Tooth Replacement Options for Sacramento Patients
At Scripps Family Dental, we offer dental crowns and bridges as tooth replacement options. Replacing a missing tooth is important not just to have a complete smile you feel confident sharing with everyone around you, but because it will help you maintain good oral and overall health.
If you have one or multiple missing teeth, we may recommend artificial teeth replacements. Earlier, only dentures were used as artificial replacements for missing teeth. But today, many other better options are available that provide you with restoration and improve the functionality of your teeth and the appearance of your smile.
Crowns and bridges have become sought-after alternatives to dentures. You may visit our clinic for the procedure. We will carry out your dental examination and choose from the two options to suit your needs.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration made to cover a tooth that is cracked, decayed, or broken. It is made of durable materials like porcelain and zirconia to enable good chewing function and natural looks.
What can dental crowns help you with?
Certain dental conditions that can be fixed using dental crowns, including:
- Restore teeth that are decayed or cracked
- Filling gaps and spaces present between teeth
- Placed over an implant to look natural
- Add cosmetic enhancement
- Protect teeth having large fillings or after a root canal treatment
- Hide too stained or discolored teeth
- Protect weak teeth from further damage
- Cover damaged teeth
How We Can Help: We Can Easily Apply Sealants During Your Next Visit
The whole process involves two dental visits. At the first visit, our dentist in Sacramento will prepare the tooth that is to be treated and take impressions to get a customized crown created. If you have decay or old filling material, then we will begin by removing that first. A temporary crown will be placed for a while to protect the prepared tooth.
Once the permanent crown is ready, we will replace it with the temporary one placed earlier. In order to ensure satisfactory results, we will check its fit with a bite test and attach the crown with the help of dental adhesives.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is one option to replace a missing tooth. The teeth around the missing space are crowned and used as support to fill the space. Similar to dental crowns, dental bridges are available in different material options. We will decide on the right material after considering factors like your teeth’ visibility, strength, cost, and personal needs.
Types of Dental Bridges
There are several types of bridges: Traditional bridges involve creating a crown for the tooth on either side of the missing one, with a pontic in between. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. Maryland bonded bridges use metal or porcelain wings on just one side of the bridge that are bonded to your existing teeth. Each type offers different benefits, and the right choice depends on the location of the missing tooth and your dental health.
What can dental bridges help you with?
A dental bridge does the following:
- Restores the aesthetics of your smile
- Looks and acts like natural teeth
- Helps you speak and chew food efficiently
- Helps fix your bite
- Prevents the neighboring natural teeth from shifting
- Decreases chances of jawbone loss
What is the process involved in placing a dental bridge?
The whole process of placing dental implants involves two dental visits. After determining your candidacy for a dental bridge, we will prepare the adjacent teeth to allow enough space for the bridge to be placed. Our dentist in Sacramento will take impressions of the tooth that has to be placed in the gap and also the neighboring prepared teeth. This is then sent over to a dental lab for the fabrication of the bridge. Once the final bridge is ready, we will securely place it over the prepared natural teeth and check for perfect fit and bite.
How Long Do They Last?
Crowns and bridges are permanent restorations that are glued in place and meant to last. Good homecare habits, daily brushing, and flossing, along with regular routine dental cleanings and check-ups, will minimize the need for replacement. Please reach out to our dental practice in Sacramento, CA, to consult with our dentists, Dr. Rollofson Porrino and Dr. Fouladi. Call Scripps Family Dental in Sacramento, CA at (916) 929-1156 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.