Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns and Bridgework.

What Are Dental Crowns?

If you have damage or discoloration on a tooth, then a dental crown may be the perfect option for you. Dental crowns (also commonly referred to as dental caps) are specially engineered coverings that are placed over an existing tooth that is damaged, decayed, or is discolored, hiding the tooth and making your smile look complete and healthy. For teeth that are damaged and weak, crowns can also protect that tooth from breaking completely. 

How Does The Crowning Process Work?

Dental Crowns - Step by Step.Once you’ve met with one of our experienced dentist, Dr. Johnson, and he determines that a crown is the best treatment option for you, we’ll begin the process of preparing your problem tooth for it’s new crown. The process of crowning or capping your tooth will be spread out between two to three visits to our office. 
The first step of the process involves shaping your tooth to fit inside the covering by drilling down the tooth to a uniform shape. This will also remove any remaining decay from your tooth so that the tooth doesn’t continue to wear away underneath the crown or cap. If the tooth is too damaged and doesn’t have enough remaining structure to support the crown, we will use filling material to build up the tooth to create the necessary foundation. 

The second step is taking impressions of the newly prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth with advanced digital imaging or with reliable putty-like impression material, which is done while you’re still at your first visit. These impressions are then sent to the dental laboratory in order to begin creating the crown. The lab will use the high quality digital images as guides to ensure that your crown fits comfortably, and matches the coloration of your teeth so your smile looks completely natural. 

While your permanent crown is being created, we will attach a temporary crown to your tooth that will simply act as a placeholder until the permanent one is ready, so you don't leave your first office appointment missing a tooth. When you come back for your second visit, we'll remove the temporary crown and attach the permanent crown to your tooth using either a resin that hardens when exposed to a special light source, or dental cement.  Both the resin or the cement will ensure that there's a comfortable and secure fit for a long lasting new piece of your smile.

Types Of Crowns

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials; each with their own set of pros and cons for you and Dr. Johnson to decide together on what best meets your needs. These options include:

  • Gold
  • Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM)
  • All Porcelain with Zirconia

Creating a Bridge

Dental Bridgework - Step by Step.If you’re missing a tooth, a dental bridge can fill that gap with a crown, making your smile look complete again while maintaining that natural look and feel. A bridge is composed of at least 3 crowns that are attached two one another, with two crowns on either side of the gap that will be anchored in place with an abutment like how a crown is placed normally. The third crown in the middle will simply fill the gap between your teeth with a crown that is customized to fit perfectly and comfortably. If you are missing multiple teeth, the amount of crowns and abutment teeth may vary. 

In order to receive a bridge for your missing teeth, your supporting gum and bone tissue must be strong enough to support it. Dr. Johnson will evaluate your gums and jawbone in order to determine if getting a bridge is right for you. If you have any questions about bridgework, Dr. Johnson and his staff will help you get all of the information you need. 

Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework

While a crown and bridge are designed to look and feel like you’re natural teeth, they also require the same kind of care as your natural teeth in order to keep them healthy. Plaque can damage crowns and bridges just as they can break down and harm your actual teeth, so make sure that you keep up with a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine with brushing and flossing regularly. Also, don’t forget to keep coming into our office to see Dr. Johnson for your regularly scheduled cleanings. Even things like teeth grinding can damage the crown or bridge, so wear a mouth guard to protect them from damage at the times you need it. 

If you ever think that you’ve damaged your crown or bridge, don’t hesitate to contact us right away and make an appointment.  

Contact Your Local Waldorf Dental Office Today!

If you would like more information about our crown or bridgework services, just contact us or schedule an appointment. We’ll sit down with you, talk to you about your dental needs, and walk you through the process of getting a crown or bridge. At the practice or Dr. Christian Johnson, we’re passionate about spreading smiles across Waldorf, La Plata, Charlotte Hall, and the surrounding areas. Join our family of happy, smiling patients today!

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