Expertly-designed dental crowns and bridges in San Francisco
A damaged or missing tooth has a big impact on your smile and your oral health. The highly qualified dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry provide dental crowns and bridges to restore San Francisco smiles beautifully.
Versatile dental crowns
A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth, restoring natural shape, size, and strength. A crown is a good option in these situations:
- Decay is too advanced for the tooth to support a filling.
- To hold together and brace a cracked tooth.
- To save a broken tooth.
- The finishing touch for root canal therapy or a dental implant.
- To anchor a bridge or a partial denture.
- For cosmetic enhancement of a poorly shaped or discolored tooth.
First, the tooth is shaped with special instruments. Impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is fabricated. A temporary crown is placed so that you can eat normally and look natural. The initial appointment takes approximately an hour and a half. You return in about ten working days to have the interim restoration removed and the final crown cemented in place.
The dentist may recommend:
- An all porcelain crown for a front tooth restoration, or a porcelain fused to metal crown to restore a back tooth.
- A zirconia crown if you have a heavy bite or grind your teeth.
- An all gold crown for back molar teeth.
West Portal Family Dentistry also offers porcelain inlays and onlays. They are appropriate when the area of decay or damage is too big for a filling, but doesn’t require a full crown.
Bridges
A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth (or several), held in place by crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap. The process is similar to the crown procedure described above. A bridge is a good option for the patient who is not a good candidate for, or doesn’t want, a dental implant.
Dental Crowns and Bridges FAQs
What exactly is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore shape, size, strength, and even appearance. It can keep a tooth functioning properly and protect it from further breakage that may later require permanent extraction.
What’s the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A quality dental crown is used to fix a single tooth, while a dental bridge is designed to “bridge” the gap (space) created when you are missing one or more teeth. A bridge usually includes crowns on either end anchored to your existing teeth or implants, with a false tooth (or multiple teeth) in the middle, known as pontics.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
If properly cared for, crowns and bridges can last a long time, often anywhere from 5 – 15 years or more. Just remember to brush, floss, and see your dental team at West Portal Family Dental regularly to keep your smile in shape for many years to come.
Do crowns or bridges feel different from natural teeth?
Once your crown or bridge is in place, it will feel just like your other natural teeth. After a short adjustment period, you might even forget it is there.
Are crowns and bridges noticeable?
Not at all! Modern crowns and bridges are made to match the appearance and color of your natural teeth, so they blend seamlessly into your smile. This is due to the use of natural-looking materials like porcelain and ceramic.
Are crowns and bridges painful to get?
The process of obtaining these restorations is generally pain-free, thanks to modern dental technology and anesthetics. Your dentist at West Portal Family Dentistry makes sure you are comfortable every step of the way. Afterwards, any minor soreness should go away quickly.
Who can I reach out to to find out if crowns, bridges, or other restorations are right for me?
Our dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry in San Francisco, California, are here to assist you in finding out what restorative treatments are best for your smile. If you are located in the area and seeking a family-friendly dental team, we are here for you! Call (415) 604-9292 to request a visit to our clinic.
