Dental Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures inTempe

After losing one or more teeth, remaining teeth are put at risk of developing further negative consequences. If you have lost one or more teeth consider the risks of leaving your smile untreated:

• Remaining teeth may shift or move and change the form of the bite
• Your natural face shape may drag, droop or appear aged after tooth loss
• Risks increase for tooth decay, gum disease or infection
• May interfere with abilities to eat, speak or smile without difficulty
• A change in bite may result in TMJ-related jaw pain or TMD

A dental crown may be referred to as a false tooth or replacement tooth for its use in restoring missing teeth with a dental bridge or sealing a tooth in some cases of root canal therapy. Strong composite resin or porcelain dental crowns are colored-matched to your existing teeth and are carefully designed to support a natural looking smile with a bridge, dental implant or custom made dentures. Dental bridges include the use of one or more dental crowns to fill the gaps where one or more teeth have been lost by attaching or “bridging” dental crowns to adjacent remaining teeth. These prosthodontic devices can drastically improve the feel and function of your smile without requiring more involved dental processes.

Dental crowns may be a good option for you if you have one or more severely damaged, misshapen, or stained teeth. Crowns are the ideal solution for protecting damaged teeth and restoring your smile, because they cover up and replace your entire tooth, all the way down to your gum line.Crowns are used to repair a number of different issues. Cracked teeth which have been damaged by oral trauma are usually treated with a crown. Crowns are also usually recommended after a root canal to protect the tooth. They are also commonly used to replace large fillings if the filling is failing, or to repair teeth with extensive decay. Not only that, but crowns are also sometimes used for cosmetic dentistry, as a more durable, stronger alternative to other cosmetic options like veneers and dental bonding.

The crown placement process is minimally invasive, and it usually only takes two short appointments at Tempe Dental over a period of about 2-3 weeks. At your first appointment, Dr. Salem will begin by numbing your mouth and cleaning your teeth. Then, once your mouth is numb, she will use a dental drill to trim away damaged enamel and shape your tooth into a strong, stable platform to which the crown can be attached. Once the tooth has been prepared, she will take dental impressions and images of your smile. This information will be sent to a third-party dental lab, where your crown will be built. You will be sent home with a temporary crown to wait for your next appointment.It usually takes 2-3 weeks for Dr. Salem to receive your crown after your first appointment. Once it arrives, you’ll come back to Tempe Dental for your follow-up appointment. Dr. Salem will check the fit and finish of the crown to make sure that it fits perfectly, and looks and functions just like a natural tooth. Minor adjustments may be made, if necessary. Then, the crown will be permanently bonded onto your tooth, and buffed and polished. This completes the procedure.

Caring for a new dental crown is, in most ways, just like caring for a natural tooth. For a few days after it’s attached, you should avoid biting extremely hard foods to make sure it bonds properly to your tooth.Beyond this, you also need to make sure you practice good oral hygiene around the crown. While your enamel is protected, your tooth can still decay around the gumline without proper care. Brush twice per day for at least 2 minutes, and floss once per day. You should also schedule regular six-month teeth cleanings at Tempe Dental with Dr. Salem to keep your teeth and gums healthy.Finally, anything that could damage a natural tooth could also damage your crown. That means you should avoid chewing extremely hard objects (ice, hard candy, etc.) with your crown. Do not chew non-food objects like fingernails or pens, and don’t use your teeth as a tool to do things like open packages.

At Tempe Dental our full, partial and implant supported dentures help patients achieve beautiful and functional smiles comfortably. Not only does our team custom design your dentures to fit effortlessly in the mouth and reduce the risks of slippage or movement while you eat, but our dentures are built to last to serve as a long term treatment option when one or more, or even all of your teeth, are lost.

If you have lost one or more teeth due to aging, decay or a dental injury, give us a call at 602 832 7670 for a consultation. No matter what your dental needs may be, our staff will focus on helping you reach your ideal level of dental care in a calm and supportive office. Give us a call or visit us at our local dental office in Tempe, where we look forward to improving your level of care with a fuller smile that can last many years with proper care.