Crowns & Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges repair or replace decaying, damaged, or missing permanent teeth. Many people mention crowns and bridges together, but there are differences:

Crowns

A crown is a synthetic cap bonded on top of a damaged or decaying tooth. Once positioned, the crown restores your tooth to its near-original shape, strength, size, and appearance. 

Bridges

A bridge fills a hole in your smile where a permanent tooth used to be. There are several types of dental bridges but all feature an artificial tooth and a supportive framework made from wire or dental crowns.

Why would I need crowns and bridges?

Dr. Geller uses crowns and bridges to:

• Protect weak teeth from breaking
• Cover and support teeth with large fillings
• Replace a missing tooth lost to trauma or extraction
• Attach to dental implants
• Complete root canal therapy

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

What does getting crowns and bridges involve?

At the practice of Barnett Geller, DDS, FAGD, getting crowns and bridges takes two visits.

First crowns and bridges visit

Dr. Geller reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes a series of computed tomography (CT) scans. If you have a broken, decaying, or missing permanent tooth, you qualify for treatment.

If you're getting a crown, Dr. Geller numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and removes the decaying portion of the tooth. Then, he takes impressions and sends them to a nearby dental lab. Technicians at the lab use the impressions to design and manufacture a custom crown.

If you’re getting a bridge, Dr. Geller administers a local anesthetic and removes a thin layer of enamel from the two abutment teeth on either side of your empty socket. Then, he takes impressions and sends them to a nearby dental lab. Techs at the lab use your impressions to make a custom dental bridge.

Second crowns and bridges visit

When the dental lab finishes your crown or bridge, you return to Dr. Geller’s office.

Dr. Geller numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, aligns the crown or bridge with your teeth, and bonds it in place. Then, he polishes your teeth and provides care instructions.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

Dental restorations, like crowns and bridges, typically last 12 years*, but you can extend their use by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Geller recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing your teeth once a day, and undergoing an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning two times a year.

If you’re interested in getting crowns or bridges, make an appointment at the practice of Barnett Geller, DDS, FAGD, by calling the office or booking online today.

*Individual results may vary.