Bridges & Crowns in Carmel
Damage, wear and tear, age, and injury can cause pain, breakage, and even tooth loss. Crowns and bridges can be used to cover and repair natural teeth or fill empty spaces left by missing teeth. The results you’ll see with Dr. Rupenthal’s work are natural and undetectable. Your smile will look brand new and better than ever.
Crowns
Dental crowns can be used to help with a wide variety of issues, including:
- Replacing missing teeth
- Supporting broken or misshapen teeth
- Correcting chewing problems
- Relieving pain from hairline cracks due to old fillings weakening teeth
- Preventing breakage in teeth with root canal fillings
- Restoring your smiles natural look
Will my crowns be obvious?
No, your crown will look nearly identical to your natural teeth. Technology allows us to create crowns out of high-grade porcelain which are natural-looking and long-lasting. Not only will your crown look just like a normal tooth, but it will feel like one too.
How long will my crown last?
Crowns can last up to 20 or 30 years. The precise fitting and cementing process ensures a strong hold that stands up to years of wear and tear.
Will it take long to fit me for a crown?
Placing a crown is not a long process, but it will take more than one visit. On your first visit, we will clear your tooth of any decay and reshape it. Then we fit you with a temporary plastic or metal crown until your permanent one has been designed. When you return to the office, your made-to-fit crown will be cemented into place.
Bridges
A bridge can replace a series of missing teeth. Bridges attach to the natural teeth (abutment teeth) via dental crowns on both sides of the missing teeth. We can fit you with a permanent (fixed) bridge (fixed partial denture) or a removable one which easily attaches with metal clasps or precision attachments. If you opt for a fixed bridge, it will be bonded in place, whereas the removable type can be taken out for cleaning.
Why should I get a bridge?
A bridge can help to:
- Support cheeks and lips from sinking in the gap
- Prevent undue stress on existing teeth, gums, and other oral tissues
- Prevent potential gum disease
- Eliminate speech impediments due to missing teeth
What are bridges made from?
Bridges are constructed from porcelain, gold alloys, non-precious alloys or a combination of these materials. When porcelain is used, it’s generally bonded to a metal support.
How do you attach my bridge and how long will the procedure take?
You will have to visit us at least two times (possibly three) for the complete attachment process. First we must prepare the anchor teeth for attachment by eliminating some of the dentin and enamel so the bridge can adhere properly. We will then take accurate impressions of the teeth for a precise blueprint to follow, making sure your bite will be perfect once the bridge is in place. These impressions are sent to a laboratory that will create your unique bridge. We will fit crowns for the support teeth and cement the fixed bridge to the crowns.
How do I clean my bridge?
A fixed bridge can be cleaned just like natural teeth, all you have to do is brush and floss regularly. A removable bridge should be taken out of the mouth for cleaning, then reattached.
Dental crowns and bridges are a great way to save your teeth and restore your smile.