Dental Crowns and Bridges
Do You Have Broken or Missing Teeth?
Restore your smile with long-lasting dental crowns for damaged teeth and durable dental bridges for missing teeth.
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Dental Crowns and Bridges in Salem OR
Eventually, our teeth start to show signs of wear and tear. Or there’s an accident and our teeth take the force of a blow. Whether you have a broken tooth, deep decay, or a missing tooth, a dental crown or bridge can restore your smile so you feel normal again.
Breaking or losing a tooth can be stressful, but at Salem Dental, we’ll help you take care of the problem quickly. Call us to schedule a dental crown or bridge appointment with Dr. Huish today to learn more about our durable, natural-looking restorations.
Dental Bridges
How do you repair teeth with dental crowns?
Dental crowns give weakened or broken teeth a new lease on life. At Salem Dental, we want your natural teeth to last as long as possible, and dental crowns help do that.
A tooth with a weak inner structure is at risk for fracture or infection, which could eventually lead to losing the tooth. Sometimes a tooth with exterior damage, like a large chip or crack above the gum line, needs extra protection to prevent further damage.
Unlike tooth fillings, which merely seal the tooth, a dental crown covers and protects the entire tooth, giving it stability and strength. A crown gives the tooth a protective surface that can withstand chewing forces without weakening it further.
In addition to broken teeth, dental crowns address a number of other conditions that put teeth at risk:
- Significant wear
- Advanced dental decay
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Protection for root canal-treated teeth
- Smile makeovers
- Full mouth reconstruction
Dental crowns look and feel just like your natural teeth. Most people prefer tooth-colored porcelain and porcelain blend crowns that match surrounding teeth.
The best way to find out if a dental crown will save your tooth from extraction and improve your comfort is to contact your Salem dentist to schedule an exam. Dr. Huish will discuss each of your treatment options so that you can make an informed choice.
What is the process for getting a dental crown?
At Salem Dental, Dr. Seth Huish and our entire team dedicate themselves to providing high-quality dental crown treatment with minimal discomfort. Here’s what you can expect:
- At your dental crown appointment, we’ll ensure that your tooth and surrounding tissues are completely numb using a local anesthetic.
- Dr. Huish will clean out any bacteria and remove damaged parts of the tooth. Then, he will contour the tooth’s surface so that the dental crown will fit correctly with adjacent teeth.
- Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth so that a dental lab can fabricate your dental crown. We’ll give you a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your permanent one arrives.
- When you return for your final placement in about two weeks, Dr. Huish will make any adjustments for fit and bond the crown to your tooth.
Dr. Huish’s precise approach to dentistry results in natural-looking and comfortable dental crowns. A dental crown can extend the life and function of your tooth by decades.
Why do I need a dental crown instead of a filling?
When it comes to treating teeth with cavities and decay, most people think of dental fillings. But in certain cases, Dr. Huish may recommend a dental crown instead of a filling:
- Older, large fillings can weaken teeth over time. If the filling needs replacing, it’s often best to cover the tooth with a dental crown rather than risk the tooth fracturing.
- An existing filling may develop decay at the edge that we can’t fix with a filling.
- Deep dental decay weakens a tooth’s structure, making it susceptible to breaking or cracking. A dental crown protects the tooth and prevents further decay.
If you have questions about your tooth cavity treatment, don’t hesitate to call our Salem dental office to schedule a teeth exam with Dr. Huish.
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
At Salem Dental, your comfort is our top priority. Although restoring a tooth with a dental crown involves several steps, none of them will involve pain. In fact, if your tooth was sensitive or painful before the procedure, you will likely experience relief once you adjust to your new crown.
Dr. Huish will numb the tooth and surrounding tissues with a local anesthesia, so you will not feel anything while he’s working. We can even use a pre-anesthesia numbing gel on the gums to ensure your comfort.
When your dental crown appointment is over, you may feel some sensitivity around the gum area, but ibuprofen will decrease any discomfort.
