At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we provide dental crowns and bridges for patients looking to restore a tooth that has become infected, damaged, or fallen out. Dr. Scott Stucki can complete these procedures in a way that looks natural while resolving oral health issues. This way, a patient can regain the functionality of their tooth without giving the appearance of any dental work. So, please call (435) 319-8992 to schedule your appointment so that you can learn more about dental crowns and dental bridges in St. George, Utah.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth. Dr. Scott Stucki will typically use a crown to restore a damaged tooth, but they can also use it to improve the appearance of a smile. A crown can consist of three different materials, all-metal, ceramic-on-metal, and all-ceramic. The location of the crown in the teeth will determine the best material to use. For example, front teeth need to have an all-ceramic crown, if possible, since it looks the most natural. Patients may often use ceramic-on-metal crowns since they look natural but have the durability that only metal can provide.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a way to replace a missing tooth. At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we provide clients with dental bridges if they want to replace a tooth without wearing dentures or undergoing surgery. The new tooth is held in place by two crowns. It looks natural and consists of a ceramic or porcelain material to match the surrounding teeth. Our cosmetic dentist will make sure that the new tooth looks and feels amazing.
Before the Procedure
If you are getting dental crowns or a dental bridge for cosmetic reasons, we recommend that you whiten your teeth first. At our practice, we offer teeth whitening procedures that can improve the appearance of your smile quickly and easily. It is important to have this procedure done first because the material that crowns and bridges are made out of is both stain and bleach-resistant. That means that if it is created to match yellow teeth, it will remain yellow even if you have your teeth whitened at a later date. When you have the procedure done first, your new crown or bridge will be made to match your new brilliantly white teeth.
When preparing for the procedure, we recommend that patients take a day off of work. If possible, you may want to take a couple of days off. It is normal for teeth to be somewhat sensitive, and it is easier if you don’t have to worry about meeting clients and keeping up with your busy schedule.
St. George, Utah Dental Crowns And Dental Bridges
The Process
When getting dental crowns and dental bridges installed, you should work with a cosmetic dentist who knows how to complete the procedure in a way that looks natural. At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we can do so while also working to keep our patients as comfortable as possible by using sedation dentistry. The process for both procedures is fairly similar. Before getting started, an impression is taken of the teeth so that the new crown or bridge can be created in a dental lab.
When placing a dental crown around a tooth, we start by preparing the tooth. We will need to remove a portion of the enamel so that there is room for the new crown to surround the tooth without pushing other teeth out of place. Once complete, we will clean the tooth and secure a temporary crown to it using removable glue. Patients typically wear a temporary crown for around two weeks while waiting for a permanent one to be created in the lab. During this time, it is important to be careful with what you eat and how you brush your teeth since the temporary is designed to come off.
When the dental restoratives are complete, patients return to our office, so that we can remove the temporaries and bond the permanent ones to the tooth. For a dental crown, we will secure the cap around the tooth and complete it through dental bonding. With a bridge, a crown is placed on the two teeth that surround the missing one. On top of the crown is a piece that looks like natural gums that will hold the new tooth in place. These two crowns serve as anchors for this synthetic “bridge” and make a new tooth as durable as it can be. Patients depend on this procedure as a way to replace missing teeth in a way that looks natural and restores the functionality of the missing tooth.
After the Procedure
When getting dental Restoratives, your teeth will be somewhat sensitive after they have been prepared. This is why you need to wear a temporary crown while waiting for a permanent one to be created. We use sedation dentistry to ensure that you will not experience any discomfort during the procedure and after the fact you simply need to take some oral pain medication for a couple of days until you feel better.
The benefit of wearing a crown is that it surrounds and protects the tooth. This means that regardless of how damaged the tooth is, you can eat your favorite foods without fear of discomfort. A crown can restore the functionality of your mouth by making it easy to eat, drink, and speak like normal. This is ideal for people who are suffering from severely sensitive teeth, have a cracked or chipped tooth, or have undergone a root canal. Similarly, a bridge makes it possible to eat and speak like normal without worrying about your new tooth becoming loose or falling out. They are both ideal for people who have active lifestyles and don’t want to be constrained by their teeth. To find out if the procedure is right for you, call (435) 319-8992 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott Stucki and discuss your options. At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we make it easier for patients to have a beautiful and functional smile.
