Dental crowns and bridges are standard restoration options for replacing missing, damaged, or otherwise non-functional teeth. After the affected tooth is treated, its structure will need to be protected from further damage. Additionally, if you are missing several teeth in a row, it could affect your facial appearance and make it difficult to eat. At Red Rock Dental, we help our patients by placing dental crowns or bridges to solve these issues and provide a beautiful, natural smile.

What Is a Crown?

A crown is a restorative appliance that completely covers a tooth with artificial material. Crowns can be manufactured from different materials, like porcelain, ceramic, gold, a tooth-colored metal called zirconia, or any combination of these. The chief purpose of a crown is to restore the tooth to its normal shape and function. And consequently, it will replace any missing tooth structure, reinforce and fix any cracks, and stabilize weakened teeth.

What Is a Bridge?

A bridge is a restorative appliance that uses multiple crowns linked together to replace a missing tooth. A minimum of two crowns are attached on either side of a false tooth, referred to as a pontic. Bridges are categorized according to the number of teeth they replace. The most regular is a three-unit bridge, which makes use of two teeth as anchors for one replacement tooth.

A bridge is a relatively quick method to replace a missing tooth, requiring only a few weeks for its fabrication. Bridges are permanently secured onto the anchor teeth; the patient cannot remove them. A bridge offers an alternative tooth replacement option to a dental implant.

What Is the Process for Placing a Crown and/or a Bridge?

Both crowns and bridges are placed through similar processes At Red Rock Dental. First, the teeth will be numbed and then the tooth (or teeth in case of a bridge) will be prepared. This is done by shaving the outer layer of enamel to make space for the covering material. Then a digital impression of the prepared teeth is taken and sent to the lab for its fabrication.

While waiting for your appliance, you can wear a temporary crown or bridge made from a plastic material. Once the permanent restoration is ready, you will have to return to our dental office for its fitting. We will confirm the perfect fit of both crowns and bridges with a detailed evaluation, including an X-ray. Once satisfied, we will use permanent cement to attach it to your tooth or teeth. 

After we fix the final crown or bridge, you should be able to immediately return to your normal routines. If a bridge replaces a tooth that has been missing for a long time, you may have to go through an adjustment period for your lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Red Rock Dental specializes in cosmetic dentistry services such as crowns and bridges. If you are interested to know more, please visit us or call at (702) 243-8788 to schedule your appointment.