Dental Crowns & Bridges in Longview

Dental crowns and bridges are tooth restoration options. A dental crown can be placed over an existing tooth that has extensive damage to the enamel. It preserves the natural root of the tooth, using it for support. Crowns and bridges are cemented in place for a “fixed” solution so they do not come in and out of the patient’s mouth.

A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option when one or more adjacent teeth are missing or need to be replaced. It consists of two dental crowns that fit over the existing teeth on each side of the gap with artificial teeth (pontics) suspended between them. It bridges the gap using the natural teeth for support.

Dental crowns and bridges offer many dental health benefits:

• Dental crowns save the natural tooth. The biggest benefit of a dental crown is that it saves the natural tooth, allowing the root to remain in place under the crown for support. The tooth can still function normally, providing adequate bite strength and chewing capabilities.
• Porcelain crowns look natural. A porcelain crown can be designed to match your existing teeth in size, shape, and color so that it blends in.
• Bridges are an affordable replacement. A bridge is one of the most affordable tooth replacement options available. In most cases, a bridge costs less than a dental implant.
• Bridges work with limited jaw bone structure. Unlike a dental implant that requires a solid jaw bone structure to be placed, a bridge doesn’t require any, making it a better option for patients who have had missing teeth for an extended period of time.

If you have a tooth with extensive decay or damage, such as multiple cavities or a crack, you may be a good candidate for a dental crown. When there isn’t enough enamel left for a filling, a crown can save the tooth and protect the natural root. Crowns also help prevent biting pain that a person may be experiencing due to cracked enamel in a tooth.

You may be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you have one or more missing or severely damaged teeth in a row. A bridge can replace anywhere from 1-3 adjacent teeth. If teeth have been missing for a while and the jaw bone has weakened or resorbed, a dental bridge provides a replacement solution that sits on top of the gums and doesn’t access the jaw.