DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES – MIDLAND, TX

IT'S TIME TO SMILE WITH PRIDE AGAIN

Crowns and bridges have long been an excellent option in Restorative Dentistry for both tooth repair and replacement. Unlike removable partials and dentures that can come loose and must be taken out for cleaning, crowns and bridges are cemented in place. With dental crowns and bridges in Midland, TX, Dr. Drisdale can restore both the form and function of your smile.

WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN?

Also called caps, dental crowns are placed over the remaining biting surface of a severely decayed or damaged tooth in order to restore strength and functionality. A crown can also be attached to a dental implant when a tooth is missing. For the most part, Dr. Drisdale uses all-ceramic or porcelain crowns. Thanks to advances in the production of dental materials, both of these are extremely durable. In addition, they offer the advantage of being tooth-colored, which is an important consideration for most people when they have a tooth that needs repair.

WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?

Dental bridges fill in the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more false teeth, also called pontics. Replacing lost teeth is important, because those open spaces in your mouth can lead to a number of problems. For example, a missing tooth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of their usual positions. As a result, you may develop a bad bite or even painful symptoms of TMJ disorder. In addition, tooth loss is often a contributing factor to malnourishment, because each and every tooth in your mouth plays an important role in chewing and digestion. And of course, missing teeth don’t enhance the appearance of your smile.

DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES TOGETHER

In combination, dental crowns and bridges provide a fixed and secure replacement for missing teeth. Teeth on either side of the gap in your smile are fitted for crowns, which securely hold the bridge in place. Before placing a crown and bridge prosthetic, Dr. Drisdale must first reduce the size of teeth where crowns are attached. This ensures a proper fit. Then, an impression is taken of the prepared teeth, so our dental lab can create your perfect prosthetic. Dr. Drisdale will also instruct the lab on the correct shade for your crown and bridge, so you can be confident your tooth replacement will match the color of your existing teeth.

Once your teeth are prepared, we’ll place a temporary crown and bridge. Then, when the permanent crown and bridge is returned from the lab, the temporary is removed and the new prosthesis is cemented into place.

CARING FOR YOUR DENTAL CROWN AND BRIDGE

Your new crown and bridge can last many years, especially if attended to with good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Dr. Drisdale will give you a special floss threader so you’ll be able to clean the space between the bridge and your gum tissue underneath.