Bridges & Crowns Q&A

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What are bridges?

 

Bridges are dental devices that are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges include a support framework and one or more prosthetic teeth. The bridge is attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. In most cases, crowns are applied to these teeth ahead of time to help strengthen them so they can adequately support the bridge without becoming damaged themselves.

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What are crowns?

Crowns are durable, protective coverings that surround a tooth. They can be used in many applications, including cosmetic procedures to hide large or dark fillings or badly stained teeth, to provide extra support for teeth supporting a bridge, to help strengthen teeth that have large or extensive fillings and to provide additional support for teeth that have undergone root canals.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that feature a metal post implanted in the bone that supports the tooth. Implants are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth.

What is the dental implant procedure like?

Dental implants usually take about three visits to complete. During the first visit, the metal post is implanted in your bone and allowed to heal and fuse with the bone for several weeks. At the second visit, an abutment is attached to the post to support the prosthetic tooth or crown, and an impression is made that will serve as a guide for creating the crown. In the third visit, the prosthetic tooth will be attached to the abutment and shaped for an ideal fit.

Are implants hard to care for?

No. The dentists at Palo Alto Dental Spa use only the most advanced materials to ensure your implants are easy to care for – just brush and floss like your natural teeth and have regular checkups to ensure the gums stay healthy.