges

Dental crowns are also sometimes called “caps.” This refers to their design, which is meant to cap and cover up the entire surface of a damaged or misshapen tooth. Crowns protect damaged enamel from further decay and restore your tooth to its natural shape and size.
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Dental crowns are made out of durable ceramic materials that are designed to match your surrounding teeth, and they are sculpted to look completely indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

Dental crowns are primarily used to protect and repair damaged teeth. If your tooth is cracked or chipped during an oral injury or if a cavity is too large to be treated with a filling, a crown may be necessary to protect the remaining structure and prevent a tooth infection.
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Dental crowns may also be used for cosmetic purposes. If you have a tooth that is misshapen, small, or severely stained, a cosmetic crown can be used to reshape the tooth when alternative treatments like veneers, dental bonding, and whitening are not appropriate.

Dental crowns are a key component of dental bridges. As the name suggests, a dental bridge uses multiple crowns to literally “bridge” a gap in your smile and replace a missing tooth.
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To do this, two healthy teeth (known as “abutment teeth”) on either side of your missing tooth are prepared for dental crowns, and the crowns are then attached permanently using dental cement. These two crowns are used to support one or more false teeth.
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Dental bridges are durable, long-lasting, and they do not shift or move in the mouth. They also do not need to be removed at night, making them more comfortable and convenient than partial dentures. In addition, they are usually more affordable than dental implants and are typically covered by dental insurance. To learn more about this, contact our office or call 414-529-3253.

A dental bridge is a replacement for missing teeth that will prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, assist with tooth functionality, and restore a patient’s smile. While there are four different types of dental bridges, a typical bridge involves filing down the teeth that are adjacent to the gap to prepare them for dental crowns. 

A pontic tooth is then suspended in the middle to replace the missing tooth while the abutment teeth anchor the bridge with dental crowns. Bridges are fixed in place and can replace between 1 to 4 consecutive missing teeth. 

Bridges last on average for 10 to 15 years and can be fabricated of various materials, including metal, porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.

A dental bridge is a tooth replacement that will make your life easier while preserving your oral health. So, how do you know if you need one? If you have a missing tooth, then it’s important to replace it. The only teeth that don’t need to be replaced are wisdom teeth.

Missing teeth result in bone loss that can cause changes to your facial structure, moving teeth, changes to your bite, and increased risk of future tooth loss. With fewer teeth, it will also be more difficult to chew your food and speak clearly.

If missing teeth are located in the front of the mouth, this can cause aesthetic problems with your smile. While bridges can’t prevent bone loss, they can restore the structure, appearance, and function of your teeth. 

While dental implants are the best solution to prevent bone loss, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. If you’re a smoker, have diabetes, a history of gum disease, or take certain medications, you’re at a higher risk for implant failure and a dental bridge may be a better option for you.

Consultation
‍The dental bridge process begins with a consultation with Dr. Keeling, who will assess the severity of your tooth loss or condition or your teeth. After evaluating your oral health through an oral exam and x-rays, he will determine if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge.

‍Enameloplasty & Impressions
‍If you’re approved for a dental bridge, we will need to prepare the teeth that are going to anchor the bridge by filing down the enamel and shaping them so that crowns can fit over top. After filing the teeth, impressions will be taken and sent to the dental lab that will use them as a mold for your bridge. You will be given an anesthetic and if preferred, sedation.

‍Bridge Fabrication
‍Two dental crowns and a pontic tooth will be connected in a single prosthesis. Using your impressions and digital scans, the lab technician will fabricate a custom-made bridge that will fit perfectly over your teeth. This process can take a few weeks so a temporary bridge will be placed over your teeth while you wait.

‍Bridge Placement
‍Once your bridge has been completed and we have received it at the office, you will come back in to check the fit before we bond it to your teeth. Your temporary bridge will be removed and your teeth may also be cleaned. Dr. Keeling will explain how you should care for your dental bridge with aftercare instructions. If you’re interested in dental bridges, contact us at DK Dental Care to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Keeling today.