Crown and Bridges in Fort Lauderdale

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns, sometimes called caps, are a permanent restoration that covers your tooth restoring function and appearance.  Crowns are both restorative and cosmetic. As a dental restoration, crowns are placed on teeth that have cavities that are too large to repair with a dental filling or teeth that have become damaged or have had root canal therapy.  As a cosmetic restoration, crowns are used to cover teeth to improve the aesthetics and correct occlusion. 

Whereas with dental fillings, restorative material is applied directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory and subsequently cemented onto your tooth fully covering the portion of your tooth above the gum line. 

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth restoring the aesthetics of your smile and the occlustion of your bite .  A dental bridge consists of two or more abutment crowns that rest on teeth on either side of the gap left by missing teeth connected by one or more pontic crowns that replace the missing teeth. A dental bridge is a single unit that is permanently cemented to the abutments on each side of the gap.   

What are the cosmetic and restorative benefits of crowns and dental bridges?

Crowns:

• Crowns protect and strengthen what is left of a tooth that’s decayed or broken 
• Crowns are custom-made to fit over the damaged tooth
• Crowns are strong and long-lasting
• Crowns cover a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
• Crowns are often placed following a root canal procedure
• Are usually part of insurance-covered procedures

Dental bridges: 

• Help you to chew more naturally
• Ensure your speech is clear
• Keep your jawline firm
• Ensure your bite is correct
• Keep the teeth around the bridge in the correct position
• Are usually part of insurance-covered procedures

What happens during the crown and bridge procedures?

Either Dr. Rotroff or Dr. Wasselle will use a dental x-ray of your affected tooth to determine if it can support a crown. After numbing the area, your dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth for the crown by removing any decay and reshaping the tooth so the crown will fit.

After thoroughly cleaning the tooth and placing antibacterial medication where the decay or break occurred, your dentist will place filling material in the space. To ensure a proper bite, an impression is taken of the tooth and those above or beneath it.  Before sending the case to the dental lab, your dentist will select a shade for your new tooth that’s an exact match to the teeth around it.  Once your new crown or bridge is permanently cemented, your restoration will blend with your smile and last for years to come.

How long does a crown or bridge last?

Even though your crown or bridge is permanently cemented in place, it typically will not last forever. Most crowns and bridges will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years -though we have seen then last more than 20 years!  The longevity of the appliance depends on your oral hygiene habits as well as your overall health.  Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and staying away from hard foods that could damage your dental crown will help it last for your years to come.

Excellence in Dentistry is a private dental practice in South Florida providing the highest quality, compassionate dental care to our patients in Broward County.  With over 60 years combines experience, Dr. Nancy Rotroff and Dr. Gerard Wasselle combine their skill and experience with the latest technology to provide the best dental restorations to improve your oral health and your smile. To learn more about how dental crowns or dental bridges can improve your smile, schedule a consultation by calling 954-928-1666.