What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?

• Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices
• Crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants
• Unlike removable devices such as dentures

How do Crowns work?

• A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth
• Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment
• A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function
• Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth
• Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic
• Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive

Dr. Deepa may recommend a Crown to...

• A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth
• Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment
• A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function
• Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth
• Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic
• Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive

How are Crowns and Bridges made?

• Before either a crown or a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the crown or bridge will fit over it properly.
• After reducing the tooth/teeth, your dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge.
• If porcelain is to be used, your dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of your existing teeth.

Why Bridging the Gap Left by Missing Teeth or tooth pulled is important?

• An open space inside of your arch can impact your entire mouth
• if the space is visible, it creates aesthetic concerns
• Just one open space triggers other teeth to begin shifting, drifting, and moving out of place
• Even teeth in the opposing arch are impacted

Replacing your missing tooth as quickly as possible can help you retain proper tooth placement, aesthetics and prevent dental health concerns. When an implant or partial isn’t the best option – a dental bridge may be the answer

What is the Dental Bridge?

• Fixed bridges are restorations that look like two crowns, with a false crown (“pontic”) fused between them
• Each one is bonded over the healthy tooth on either side of your open space
• creating the illusion that you have a new tooth where one was missing
• Bridges can also be anchored directly on top of two dental implants, replacing up to 3 or 4 teeth

Walk me through the process...

• In most cases, we’ll schedule you for two different appointments, about two weeks apart. At your first visit, we prep the supporting teeth and take an impression of them. Two weeks later You’ll come back to try the bridge in, make any adjustments, and cement it into place.

Why would I need Fillings?

• Fillings help restore teeth damaged by decay
• Fillings can close off spaces where bacteria can enter and cause further decay

What is Dental Fillings?

• Dr. Deepa will first remove the decayed tooth material and clean the affected area
• Cleaned out cavity is filled with tooth-colored composite resin

What to expect during Filling procedure?

• You may be given local Anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth
• Dr. Deepa will cut through the enamel using drill to remove decay
• After removing the decay Dr. Deepa will clean and shape the space for filling
• Bridges can also be anchored directly on top of two dental implants, replacing up to 3 or 4 teeth in a row

Walk me through the process...

• In most cases, we’ll schedule you for two different appointments, about two weeks apart. At your first visit, we prep the supporting teeth and take an impression of them. Two weeks later You’ll come back to try the bridge in, make any adjustments, and cement it into place.