Pella Dentist Explains Crowns and Bridges

When you are missing a tooth (or multiple teeth) what is your biggest desire? Are you most focused on  restoring the function, or the appearance of the tooth that was once there? Either way, your Pella dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, has you covered with a procedure like a crown and bridge. Though not considered a cosmetic dental treatment, this restoration will allow you to have functioning teeth that also look great.

Dealing with Missing Teeth

When one or more teeth are missing, a crown and bridge can provide the form and function to make your smile look and feel like it used to. The bridge is named as such for its similarity to the bridges over water that you’re used to seeing. Crowns are fitted over the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The bridge is fitted with a prosthetic tooth that is designed to blend in with the surrounding natural teeth. Bridges fitted with crowns cannot be removed, and that permanence will provide you with a durable dental restoration. 

Crown and Bridge Placement

Getting fitted with a crown and bridge will usually require two visits. At your first appointment, impressions, measurements, and specifications will be taken so that your crown and bridge can be fabricated to fit perfectly. Your Pella dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the missing tooth space. A very small amount of the outer layer of your teeth – tooth enamel – will be removed to make sure that the custom-made crowns will fit correctly. You will usually leave your dentist office with a temporary bridge to get you through to the next appointment.
The second visit involves fitting you with your new custom-fit crown and bridge.  Dr. Allen will take his time to ensure the quality and fit of your new dental restoration. Once satisfied, the apparatus will be attached with a powerful bonding adhesive.

Pella Dentist Can Restore Your Smile

Your Pella dentist provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Contact our 50219 dentist office to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.