Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges repair or replace damaged, decaying, or missing teeth. They provide an affordable and effective way to restore your smile and prevent additional problems. At Village Dental, cosmetic and general dentist Nils Anderson, DDS, uses crowns and bridges to protect, cover, and repair teeth. To make an appointment, call the office in Richmond Hill, Georgia, or book one online today.

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations. Though similar, there are differences.

Crowns

A crown covers a damaged or decaying tooth. The crown restores your tooth to its near-original shape and size.

Bridges

A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that fills a gap in your smile. It has an artificial tooth and crowns or a metal framework that prevents it from moving out of position.

Why would someone need crowns and bridges?

At Village Dental, Dr. Anderson might recommend a bridge if you lose a permanent tooth due to trauma or extraction.

Dr. Anderson uses crowns to:

• Protect weak and decaying teeth
• Restore broken and worn-down teeth
• Cover dental implants
• Hold dental bridges in place
• Cover teeth treated with root canal therapy

You might also be a candidate for a crown if you have a stained or discolored tooth that doesn’t improve with a whitening treatment.

What does getting a crown or bridge involve?

At Village Dental, getting a crown or a bridge takes two visits. After Dr. Anderson reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes digital X-rays, he can decide whether a crown or bridge is what you need. 

Dental crown treatment process

If you have a deep cavity or severely damaged tooth, Dr. Anderson prepares it for a crown. He numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, removes the decayed/damaged portion, and takes digital impressions. Then, Dr. Anderson sends your impressions to a dental lab that manufactures a custom crown.

Dental bridge treatment process

If you lose a permanent tooth due to trauma or extraction, you qualify for a bridge. Dr. Anderson takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a dental lab. Techs at the lab use the impressions to create a custom bridge.

When the lab finishes your crown or bridge, you visit Village Dental for the second time. Dr. Anderson bonds your crown or bridge in place, polishes your teeth, and provides care instructions.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

Crowns and bridges usually last between 10 and 12 years, but you can extend their lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Anderson recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting Village Dental every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

To get crowns and bridges, make an appointment at Village Dental by calling the office or booking online today.