Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are one of the most versatile dental restorations available. These custom-made tooth caps are placed over the top of a tooth to protect it, create a healthier chewing surface, restore the function and/or appearance of a tooth, or anchor a dental bridge in place. At the dental practice of Dr. W. Paul Burns, DDS, patients in the El Dorado, AR area can rely on the use of high-quality, long-lasting dental materials and personalized care that is designed specifically for their unique needs.

WHEN A DENTAL CROWN MAY BE NEEDED

A dental crown can be used in a wide variety of circumstances:

• To protect a tooth that has become weakened due to a large filling, repeated dental restorations, or uneven wear and tear
• To restore a tooth that has broken
• To seal off a tooth and prevent further infection after root canal therapy
• As a replacement tooth on a dental implant
• For cosmetic purposes, such as to cover a badly stained tooth or teeth that are oddly shaped
• To anchor a dental bridge in place

PLACING DENTAL CROWNS

Getting a dental crown typically takes two visits. In the first visit, Dr. Burns will shape your tooth so that the dental crown will fit on top of it without altering the overall size of your tooth in your dental arch. We will take dental impressions of the area so that the crown can then be made out of natural-looking porcelain or another high-quality material that you have decided on. Dr. Burns may place a temporary crown on your tooth while your crown is being fabricated. When it is ready, you will come back in to the office and Dr. Burns will check your new crown’s fit, making any minor adjustments necessary before bonding it on to your tooth.

DENTAL BRIDGES TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH

Dental bridges are a tooth replacement option for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row. They consist of two main components: one or more false teeth to “bridge the gap” created by the missing teeth, and dental crowns on the adjacent teeth that keep the bridge firmly in place. The process for getting a dental bridge is very similar to that of getting a dental crown placed. Dr. Burns will consult with you about your tooth replacement choices based on your specific oral health needs and treatment preferences, including an honest discussion about the pros and cons of each option.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Burns today by calling us at (870) 686-4232. Our dental practice welcomes patients from El Dorado, Union County, Magnolia, Camden, and neighboring areas-we look forward to welcoming you to our dental family!

Video Transcript 

A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.