A healthy and confident smile is a valuable asset, but dental issues like tooth decay, damage, or missing teeth can diminish its beauty and function. At Swati Agarwal, DDS, we offer crowns and bridges as versatile and effective restorative dentistry solutions that can help you regain your smile’s integrity and functionality.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, or appearance. Our dentist in San Francisco, CA, cements the crown over the damaged tooth. It encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
A bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces missing teeth. The bridge is anchored in place by crowns attached to the adjacent teeth and consists of one or more replacement teeth called pontics. The abutments on either side hold the false tooth or teeth in place.
Both crowns and bridges in San Francisco, CA can help restore your smile’s appearance and improve your oral function. They can also help to prevent future dental issues. Contact us to learn more.
The Advantages Of Crowns
One of the primary advantages of crowns in San Francisco, CA, is their exceptional strength and durability. Crowns are custom-made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal, materials renowned for their resilience. Once placed, a crown can withstand the forces of chewing and biting, protecting the underlying tooth from further damage.
Crowns are often used to save damaged or weakened teeth that might otherwise require extraction. A crown preserves the tooth’s natural structure and functionality by covering and reinforcing it. This allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than resorting to extraction.
A crown acts as a protective shield if a tooth has significant decay or damage. It prevents further deterioration and secures the tooth against bacterial invasion. This protection is particularly beneficial following root canal treatment or for teeth with large fillings.
The Advantages Of Bridges
One of the most noticeable advantages of bridges in San Francisco, CA, is their ability to restore the appearance of your smile after tooth loss. When teeth are missing, it can affect your facial aesthetics, leading to a sunken or aged look. Dental bridges fill the gap, preserving your facial structure and youthful appearance.
Missing teeth can make chewing food and speaking challenging. Bridges restore these essential functions by providing a stable and functional bite. You can enjoy a more varied diet and communicate confidently without struggling with pronunciation.
When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth can gradually shift or rotate into the empty space. This can lead to misalignment and bite issues. Bridges prevent this shifting, preserving proper tooth alignment and bite function. It also helps maintain the integrity of your smile and prevents further dental problems in the future.
Getting a dental bridge is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure. The dentist will prepare the abutment teeth (the teeth on either side of the gap) by removing a small portion of enamel to make room for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Then, an impression will be taken to create a custom-made bridge that fits perfectly in your mouth. You may need to wear a temporary bridge while waiting for the permanent one to be made in a lab. Once it’s ready, your dentist will bond it onto your abutment teeth, giving you back a complete and functional smile.
Crowns and bridges are essential restorative dentistry solutions for damaged or missing teeth. Call today to determine the most suitable option for your dental needs.