Dental Crowns & Bridges FAQs
Q: What is a dental crown?
A: Our team at Common Sense Family Dentistry of St. George, Utah, best describes dental crowns as a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns can be used for many purposes and can restore a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Q: Why are dental crowns needed?
A: Dr. Scott Stucki and his team at Common Sense Family Dentistry usually recommend dental crowns when a tooth has significant damage or decay that cannot be fixed with a simple filling. Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes to improve the overall appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Q: What materials are used for dental crowns?
A: At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we offer various dental crowns fabricated from different materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys (gold or silver), and composite resin. The type of material used will be discussed prior to placement, allowing our patients to make an educated decision on the dental crown most appropriate for their unique needs.
Q: Who is a good candidate for dental crowns?
A: Dental crowns can be used for patients of all ages as long as they have healthy gums and a strong tooth structure to support the crown. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with cracked or broken teeth, deep cavities, or those who have undergone root canal therapy.
Q: Is getting a dental crown painful?
A: At Common Sense Family Dentistry, we prioritize our patients’ comfort and use local anesthesia to numb the area before placing a dental crown. Some might notice mild discomfort after the procedure, but this is often well-managed with over-the-counter pain medication for a day or two if needed.
Q: How long do quality dental crowns last?
A: With appropriate care and maintenance, our dental crowns can last 5-15 years. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for examinations is important.
Q: Who can I call in the St. George, Utah, area to discover more about dental crowns?
Crowns are just one of many restorative dentistry procedures available with Dr. Scott Stucki and his team at Common Sense Family Dentistry. If you live in or around the area of St. George, Utah, and want to talk to a professional about the options you have to restore your smile, call (435) 319-8992 to request an upcoming visit to our office, located at 619 S Bluff St #400.
Q: When are dental crowns necessary?
A: Dental crowns are necessary when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling but not enough to be extracted. Common situations that require a crown include a tooth with extensive decay, a cracked or broken tooth, or after a root canal. Additionally, crowns can be used to conceal a dental implant or to enhance the appearance of a tooth that is discolored or malformed. They provide strength, protection, and an improved appearance, helping to restore normal function and aesthetics to a damaged tooth.
Q: My bite feels off after getting my new dental crown; what can I do?
A: If your bite feels off after receiving a new dental crown, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. An uneven bite can lead to discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even damage to the crown or surrounding teeth over time. Your dentist can adjust the crown to ensure it fits properly with your natural bite. This process may involve reshaping the crown or minor adjustments to the surrounding teeth. It’s a common issue that can be easily corrected with a follow-up visit to your dentist.
Q: Why would I need a dental bridge?
A: A dental bridge is a custom dental restoration that is fixed in place and used to replace single or multiple missing teeth. This is accomplished by anchoring artificial teeth to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The bridge spans the gap created by the missing teeth, with crowns placed on the anchoring teeth (called abutments) and the replacement tooth or teeth (called pontics) filling the space. Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and seamlessly blend with natural surrounding teeth, restoring function and appearance.
Q: How many teeth must I be missing before a bridge becomes necessary?
A: A dental bridge is typically recommended when one or more teeth are missing in a row. The number of missing teeth can vary, but a bridge is most commonly used to replace one to three missing teeth. The decision to use a bridge depends on the missing teeth’ location, the adjacent teeth’ condition, and the patient’s overall oral health. Other therapeutic options, such as dental implants or partial dentures, might be more appropriate if multiple teeth are missing in different mouth areas.
Q: Is a dental bridge durable?
A: Dental bridges are durable and can last many years with proper care. The longevity of a dental bridge depends on factors such as the materials used, the patient’s oral hygiene practices, and the health of the supporting teeth or implants. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining the bridge’s integrity. It’s also important to avoid biting on hard objects, which can damage the bridge. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or even longer.
Q: What is a dental bridge made of?
A: Dental bridges can be crafted using several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and more. Porcelain and ceramic bridges are popular for their ability to closely match the color and clarity of natural teeth, making them a preferred choice for visible areas. Metal bridges, often made from gold or alloys, are very strong and durable, making them ideal for less visible areas where strength is more important than aesthetics. Some bridges are made from a combination of metal and porcelain, offering the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain.