Dental Crowns and Bridges
Our goal at Dahle Family Dentistry is to recommend the most conservative treatments possible to preserve healthy tooth structure. However, sometimes a tooth is damaged or decayed beyond the point where you can use it without additional support.
In this case, Dr. Daniel Dahle would likely recommend a dental crown and explain its benefits.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are restorations commonly referred to as "caps" because they cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. We recommend a crown to protect a damaged tooth and restore its structure so you can chew comfortably.
Why Would a Tooth Need a Crown?
Some of the most common reasons our dentist would recommend a crown for our Ontario patients are:
- Restore a tooth with a large cavity
- Protect a tooth cracked or fractured from dental trauma
- Strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment
- Support dental bridgework
- Conceal large, unattractive fillings
- Restore function to a dental implant
If Dr. Daniel finds that a crown is right for you, he will explain why and how it will benefit your oral health. He will answer all your questions to ensure that you are confident with the process and understand what's involved before you decide to proceed.
What's the Process for Getting a Dental Crown?
We typically schedule two appointments to plan and place your new crown. At the first, Dr. Daniel numbs the tooth for a painless procedure. He then removes a layer of tooth enamel so your restoration fits perfectly.
Next, we take dental impressions and record your tooth color, which the custom lab uses to prepare your final crown. Before you leave our office that day, we fit you with a temporary to protect the prepared tooth while the lab creates your final crown.
We use top-quality dental lab partners we have worked with for years and trust to produce beautiful, natural-looking results. It takes approximately two weeks to prepare your final restoration and get it back from the lab.
Dr. Daniel Dahle does a quality check to ensure the fit and finish is perfect and up to our high standards. Once you are 100 percent satisfied, he carefully cements the final crown to your tooth.
A Dental Bridge Replaces Missing Teeth
A dental bridge replaces one or two missing teeth in a row. The process for placing a bridge is very similar to the one we use for a dental crown.
We prepare teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile and take a dental impression to fabricate the bridge as a unit consisting of an artificial tooth suspended between two crowns. The artificial tooth fills the space, and we attach the crowns to the teeth on each side to hold it in place and form a "bridge."
Your dental bridge will blend seamlessly with your smile, allowing you to chew comfortably and smile confidently again.
Caring for Dental Crowns and Bridges
After we place your custom crown or bridge, you must care for it properly. Practice consistent at-home oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing once. Our dental team will also provide specific instructions on properly cleaning around your restoration.
Dental exams and cleanings every six months ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and help extend the lifespan of your restorations.
Please Call Our Treasure Valley Dental Office to Learn More
If you have a broken tooth, large fillings you want to conceal or to make cosmetic improvements with dental crowns, we can help you! Please call our Ontario, OR, dental office to schedule a consultation appointment to learn about your treatment options.
We gladly serve patients from all surrounding communities in Oregon and Idaho, including Fruitland, Vale, Nyssa, Payette, New Plymouth, Weiser, and beyond.
