Dental Crowns and Bridges Denver & Lakewood, CO
Crowns (or caps) are dental restorations that are placed over a tooth when conservative restorations are insufficient to restore form and function. A bridge serves to replace a missing tooth or teeth. One type of bridge applied by Denver’s Dr. Grabiak DMD, FAGD consists of crowns placed on either side of the missing tooth to connect the replacement tooth or teeth to them. Another type of bridge consists of the replacement tooth attached to the adjacent teeth with wing-like appendages. Bridges can also be supported by dental implants.
Tooth crowns and bridges can be made entirely of tooth-colored material, metal, or a combination to provide optimal aesthetics. Some metal-free crowns and bridges incorporate stress-bearing materials to enhance their strength and wear-resistance. Denver porcelain crown specialist, Dr. Grabiak DMD, FAGD designs natural-looking porcelain crowns and bridges and that can be an ideal solution to replace or support missing or serious damaged teeth.
What are Crowns Used for?
Crowns are used to completely cover a damaged tooth to preserve its function, shape, and alignment. They are also placed on dental implants to provide a tooth-like restoration. Dr. Grabiak DMD, FAGD may recommend a crown for the following reasons:
- Attach a dental bridge
- Protect a tooth from fracturing
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth after a root canal
- Replace a filling when there isn’t enough healthy tooth remaining
- Restore a tooth that has fractured
What are Bridges Used for?
When teeth are missing the gaps that are left can cause the remaining teeth to shift as the jaw bone deteriorates. Bridges serve to prevent this from happening and to restore your smile and ability to eat. If a bridge or other dental appliance is not installed the teeth may shift or the gap may lead to additional health problems such as gum disease or TMJ disorders. Dr. Grabiak DMD, FAGD will help you weigh your options when selecting the right restoration device for your unique situation.
Crown and Bridge Procedure
To install a crown or bridge the first step is to reduce the teeth in which the restorations will be placed. Then we take a mold to determine the exact fit for the crown or bridge. If a tooth-colored material is used, it will be matched with your natural teeth so it blends appropriately. After the crown or bridge is fabricated in the dental lab we will cement into place for your permanent restoration.
