If you have a damaged tooth or are missing teeth, your dentist may have mentioned about dental bridges and crowns in Surrey, BC. Bridges and crowns are common dental procedures that restore your smile and allow you to eat normally again. Let me explain what these treatments are and how to find the best dentist near you.
What Are Dental Crowns for Damaged Teeth?
A dental crown is a type of tooth-shaped cap that covers your entire tooth. Dentists will use a crown for a badly damaged tooth, when there is a lot of cavity, or when a tooth breaks from an accident.
The dentist will contour or shape your tooth so a crown will fit. After your tooth is prepared, the dentist will place the crown on top. Once fixed, the crown will look and feel just like your regular tooth. In fact, other people may not be able to tell the difference between your treated tooth and a regular tooth.
Crowns are made from different materials:
- Porcelain (looks most like real teeth).
- Metal (very strong but shows more).
- Porcelain mixed with metal (strong and looks good).
Understanding the Dental Bridges Procedure Explained
A dental bridge fills the space when you are missing one or more teeth. The bridge connects the two adjacent teeth to the space or gap in the middle. These teeth support and connect to the bridge, called the abutment teeth.
Here is how the dental bridge procedure works:
- First Visit: The dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays.
- Preparation: The dentist will prepare the teeth to the side of the gap.
- Impressions: The dentist will take impressions of your teeth.
- Once you get your temporary bridge: They will give you a temporary bridge while waiting for the final bridge.
- Final placement: The dentist will bond the final bridge in place.
All in all, it should be done in about 2-3 weeks. You will have to see your dentist at least two times.
Types of Dental Bridges and Crowns
| Treatment Type | Best For | How Long It Lasts | Cost Range |
| Single Crown | One damaged tooth | 10-15 years | Moderate |
| Traditional Bridge | 1-3 missing teeth | 10-15 years | Higher |
| Implant Crown | One missing tooth | 20+ years | Highest |
| Cantilever Bridge | Missing tooth at end | 8-12 years | Moderate |
Your dentist will help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget.
How to Find the Right Dentist Near You
Finding the right dentist near you is very important when getting your dental bridges and crowns. Here are a few easy things you can do to help yourself make the right choice for a dentist:
- Check the Credentials: Make sure the dentist you select has proper training and licenses. Look for a dentist with extra training in restorative dentistry.
- Look at reviews:Other patients have had experiences that may help you make your choice; look for comments about the dentist’s skill level or how the dentist treats patients. What do patients say about their experience?
- Find out about experience:Find out how many bridges and crowns the dentist has done. More experience usually means better results.
- Visit the clinic:A modern, clean clinic, with the right equipment, shows the dentist cares about providing quality care.
- Insurance and payment: Make sure the dentist takes your insurance or provides a payment plan.
What to Expect During Treatment
The experience of getting dental crowns and bridges is generally comfortable. Dentists will apply local anesthesia to the area. There may be some pressure, but there shouldn’t be any pain involved.
You may experience some sensitivity for a few days after treatment. This is normal. Your dentist will instruct you on how to care for your new crown or bridge.
Signs You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
If you notice any of the following signs, you should contact your dentist:
- Sensitivity when biting down on a tooth.
- A cracked or broken tooth.
- A filling that is larger than half the tooth structure that keeps falling out.
- Difficulty chewing due to one or more missing teeth.
- Gaps that affect your speech.
Making Your Decision
Keep in mind that good-quality dental work will last for years when cared for properly. Spending the money on getting a crown or bridge from an experienced dentist near you who uses quality materials is worth it.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Bridges and Crowns Near You
At Gentle Care Dental, we can provide a crown or a bridge to restore a damaged or missing tooth. Crowns restore and protect weak teeth, while bridges replace missing teeth to aid in chewing and speaking with ease. Our dentist near you uses safe materials and gentle techniques to ensure that you get the optimal results.
Contact Gentle Care Dental today to restore your smile and confidence with crowns and bridges!