Dental Crowns & Bridges

Are you suffering from advanced tooth decay or lost teeth? When it comes to dental restorations, dental crowns and bridges are among the most common, helping to restore the function and appearance of your teeth and improve your oral health. Dr. Alex Afsahi at Today’s Family Dental in Lutz, FL offers high quality dental crowns and bridges to restore your smile.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a restorative treatment that can cover a tooth that has been badly decayed or damaged. The crown itself is a thin sheath that sits over the top of the affected tooth, concealing it completely inside. Once in place, it completely restores the shape, size and overall function and appearance of the original tooth.

Dental crowns can be made in a variety of material including metal, porcelain fused to metal and 100% ceramic. While metal crowns are the strongest, many patients opt for porcelain varieties as they can be color-matched to existing teeth. This can make the crown virtually imperceptible, helping the patient to feel confident about their smile.

Reasons For Having A Dental Crown

Dr. Alex Afsahi may recommend you for a dental crown if you have a tooth that is:

• extremely decayed and requires a larger filling than it can actually accommodate
• broken or badly eroded
• cracked and requires support to stay together
• discolored
• badly misshapen

If you are having a dental bridge, then it will also be necessary for you to have crowns as they will secure the bridge firmly in place.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a method of replacing teeth that have fallen out as a result of damaged, decayed, or extracted teeth. They literally bridge the gap that has been left from a lost tooth, filling it with a false tooth, which is known as a pontic.
The bridge is designed with two or more crowns on either side of the gap, with a replacement tooth in the middle. The crowns are bonded to existing teeth in the mouth, anchoring the bridge securely.

Just like crowns, any prosthetic teeth can be made from a variety of materials including metal, porcelain or even gold. By opting for color-matched porcelain, you can ensure that your dental bridge is as discreet and natural as possible.

Reasons For Having A Dental Bridge

There are several reasons why a dental bridge may be the most suitable course of treatment. Dr. Afsahi may recommend a bridge for you if he believes it will:

• Align your jaw correctly
• Correct your bite
• Restore your smile and help you to feel confident again
• Prevent your teeth from shifting position, which can cause other dental problems
• Help you bite and chew your food properly
• Help to maintain the shape of your face and jaw

Dental Crown And Bridge Procedures

The procedures to receive a dental crown or bridge usually require at least two visits to Dr. Afsahi. During the first appointment, all of the preparation work that you may need will be carried out. This can include filing down existing teeth so that crowns fit comfortably over the top.

It will also be necessary to take impressions of your teeth, so that your crowns can be custom-created for you. When you leave Dr. Afsahi after the first appointment, you will have temporary covers while your final versions are being manufactured.

During the second visit, all temporary covers will be removed and the final restorations will be secured in place.
Crown and bridge procedures are usually carried out under local anesthetic. However, if you have dental phobias, please enquire to see if sedation is a possibility for you.

Am I A Suitable Candidate For Crown Or Bridge Treatment?

Before receiving approval for any dental procedure, you will need to attend a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Afsahi. This will include a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, as well as finding out more about your dental and general health.

If you are considered to be a good candidate for crown or bridge treatment, Dr. Afsahi and the team will be happy to schedule your procedure for you.

Dr. Alex Afsahi has a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing exceptional quality dental treatments and patient care in and around Lutz, FL.

To find out more about dental crown and bridge procedures, or to arrange a consultation with Dr. Alex, please make an appointment with our friendly, reassuring team. We look forward to helping you and your family enjoy healthier, more beautiful smiles.