Crown and Bridge

Crowns (Caps)-

At Hiddenbrook Dental, our goal is to save the natural tooth. Sometimes, the best option for protecting the natural tooth is to place a crown. When a tooth has developed a large area of decay over multiple surfaces, has a large failing filling, or has fractured, a crown may offer the best chance at keeping the tooth in place. Crowns may also be placed following a root canal. A crown will require two visits after a diagnosis is made. Following diagnosis, at the first appointment the unhealthy tooth structure is removed, a digital scan of your tooth is taken and sent to the dental lab, and a temporary crown is placed. The temporary crown acts as a placeholder, allowing you to go about your normal activities. However, the temporary crown only has a short lifespan, therefore it is important to keep the second appointment where the permanent crown is placed. The dental lab will create a custom ceramic, porcelain, or gold crown for you. When your new crown is ready you’ll return to the office for a short appointment to remove the temporary and place the permanent crown. Dr. Groom knows that not all dental needs have the same solutions, and therefore will present all viable treatment options to help you determine the direction of your treatment plan.

 

Bridges-

One option to replace missing teeth is a dental bridge. Dental bridges utilize crowns on natural teeth (or implants) with false teeth suspended between the crowns in order to span the empty space left by tooth extraction. They are fixed in place and not meant to be removable. There are many reasons why a tooth needs to be extracted, but whatever the reason, it can leave a hole in your smile. A bridge can be a solution to restoring function and a full mouth smile. Placing a bridge takes more than one visit, and the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to receive a crown. Dental bridges utilizing natural teeth can be less costly than a dental implant; however, this type of bridge requires natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth. Whether or not a bridge is a solution for you, Dr. Groom is committed to developing a treatment plan that is right for your unique dental needs.