Dental Crown and Dental Bridge in Williamsburg, VA
When you have a damaged or missing tooth, your dental health is at risk. A damaged tooth can lead to toothaches and an imbalance in your bite pattern. While a missing tooth can cause teeth shifting and negatively affect your speaking or chewing capabilities, it can also effect your overall and oral health. Untreated missing teeth increase patients risk of developing gum disease and jaw bone deterioration.
To resolve these issues, we offer dental crowns and dental bridges to help restore your mouth and oral health. If you suspect you may have dental damage, Dr. Stacey Hall is here to help you decide what kind of tooth repair you will need to renew your smile.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth that takes the place of your natural tooth. Your dentist will shave down your natural tooth to its core so the crown can take its place. This protects your natural tooth without requiring tooth extraction. The crown itself is custom-made to meet your needs.
Our dentist will color-match it to your surrounding teeth to blend in seamlessly. We will ensure that the crown is matched to the exact color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. We will fully restore the natural look of your tooth, so that it appears natural to the naked eye. Crowns can also accompany other treatment options, like supporting a dental bridge or capping a dental implant.
Dental crowns offer patients a variety of benefits. These benefits include:
- Strengthen your bite pattern
- Restoring the look of natural teeth
- Preventing further tooth loss or damage
- Concealing discoloration
- Enhance the support of dental implants and bridges
What is an Implant-Supported Crown?
An implant-supported crown is a dental restoration technique that replaces a missing tooth. This method involves Dr. Hall surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone. The implant will act as a root for the artificial tooth. The implant will integrate with the surrounding jawbone to create a strong base for the dental crown. Our team will create a custom dental crown that Dr. Hall will secure to the implant to replace your tooth.
Implant-supported crowns offer many benefits over a traditional dental bridges and dentures. This missing tooth replacement method provides superior stability, mimicking the function and appearance of natural teeth while preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. Using a dental implant to support your dental crown provides added structure and support typically not seen with bridges and dentures.
This missing tooth technique is beneficial if you are seeking a long-term solution that enhances both oral health and aesthetics. An implant-supported crown reduces your risk of other oral health issues such as jaw bone deterioration and gum disease. Although the healing time is longer when Dr. Halls secures a crown with an implant, it extends the longevity of the restoration.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges help patients who are seeking tooth replacement for one or more consecutive teeth. With dental bridges, your surrounding teeth will support the prosthetic tooth. It holds the bridge firmly in its place. Your dentist will also need to shave down your surrounding teeth to make space for the dental bridge.
A dental crown can cap the bridge to provide additional support. Unlike a dental implant, a dental bridge does not involve a surgical component while still restoring your bite pattern and looks. Restoring your bite pattern as soon as possible after losing a tooth is important because imbalances in your bite can lead to tooth shifting, jaw pain, or further tooth loss.
Dental bridges offer patients a variety of benefits. These benefits include:
- Restoring the beauty of your smile
- Restoring the ability to properly chew and speak
- Prevents facial sagging
- Balances your bite pattern to prevent discomfort
- Prevents teeth from shifting out of place
What is an Implant-Supported Dental Bridge?
Dr. Hall can also secure a dental bridge with dental implants. An Implant-Supported Dental Bridge is an advanced dental restoration technique we use to replace multiple missing teeth. This missing tooth solution is beneficial if you have several consecutive missing teeth and you want to replace them with the most natural option. Dr. Hall will surgically place at least two dental implants on each end of the gap and they will fuse to the bone. Then, she will design a custom dental bridge to secure to the implants to replace your teeth.
Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, this method uses dental implants as the anchor points. An implant-supported dental bridge does not require reducing adjacent teeth in size nor does it place any stress on your natural teeth. The restoration will distribute chewing forces more evenly across the jaw, reducing the strain on individual teeth and enhancing overall oral health.
Additionally, securing a bridge with an implant also helps the restoration to function more like your natural teeth. With the addition of dental implants, you will preserve the jawbone and stimulating bone growth. With an implant-supported bridge, you will have improved functionality and aesthetics, making it the best solution for replacing multiple teeth and supporting your long-term dental health.
