What are dental crowns and bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are restorations that repair decaying, damaged, or missing teeth. Though frequently mentioned together, crowns and bridges aren’t the same things:   Crowns A crown is a cap that your Green California Dental Group provider bonds over a severely decaying or damaged tooth. The crown restores your tooth to its natural shape and size, preventing further problems.   Bridges A bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one or more permanent teeth. The bridge fills a gap in your smile, preventing the teeth on either side from moving out of position.  

Why would I need dental crowns and bridges?

Green California Dental Group uses dental crowns and bridges to:

• Protect weak or decaying teeth
• Restore broken or worn-down teeth
• Cover dental implants
• Cover severe discoloration that doesn’t improve with teeth whitening
• Replace extracted teeth

You’ll receive a dental crown if you need a root canal. A root canal is an outpatient procedure that removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the interior of your tooth. Afterward, your dentist covers the tooth with a crown, restoring your biting and chewing abilities.  

What does getting dental crowns and bridges involve?

At Green California Dental Group, getting dental crowns and bridges takes two visits spaced about a week apart. First, your provider completes an oral exam and takes a series of digital X-rays.   Getting a crown If you’re getting a crown, your dentist numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and removes the decaying portion of your tooth enamel. They take impressions of your tooth and send them to a lab, where a custom dental crown is made. When the crown is finished, you return to Green California Dental Group. Your dentist bonds the crown to your tooth, restoring your smile.   Getting a bridge Your provider administers a local anesthetic and removes a thin layer of enamel from the abutment teeth, the ones on either side of the gap in your smile. Your provider then takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab. The dental lab uses the impressions to create a custom dental bridge. When it’s ready, you return to the office and try it on. Your Green California Dental Group provider bonds the bridge in place and provides care instructions. Call Green California Dental Group or use the online booking feature today to learn more about dental crowns and bridges.