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.

Dr. Scott Stucki, near me

Dr. Scott Stucki

Dr. Scott Stucki, a St. George native, is a skilled dentist with extensive experience. He has practiced for several years since completing his dental training at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. A proactive member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Utah Dental Association, Dr. Stucki stays at the forefront of dental innovation. By integrating cutting-edge technology and a calming environment, he’s transformed patient care and satisfaction. His dedication to modern, patient-centered dentistry highlights his genuine commitment and expertise.

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