Implant Crowns & Bridges
Our San Antonio Dentist Can Help Restore Your Smile
Having missing or damaged teeth can be painful and make your day to day life difficult. Additionally, it can make you feel self-conscious and prevent you from smiling. At Shaenfield Family Dental we believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they are proud of, and we are committed to helping our clients live happier and healthier lives. We also know that going to the dentist can be anxiety-inducing, and while getting dental work is never fun, we try to make it as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our office is modern, clean and relaxed, and our friendly team is here for you throughout the entire process.
The Difference Between Crowns & Bridges
Most people have heard of dental crowns and dental bridges, but not everyone is familiar with what distinguishes these two procedures. Both reference prosthetic devices that are permanently placed in your mouth to either protect existing teeth or to replace missing or extracted teeth. Our San Antonio dentist specializes in both crowns and bridges and will evaluate your situation, recommending the treatment that is best for you.
Typically, a crown is placed over an existing tooth that has been damaged, protecting it from further decay or damage. This is often used in root canals or to repair a chipped or otherwise damaged tooth, restoring its functionality and avoiding extraction. Bridges are commonly used when one or more teeth are missing or must be extracted, leaving gaps. The bridge helps maintain the integrity of your teeth overall and preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting. A prosthetic tooth is placed in the place of the original tooth and then anchored to the surrounding teeth.
A crown or bridge might be recommended in the following situations:
- Root canal
- Chipped or otherwise damaged teeth
- Extensive fillings that require extra support
- Missing or extracted teeth
- Preventing existing teeth from shifting or rotating
- Maintaining your bite structure and improve chewing
- Cosmetic enhancement
Crown & Bridge Repair in San Antonio
Both crowns and bridges are designed to last forever, but occasionally they loosen or break. If you think you may have a broken or missing crown or bridge, call our San Antonio dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. Our caring, knowledgeable staff will analyze your situation, and provide you with the best treatment options available.
Home Care Instructions
Dental crowns and dental bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at (210) 899-5716 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us online or call our office at (210) 899-5716.
