DENTAL CROWNS AND DENTAL BRIDGES
List of Services
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WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?List Item 1
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. Crowns are often used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not severely compromised enough to require extraction.
Common reasons for a dental crown include:
- Protecting a tooth with a large cavity or crack
- Covering a tooth after a root canal
- Strengthening a worn-down or weakened tooth
- Covering a misshapen or severely discolored tooth
- Supporting a dental bridge or dental implant
Crown materials include:
- Porcelain or ceramic for a natural, tooth-colored appearance
- Porcelain fused to metal for added strength
- Gold or metal alloys for back teeth requiring durability
Every crown we provide is custom-designed to match your bite, alignment, and tooth shade.
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WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (called pontics) to the neighboring natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are ideal for closing gaps left by tooth loss and restoring the appearance and function of your bite.
Dental bridges help:
- Replace one or more missing teeth in a row
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- Restore proper chewing and speaking function
- Maintain the shape of your face and jaw structure
- Improve your ability to eat and smile comfortably
Bridges can be supported by dental crowns on adjacent teeth or by implants, depending on your oral health and preferences.
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THE CROWN AND BRIDGE PROCEDURE
Both crowns and bridges typically involve two visits:
1. Preparation Visit
- We examine your tooth or gap and take digital impressions
- The affected tooth is shaped to accommodate a crown, or adjacent teeth are prepared for a bridge
- A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect the area while your permanent restoration is being crafted
2. Final Placement
- The final crown or bridge is bonded securely in place
- We ensure a proper fit, bite alignment, and natural appearance
- You'll leave with a restored smile that looks and feels just like your natural teeth
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CARING FOR CROWNS AND BRIDGES
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years. To keep them in excellent condition:
- Brush and floss daily, paying special attention to the gumline
- Use floss threaders or water flossers to clean around bridges
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens
- Visit us regularly for cleanings and check-ups
- Let us know if you notice any discomfort or shifting
We will check the integrity of your restorations at every appointment and help ensure long-term success.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
Whether you need to repair a single damaged tooth or replace multiple missing teeth, dental crowns and dental bridges offer strong, natural-looking solutions. At Bixby Hill Dental, we design every restoration with precision, comfort, and aesthetics in mind, so you can eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.