Dental Crown &  Bridges

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth. The Team at Paul Sioda Dental typically uses a crown to restore a damaged tooth, but they can also use them for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a smile. A crown can be made in three different materials: all-metal, ceramic-on-metal, and all-ceramic. The crown's location determines the best material to use. For example, front teeth should have an all-ceramic crown, if possible, since it looks the most natural. Patients throughout Washington often choose ceramic-on-metal crowns because they look natural while offering the durability only metal can provide.

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What are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth. At Paul Sioda Dental, we provide dental bridges for clients who want to replace a tooth without wearing dentures or undergoing surgery. The new tooth is held in place by two crowns. It looks natural and is made of ceramic or porcelain to match the surrounding teeth. As an experienced cosmetic dentist, The Team at Paul Sioda Dental makes sure that the new tooth looks and feels amazing. This is a popular option for patients throughout the Tacoma area.

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Before the Procedure

If you are getting dental crowns or a dental bridge for cosmetic reasons, we recommend whitening your teeth first. At Paul Sioda Dental, we offer teeth whitening procedures that can quickly and easily improve the appearance of your smile. It is important to do this procedure first because the materials used for crowns and bridges are both stain- and bleach-resistant. That means that if it is created to match yellow teeth, it will remain yellow even if you have your teeth whitened at a later date. When you have the procedure done first, your new crown or bridge will be made to match your new brilliantly white teeth.

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When preparing for the procedure, we recommend that patients throughout Paul Sioda take a day off work. If possible, you may want to take a couple of days off. It is normal for teeth to be somewhat sensitive, and it is easier if you don’t have to worry about meeting clients and keeping up with your busy schedule.

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After the Procedure
After getting dental Restoratives, your teeth may be somewhat sensitive after preparation. That is why you need to wear a temporary crown while you wait for a permanent one to be made. We use sedation dentistry to ensure that you won’t experience any discomfort during the procedure, and afterward you simply need to take some oral pain medication for a couple of days until you feel better.

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A crown surrounds and protects the tooth. This means that no matter how damaged the tooth is, you can eat your favorite foods without fear of discomfort. A crown can restore your mouth's function by making it easier to eat, drink, and speak normally. This is ideal for people with severely sensitive teeth, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a tooth that has undergone a root canal. Similarly, a bridge lets you eat and speak normally without worrying about your new tooth becoming loose or falling out.

 

Both are ideal for people with active lifestyles who don’t want their teeth to hold them back. To find out if the procedure is right for you, call 253-759-7941 to schedule an appointment with The Team at Paul Sioda Dental and discuss your options. At Paul Sioda Dental, we make it easier for patients throughout Tacoma, WA, to achieve a beautiful, functional smile.

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HELPFUL RELATED LINKS

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015

• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

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