Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges Port St. Lucie, FL
Patients with damaged or missing teeth can regain the health benefits and appearance of functional teeth with the help of dental crowns. These are artificial caps that are fitted over a tooth or an implant abutment to provide structure.
Dental crowns are available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding area. Our dentists offer crowns and other options to help optimize dental health. Crowns are often offered as part of a larger treatment plan that considers each patient's medical history, oral health, and personal preferences.
Getting a crown can provide benefits in several types of situations. Consulting a qualified dentist about available options is critical in making the right decisions for your dental care. Call us at (772) 242-4124 to make an appointment.
What is a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?
A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth. This may be necessary when a natural tooth is broken, worn down, or structurally weak. A crown can also be placed on a tooth that has a large filling, which can weaken its structure. Crowns can also be used cosmetically to cover a tooth when the patient is unhappy with its color or shape.
We also place crowns to support a dental bridge. A dental bridge is used to replace one or several missing teeth. It consists of the replacement tooth or teeth on a framework, which attaches to teeth on either side. This framework can be permanent or removable. To support a bridge, the teeth on either side need to be fitted with crowns.
“A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth that provides support and protection for a damaged tooth.”
How Dental Bridges Work with Dental Crowns
It is not uncommon for patients to get dental crowns to complete a dental bridge. According to WebMD, bridges fill in the gap left behind by a missing tooth. If a patient has a single missing tooth, dentists may restore it by creating a dental appliance that anchors to the two adjacent teeth. The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge. Reshaping these teeth involves removing much of the enamel. The abutment teeth are topped with dental crowns which attach to the new artificial tooth that makes up the middle piece of the bridge.
“The dentist must reshape the two abutment teeth to secure the dental bridge.”
Why Patients Get a Dental Crown
Some patients may choose dental crowns to avoid further damage or decay to an existing tooth or to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile. Crowns can also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work. Additionally, patients may find crowns help them maintain a normal bite and keep the teeth from shifting.
“Crowns also help prevent tooth loss that could lead to additional oral health problems and more expensive dental work.”
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What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Once the permanent crown is ready, the patient comes in for the placement appointment. At this time, the dentist checks if the crown is the right shape and color. If the crown fits well, the dentist removes the temporary crown and attaches the permanent one with dental cement, which is typically performed under a local anesthetic.
“If the crown fits well, the dentist removes the temporary crown and attaches the permanent one with dental cement, which is typically performed under a local anesthetic.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do dental bridges work with dental crowns?
Q. Why should I get a dental crown?
Q. When it comes time to get the crown, what should be expected?
Q. What are the types of dental crowns?
People Also Ask
Q. Am I a good candidate for a dental bridge?
Q. What is a dental emergency?
Q. What types of dental bridges are available?
Types of Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
There are many different materials used in dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of materials. The type of crown depends largely on the patient's case, condition, treatment type, and current oral health status. Patients are often able to choose the type of crown they prefer if their condition permits.
Dental crowns are often used to replace a tooth after an extraction, root canal, implant procedure, or other treatment. After an evaluation, we are able to determine the type of crown to best fit the patient's case. Consult our team with questions about our dental crown services and the types of crowns that could be suitable for your condition.
“The type of crown depends largely on the patient’s case, condition, treatment type, and current oral health status.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a dental crown last?
A. Crowns usually last between five and 15 years. Good oral hygiene can extend their lifetime towards the higher end of this range. Additionally, avoid putting stress on them by biting on hard foods or chewing ice.
Q. What should I do if my dental crown comes off?
A. WebMD recommends cleaning the crown and the accessible parts of the tooth. Call the dental office right away and follow the care instructions given until the appointment. In the meantime, it is possible to use dental adhesive or temporary dental cement to replace the crown. The dentist will either replace the crown permanently or order a new one.
Q. How should I take care of a temporary dental crown?
A. Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the crown, if possible. Likewise, avoid hard or sticky foods that could pull off the crown. Follow a regular oral hygiene routine but avoid flossing up and down around the crown, as that could displace it.
Q. Is it possible to whiten a dental crown?
A. Regular tooth whiteners do not work on dental crowns. It is best to choose the preferred color before the crown is placed. Most crowns are made of porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal. As a result, they do not discolor easily and should not present this problem once placed.
Q. Will my dental crown look like a real tooth?
A. Crowns are shaped to look like real teeth. We also strive to match them by color and ensure that they do not stand out among the natural teeth. While metal is sometimes used for crowns, it is generally reserved for teeth that are not visible.
Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us to Get More Details
Our dental crown options in Port St. Lucie give patients choices for tooth restoration. If you have concerns about your teeth, call us today at (772) 242-4124 to schedule a consultation regarding any questions you have about our dental crown services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Port St. Lucie, River Park, White City, Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, St Lucie West, Tradition, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Stuart
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