San Diego Dental Crowns
At M&M Dental Care, we offer dental crowns and bridges for men and women who have decay or are missing teeth. Each of these options provides unique benefits to our patients.
What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are oral appliances that we use to improve the dental health of our patients. Dental crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to protect it from bacteria and further decay. You may need a dental crown if you have:
- Damage that requires a root canal
- Cracked filling
- Damage caused by grinding or clenching
- Discolored teeth
Dental crowns are also used for implants as replacement teeth that are attached to the implant secured in the jawbone.
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. A bridge is comprised of two crowns plus replacement teeth. The crowns are placed over the teeth on each side of the missing tooth.
What is the Procedure for Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Crowns are installed on teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and attaching the crown using dental adhesive. You can use the tooth the same way as your natural teeth. If you are getting a dental bridge, we install a crown on the teeth on each side of the missing tooth. These are attached to a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is not connected to the jawbone, so the crowns help hold it in place.
Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Look and Feel Natural?
We use high-quality materials to make your dental crown and bridge to match the color of your natural teeth. The crowns fit around the tooth down to the gum line. Crowns and bridges do not interfere with eating, drinking, or speaking and feel like your natural teeth.
Do I Need a Dental Crown or Bridge?
As one of our patients, you receive periodic examinations from an experienced dentist who specializes in dental crowns and bridges. If we find that you have tooth decay, stained teeth, damage caused by grinding your teeth, or missing teeth, we will recommend a crown or bridge to remedy the problem. We describe the types of bridges and crowns that are available to you, explaining the benefits of each. Your dental insurance may cover only one type of dental crown or bridge, and we will let you know if you should expect any out-of-pocket costs.
Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Permanent?
Dental crowns and bridges are considered permanent solutions to specific oral health problems, yet you may have changes to your teeth as you get older that require alternative solutions. Periodic check-ups and cleanings are recommended to monitor your oral health and extend the lifetime of your crowns and bridges.