Missing or damaged teeth cause a variety of oral health problems and can make it difficult for you to bite, chew, or talk. Dental crowns and bridges can be permanently placed over a damaged, missing, or weak tooth to alleviate these problems. Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS are available to place dental crowns and bridges for Cincinnati patients.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth (cracked tooth) or dental implant. Dental crowns primarily function to protect the teeth from further damage and tooth decay and are designed to look like the natural tooth it’s replacing and improve the tooth structure. Crowns may be made of porcelain or resin. Metal crowns are used as well.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are typically used when there are multiple missing teeth. The dental bridge is composed of a crown that is fitted over your natural teeth on either side of the gap and attached to artificial teeth between them. Bridges are permanently fixed in place and allow the patient to properly bite, chew, and talk as they enjoy their restored natural-looking smile.
There are a few different types of dental bridges, including an implant-supported bridge (a bridge supported by dental implants) or a cantilever dental bridge. The type of dental bridge procedure done will depend on where the missing teeth are located.
How are Dental Crowns and Bridges Placed?
Dental crowns and bridges are custom-made to fit the patient. First, the tooth or teeth that will be covered by the crowns are reduced in size, so the crown will fit properly. Then, an impression is made to create a mold for the crown or bridge. Your dentist will then determine a color match so that your crown or bridge will match your natural teeth.
After this appointment, you will be required to wear a temporary crown or bridge while your permanent one is being prepared. When this is complete, the temporary crowns or temporary bridge will be removed, and the dental bridge or dental crown procedure will be finished. The custom, permanent porcelain crown or bridge is cemented into place.
Do I Need Dental Crowns or Bridges?
Dental crowns or bridges are a good choice for patients for a variety of reasons. They may be recommended if a tooth is damaged to protect it from fracturing or as an alternative to a filling. They are also chosen to cover a dental implant or artificial tooth if one or more of your teeth require extraction. Finally, dental crowns or bridges may be chosen as a solution for teeth which are relatively healthy but show discoloration or are chipped.
Crowns and Bridges with CEREC
Our CEREC technology makes treatment for bridges and crowns easier than ever. In as little as an hour, we are able to take the images from your teeth, manufacture the customized crown or bridge you need, and then install it into your mouth. This is all possible without multiple follow-ups or a temporary device.
What is CEREC?
CEREC is a new technology method for constructing tooth restorations. CEREC uses computer-assisted design and computer-aided manufacturing to offer single-day restorations for patients. CEREC has revolutionized ceramic restorations, so there is no longer a need to wait between preparing the restoration and receiving the finished product.
CEREC is used while you are in our office, so there is no need to take messy impressions, schedule multiple visits, or have to take a temporary restoration while you wait for the finished product.
The CEREC process begins with Primescan. Primescan is a new, state-of-the-art technology that captures high-resolution images to allow us to assess the condition of your teeth and plan for your restorative treatments.
With the detailed images from your mouth, we are able to use our CEREC milling and grinding unit to immediately manufacture your customized dental crown or bridge. This technology is able to make an ideal restoration in an average of 4 to 12 minutes, so you can get a complete crown in just one visit!
Benefits of Using CEREC
- Most procedures can be completed in just one visit, saving you time.
- No need to take impressions of your teeth
- No need for a temporary restoration while waiting for your next visit
- Digital technology makes it easier to fit a crown
- CEREC crowns look and feel like natural teeth
- CEREC crowns are also less prone to flaws and cracks
Dental Crown FAQs
Can you eat normally with a crown?
Do crowns last longer than veneers?
Should I get a crown or pull the tooth?
What should I do if a crown falls off?
Can flossing loosen a crown?
What type of crown lasts the longest?
Can front teeth be crowned?
What are temporary crowns made of?
Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?
How do you clean under a crown?
What materials are dental crowns made from?
How long do porcelain dental crowns typically last?
Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
Can a dental crown restore a broken or cracked tooth?
Do dental crowns require special care or maintenance?
Is it painful to get a dental crown placed?
How do I know if I need a crown or a filling?
Will my tooth be sensitive after getting a crown?
Can a dental crown crack or break?
How often do dental crowns need to be replaced?
Schedule an Appointment
If you believe you may need dental crowns or bridges, schedule an appointment with Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS. Call our Cincinnati office at (513) 631-6600 or request your appointment online to get started.
