Understanding Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are essential for maintaining your smile and bite if you lose a tooth or have a severely damaged tooth. Willow Glen Dentistry’s highly trained team has the most advanced technology for patients who need crowns and bridges.

Why do I need crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are cemented prosthetic devices that preserve your natural bite and minimize teeth shifting. You might need a crown, which is basically a “cap” for a tooth, if your tooth is broken or decayed, or to cover an implant.

Bridges help fill in gaps in your teeth. If you lose a tooth or need one pulled, a bridge places an artificial tooth in the gap by anchoring it to surrounding teeth. In many cases, crowns and bridges are even helpful for improving the appearance of your smile or correcting your bite.

Do I need a bridge if I have a tooth pulled?

Yes! When you lose a tooth, you risk losing bone and gum tissue over time. As your gums continue to weaken, your teeth shift. Not only are you left with a crooked smile, but your bite changes as well. You might not chew normally and risk breaking other teeth.

For some, if your bone and gum tissue is healthy enough, you may be a good candidate for a dental implant instead of a bridge. An implant is an artificial tooth root that is capped by a crown. It’s just as beneficial as a bridge because it also preserves your bite and minimizes teeth shifting.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

Crowns and bridges can last a long time with care and good oral hygiene practices at home, as well as , regular dental cleanings. You also need to be aware of the foods you eat or the things that you chew. For instance, it’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods when you have crowns or bridges. You should skip chewing on ice or the tip of your pen, too. These bad chewing habits can cause your crown or bridge to crack or work loose.

If your crown or bridge does fall out, keep it in a safe place and call the office to have it recemented. As long as it isn’t damaged, Dr. Tru Tran or Dr. Leon Chang can seal it right back into place. But if you have tooth decay underneath or if your crown or bridge isn’t repairable, you may need to have it replaced.