High-Tech Dental Bridge and Dental Crown in Williamsburg, VA
No messy impressions here! Lengthy, uncomfortable crown and bridge procedures are a thing of the past because Dr. Hall employs the CEREC 3-D impression system. An in-office design and milling system, CEREC can be used to create a custom ceramic crown while you wait.
How does the 3-D CEREC System Work? The procedure is simple: An intra-oral camera takes a digital scan of your teeth. Then, we convert the image to a 3-D model on the computer. Dr. Hall uses this to design the restoration work you need. The computer sends the data to a milling machine at a dental lab.
They place a ceramic block matching your tooth shade in the milling machine to create the restoration. All that’s left is ensuring proper fit, polishing, and bonding. Bottom line: The 3-D CEREC method is a modern and economical system that dental professionals and patients appreciate.
Dental Crown FAQs
Do you have questions about dental crowns? Continue reading to find answers to questions that patients frequently ask.
Are dental crown procedures painful?
Dental crown procedures are not painful because the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area. You might feel some pressure during the tooth preparation but no pain. After the procedure, mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and good oral hygiene can help manage any temporary discomfort.
How long do dental crowns last?
The lifespan of a dental crown varies depending on the material and how well you care for it. On average, crowns last between 10 to 15 years, but they can last much longer with proper care. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing hard objects can extend the life of your crown.
Can a dental crown fall off?
Yes, a dental crown can fall off due to wear, damage to the cement, or decay beneath the crown. If this happens, contact your dentist immediately to have the crown reattached or replaced. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until the issue is resolved. Regular dental visits help ensure your crown stays secure.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes, you can eat normally with a dental crown once it is securely bonded in place. Avoid chewing on the temporary crown, as it is less durable. After placing the permanent crown, you can enjoy all your favorite foods. However, it’s best to avoid chewing on hard items like ice or sticky candies to protect the crown from damage.
Can a crown be whitened?
No, dental crowns cannot be professionally whitened because the material does not respond to bleaching agents. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do so before getting a crown to ensure a color match. If your crown no longer matches your natural teeth, you may need to replace it for a better aesthetic result.
Are dental crowns noticeable?
Modern dental crowns, especially those made from porcelain or ceramic, are designed to look natural and match the color of your surrounding teeth. They are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Metal crowns are more noticeable and are typically used for back teeth where aesthetics are less of a concern.
Dental Bridge FAQs
Dental bridges are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth. Learn more.
What are the types of dental bridges?
There are four main types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridges. Traditional bridges are anchored by crowns on adjacent teeth. Cantilever bridges are supported by a crown on one side only. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. Implant-supported bridges are secured using dental implants, providing superior stability.
How long does a dental bridge last?
With proper care, a dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on factors like oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing hard objects. Good oral health practices are essential to prolong the bridge’s durability.
Can a dental bridge improve my speech?
Yes, a dental bridge can improve your speech, especially if missing teeth have caused difficulty pronouncing certain words. Replacing the missing teeth restores your ability to form sounds correctly. The bridge also helps stabilize your bite, enhancing your speech clarity.
Can I eat normally with a dental bridge?
Yes, a dental bridge allows you to eat normally once it is securely in place. Initially, you may need to avoid hard or sticky foods while you adjust to the bridge. After the adjustment period, you can enjoy most foods, but it’s wise to avoid chewing on extremely hard items that could damage the bridge.
What happens if the teeth supporting the bridge decay?
Decay in the supporting teeth can compromise the bridge’s stability and may require repair or replacement. If the decay is severe, the teeth might need root canals or even extraction. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are crucial to maintaining the health of the supporting teeth.
Can a dental bridge be replaced?
Yes, a dental bridge can be replaced if it becomes damaged, loose, or worn over time. The dentist will assess the health of your supporting teeth and gums before placing a new bridge. Replacement may also be necessary if you experience significant bite or oral health changes.
Schedule a Consultation for a Dental Bridge or Dental Crown in Williamsburg, VA
If you need a dental crown or dental bridge in Williamsburg, VA, please contact Williamsburg Center for Dental Health. Our expert dentists will evaluate your dental health and prepare a treatment plan to restore your smile. You can reach our office by calling 757-216-9873 or you can request an appointment online by filling out the form.