Visiting our offices to get a crown or a bridge can seem intimidating, but it's a routine procedure that can improve the health and appearance of your smile. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of getting a crown or a bridge, from the initial consultation to the final placement.

The Consultation

The first step in getting a crown or a bridge is to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, one of our dentists will examine your teeth and gums to determine if a crown or a bridge is the best option for your specific dental needs. If a crown or a bridge is recommended, we will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have.

During the consultation, we will also take impressions of your teeth and create a treatment plan. This plan will outline the steps involved in the procedure, as well as the cost and the timeline for completion.

The Procedure

Once you and your dentist have agreed on a treatment plan, it's time to schedule your appointment for the procedure. The exact steps involved in the procedure will vary depending on whether you are getting a crown or bridge:

Getting a Crown

If you are getting a crown, the first step is to prepare the tooth. This involves removing any decay or damage and shaping the tooth to make room for the crown. Your dentist may also need to build up the tooth with a filling material to ensure a proper fit.

Once the tooth is prepared, we will take another impression of your teeth. This impression will be used to create a custom-made crown that fits perfectly over your tooth. While you wait for your permanent crown to be made, we will place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.

After a few weeks, your permanent crown will be ready. At your second appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and place the permanent one over your tooth, and then check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before cementing the crown in place.

Getting a Bridge

If you are getting a bridge, the procedure involves preparing the teeth on either side of the gap where the missing tooth or teeth used to be. Your dentist will remove any decay or damage and shape the teeth to make room for the bridge. We will then take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a custom-made bridge.

While you wait for your bridge to be made, we will place a temporary bridge over the prepared teeth to protect them. Once it is ready, we will remove the temporary bridge and place the permanent one over the prepared teeth, making sure to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before cementing the bridge in place.

Aftercare

Once your crown or bridge is in place, it's important to take good care of your teeth and gums to ensure that your restoration lasts for many years to come. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using a mouthwash recommended by your dentist, and avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage your restoration.

You will also need to schedule regular check-ups with our office to monitor the health of your teeth and gums and ensure that your crown or bridge is still functioning properly. We may also recommend additional treatments, such as cleanings or fillings, to maintain the health of your teeth.

In conclusion, getting a crown or a bridge is a routine dental procedure that can improve the health and appearance of your smile. By working closely with our dentists and following the aftercare instructions, you can enjoy the benefits of your restoration for many years to come.