Dental Bridges and Dental Crowns for Corpus Christi
When a simple filling just won’t provide adequate help for an injured or decayed tooth, a dental crown in Corpus Christi may be the best option. A dental bridge is the answer for one or more consecutively missing teeth. Dr. John T. Thompson provides both restorative solutions from our comfortable office -- so you can regain your healthy, happy smile!
Dental Crowns: When, Why, and How
A dental crown is a thin shell that completely covers an affected tooth all the way down to the gumline. It is manufactured according to your unique dentition to ensure a proper fit. A dental crown can be made from one of several materials, including porcelain/ceramic, porcelain fused-to-metal, gold, or metal alloys.
Dental crowns perform a variety of functions, such as…
- Restoring tooth decay when there is not enough healthy tooth enamel to support a filling.
- Repairing an old or broken filling or inlay/onlay.
- Strengthening a weak or worn tooth.
- Replacing a missing tooth (when supported by a dental implant).
- Making cosmetic improvements to significantly damaged front teeth.
Dental crowns are usually placed over the course of two visits to Dr. Thompson’s office. In the first appointment, your dentist will put together your treatment plan and reshape the tooth enamel to make room for the new restoration to fit on top. A temporary crown covers the prepared tooth between appointments.
Using your precise measurements and the details in your treatment plan, the crown is then manufactured by an expert in a separate lab. You return to our office for its final placement one to two weeks later.
Dental Bridges: For Quality Tooth Replacement
While a dental crown can repair a significantly damaged or decayed tooth, the dental bridge replaces one, two, or several teeth that are missing in a row. A traditional fixed bridge is held in place using the two teeth that surround the gap as anchors for the prosthetics (pontics) that fill in the space between. A dental bridge restores your ability to eat, speak, and smile with total confidence, and it also prevents your healthy remaining teeth from drifting out of alignment and causing orthodontic issues.
Dental bridges can also be held in place by dental implants, for a superior tooth replacement. Implant procedures cost more and take longer to heal, but they provide the utmost in stability for your smile.
Caring for a Dental Crown or Bridge
After you have had your smile repaired with a dental crown or bridge, maintaining solid dental hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly are very important. The last thing you want is to end up back in the dental chair for replacement or repair.
To keep your crown or bridge healthy, remember to…
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste and clean in gentle, circular motions.
- Floss at least daily, concentrating on the area at the base of your restoration.
- Add an antimicrobial mouthrinse for additional cleaning.
- Protect your teeth with a sportsguard or mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports.
Get in Touch with the Dentist in Corpus Christi!
If you have an aching, injured, or missing tooth, you need high quality restorative care. Find it from Dr. Thompson and our team of experts! Request an appointment online today.