When you return to our dental office for your final crown placement, we typically don’t need to use any numbing at all! Dr. Huish will adjust the height of the crown’s surface using specialized dental tools and bond the crown to the tooth.
How long does a dental crown last?
If you take good care of your dental crown, it can last 15 years or more. Here’s how you can extend the life of your crown:
- If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to us about a night guard.
- Do not use your teeth as a tool and avoid biting your fingernails or opening things with your teeth.
- Avoid chewing on ice and hard foods like candy or nuts.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth at least twice a week, taking care to clean the area near the gum line.
- See your Salem dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Huish will check your dental crown for signs of damage, decay, or gapping.
What happens when you can’t save a tooth?
In spite of our best efforts to save broken or severely decayed teeth, occasionally, a tooth may be too damaged or diseased for a dental crown and requires extraction.
A missing tooth does not necessarily mean the end of a beautiful smile. Dental bridges provide a non-surgical, affordable solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike dental implants, which require good oral and general health, most people are good candidates for dental bridges.
How do dental bridges work?
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that fills the gap left by a missing tooth. Whether you have a tooth that was extracted or knocked out, it’s important to replace missing teeth to protect your bite and existing teeth, chew and speak better, and feel good about your smile.
A dental bridge has three parts that work together: A dental crown on each adjacent, or “abutment” tooth and a middle “pontic,” or artificial tooth. The two dental crowns provide stability for the pontic, making a dental bridge feel comfortable and natural.
In the dental bridge process, we prepare the two abutment teeth for dental crowns by recontouring their surfaces. We also take an impression of your mouth so that a dental lab can fabricate the bridge. We’ll give you a temporary bridge until you return for final placement, which may take several dental appointments.
Once your dental bridge fits perfectly, we’ll bond the appliance into place and you can start enjoying your newly restored smile.
Should I replace a missing tooth?
Replacing missing teeth has many benefits to your oral health and appearance:
- Helps you smile, laugh, and speak with confidence
- Protects your bite by preventing other teeth from shifting into the empty space
- Prevents extra wear on your teeth, because misaligned teeth often experience excessive forces
Like our dental crowns, the dental bridges we create in our Salem dental office will blend in with your smile.
Are dental bridges permanent?
Dental bridges last for many years with proper care and good oral hygiene. Like any dental appliance, they’ll need to be replaced after a period of time.
If you notice any of these signs, call our Salem dental office for a dental bridge checkup:
- Sensitivity around the two abutment teeth or around your dental bridge, with or without chewing or brushing
- Cracks or chips in your dental crowns or bridge
To extend the life of your dental bridge, follow these tips:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use the special brush or floss we give you around the dental bridge.
- Visit Salem Dental twice a year for dental exams and cleanings.
- Call our dental office right away if you notice any problems with your bridge.
How do you repair dental bridges?
If your dental bridge shows signs of wear or damage, Dr. Huish will find out which part of the bridge needs attention. If the pontic, or artificial tooth, has damage but the dental crowns on either side are healthy, we can sometimes replace the dental bridge or the porcelain coating.
If the abutment teeth sustain damage due to fracture or decay, we may need to look into whether you’d benefit from a dental implant instead.
Are Dental Bridges or Crowns Right for You?
Meet Dr. Rapchick
Dr. Abigail Rapchick is an awesome dentist she grew up on a farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Her childhood was spent outdoors, participating in 4-H and Pony Club, and working in her mothers extensive flower and vegetable gardens. She attended the University at Buffalo where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Science, before continuing on to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery at UB as well. After graduating she moved to Albuquerque, NM to complete a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, where she received additional training in all aspects of dentistry.
In her spare time, Abigail enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and rock climbing. She has had a blast exploring the PNW so far and is always looking for new trail recommendations! Her creative nature is expressed through trying new recipes in the kitchen, and her never-ending mixed media art projects.
Call Us to Learn More About Dental Crowns and Bridges
If you’re ready for an affordable replacement for missing teeth or need to restore a broken tooth, call Salem Dental to schedule an appointment. Our friendly and professional dental team looks forward to helping you achieve your goals for your smile.