Dental crowns and bridges in Southaven, MS, can restore damaged teeth, replace missing teeth and improve everyday chewing and appearance. Our dentists evaluate the condition of your teeth and recommend the type of restoration that best fits your oral health and treatment needs. Dr. M. A. Bleibel has completed more than 5,000 dental crowns and more than 3,000 dental bridges, bringing extensive restorative experience to patients who need to rebuild or replace teeth.
Dental Crowns Explained
A dental crown, sometimes called a tooth cap, covers the visible portion of a prepared tooth to restore its shape, strength and function. Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth has a large cavity, significant fracture or wear, or when there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining for a filling alone.
A crown may also be used to protect and restore a tooth after root canal therapy or to complete certain dental implant restorations.
Dental crowns can be made from different restorative materials depending on the location of the tooth, appearance goals, bite forces and other clinical considerations. Your dentist will discuss which material is appropriate for your individual case.
How Dental Crowns Can Help You
Dental crowns may be used to:
- Strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture or a large existing restoration.
- Restore the shape and function of a worn or damaged tooth.
- Protect certain teeth after root canal therapy.
- Improve the appearance of a tooth when restorative treatment is appropriate.
- Restore normal chewing function and help protect the remaining tooth structure.
- Complete a dental implant restoration when replacing a missing tooth.
When a tooth has only a small or moderate area of damage, a composite dental filling may be sufficient. Your dentist will evaluate how much healthy tooth structure remains before recommending a crown.
Dental Crowns Vs. Dental Bridges
A dental crown restores an existing tooth, while a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge generally includes a replacement tooth, called a pontic, that is supported by crowns placed on teeth next to the open space.
Dental bridges can help restore chewing function, fill a visible gap and help maintain the position of surrounding teeth after tooth loss. Whether a bridge is appropriate depends on the condition of the supporting teeth, the location of the missing tooth or teeth and your overall oral health.
For some patients, a dental implant may provide another option for replacing a missing tooth without using neighboring teeth for support. Your dentist can explain the advantages and considerations of each approach.
Dr. Bleibel has completed more than 3,000 dental bridges in addition to more than 5,000 dental crowns, giving him substantial experience with both forms of restorative treatment.
The Dental Crown And Bridge Process
Treatment begins with an examination of the teeth, gums and bite. Diagnostic imaging may also be used to evaluate the tooth roots and supporting bone before treatment begins.
- Evaluation And Planning: Your dentist determines whether a crown, bridge or another restorative option is appropriate based on the condition of your teeth and surrounding structures.
- Tooth Preparation: When a crown or traditional bridge is planned, the supporting tooth or teeth are carefully shaped to create room for the restoration.
- Digital Impressions: A digital scanner may be used to capture detailed information about the prepared teeth, bite and surrounding structures.
- Temporary Restoration: A temporary crown or bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the final restoration is being completed.
- Final Placement: The completed crown or bridge is evaluated for fit, bite and appearance before it is secured in place.
Our practice also has an on-site dental laboratory that supports restorative treatment and allows the dental team to coordinate certain laboratory needs directly within the practice.
Dr. Bleibel has completed approximately 95 hours of continuing education focused on restorative dentistry in addition to his extensive clinical experience with crowns and bridges.
What To Expect Before And After Treatment
Before treatment, your dentist will examine the tooth or missing-tooth area and explain why a crown, bridge or another restoration is being recommended. Local anesthesia may be used when teeth need to be prepared so the treatment area remains comfortable.
After a tooth is prepared, temporary sensitivity to temperature or chewing may occur. If you are wearing a temporary restoration, follow the instructions provided by your dental team and avoid foods or habits that could loosen or damage it.
Once the final crown or bridge is placed, your dentist will check the fit and bite. It may take a short period of time to become accustomed to a new restoration, especially when replacing a missing tooth. Contact the office if your bite feels uneven, the restoration becomes loose or you develop persistent pain, swelling or another concern.
Caring For Dental Crowns And Bridges
Good oral hygiene is important for protecting the natural teeth and gums around a crown or bridge.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day around crowns and supporting teeth.
- Clean beneath a dental bridge using floss threaders, interdental brushes or another method recommended by your dental team.
- Avoid chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages or bite very hard objects.
- Tell your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth, because excessive bite forces can affect restorations.
- Maintain routine dental cleanings and exams so your restorations, supporting teeth and gums can be monitored.
The lifespan of a dental crown or bridge varies. Oral hygiene, bite forces, the condition of the supporting teeth and regular dental care all influence how long a restoration remains functional.
How Much Are Dental Crowns And Bridges?
Single Tooth Crown — $991
3 Unit Bridge — $2,685
4 Or More Teeth — Come see us for a free consultation.
FAQs About Dental Crowns & Bridges
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