Crowns & Bridges in Bardstown
Crowns and bridges are a versatile treatment than can restore teeth whether they are cracked, damaged, or missing altogether. Crowns cover your natural teeth to protect them from further damage, and bridges are a natural-looking replacement option for teeth that have been extracted or fallen out. If you have questions about whether these options will work for you, schedule a consultation today or call us to speak with our knowledgeable team.
Crowns
Crowns, also known as “caps”, are custom-made to fit perfectly over your natural tooth and mimic its shape and color. These dental prosthesis can be used to strengthen a tooth that has been cracked or cover a tooth that has a large cavity and cannot be treated with a filling. Additionally, some patients may opt for a crown to improve the appearance of their smile, because in addition to providing extra support for a tooth’s structure, this treatment is also ideal for covering up imperfections.
Bridges
Bridges are a restorative procedure that can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. This treatment uses two crowns, one on either side of a gap left from a missing tooth, to form a bridge. After the crowns are in place, a false tooth is is attached to the bridge to fill in the gap and restore your smile. Bridges are an effective, natural-looking solution for patients with missing teeth who may not be candidates for dental implants. Call us today to see if this option may be right for you!
Benefits Of Crowns & Bridges
- Get a beautiful, natural-looking restoration for teeth that are damaged or missing.
- These long-lasting restorative options are easy to care for.
- Improve your smile and confidence with restorations that look and feel natural.
- Strengthen the structure of a damaged tooth for years to come.
How Much Do Crowns & Bridges Cost?
Like most other dental procedures, the cost of bridges & crowns can vary quite a bit based on the specifics of your case. Whether you’re having a crown or a bridge placed, the cost of your treatment will depend on factors like the number of teeth you’re treating, the location of each tooth, your oral health, and other such things.
For that reason, we can’t give you an estimate for the cost of your treatment unless you come into our office for a consultation with Dr. Walton. After your consultation, Dr. Walton will be able to give you a quote for the cost of your treatment.
Worried about the cost of a crown or bridge? At Walton Family Dentistry, we work with all major insurers. And even if you don’t have insurance, you can join our Membership Plan to get a 20% discount on all restorative procedures.
We even offer payment plans to help you get the restorative dental care you need on your own budget. So, whether you have a missing tooth and are interested in a bridge, or you have a damaged or decayed tooth and need a crown, we can help you get the care you need in Bardstown. Contact us today to get started.
How Long Do Crowns & Bridges Last?
Both dental crowns and dental bridges are a great option for long-term smile restoration. Dental crowns have a very long lifespan. You can expect your crown to last you between 10 and 15 years with proper placement and care. By brushing and flossing regularly and seeing Dr. Michael Walton for a cleaning every six months, you can make sure you maximize the lifespan of your crown.
Fixed dental bridges also have a long lifespan. For most patients, the lifespan of their bridge will be about 10-15 years. After this time, the bridge may be worn down or loose, and will likely require replacement.
Dental Bridges Vs. Dental Implants – Comparing Your Options
Wondering if dental bridges or dental implants are a better option for you? Compared to dental bridges, implants do have a number of unique benefits.
- Longer lifespan – Dental implants typically last 30+ years with proper care, which means they have a much longer lifespan compared to dental bridges.
- Does not require removal of healthy enamel – A dental bridge requires you to have two healthy teeth trimmed to make room for the abutment crowns. This is not required by an implant, however. This means you can preserve more of your natural enamel.
- More natural look and feel – Dental implants are less bulky than dental bridges.
However, dental implants are rarely covered by insurance, have a higher upfront cost, and require oral surgery that has a lengthy recovery process. They also may not be an option if your jaw is weak due to bone loss.
To find out more and see which treatment may be right for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation at Walton Family Dentistry.
FAQs
Crown and bridge work like all dental work is dependent on personal risk factors from patient to patient. With regular hygiene and checks from your dentist, crown and bridge work in a typical situation would be expected to last up to 10-15 years before needing to be replaced due to regular wear and tear.
In some cases, a cavity on one of the anchor teeth of a bridge can be found very early during regular cleanings and treated with a small filling. In other cases, the cavity isn’t found in time and requires taking the bridge off for treatment. This means a new bridge would also be necessary, if the anchor tooth is savable with a new filling.
On average, at least a fourth (about 2 millimeters) of natural tooth material needs to remain for a dental crown to be attached for good mechanical retention and to avoid complications.
It is possible for food to become caught under a dental bridge. This is especially true with foods prone to sticking or lodging in small spaces. The dental hygienist can show you how to clean and maintain your bridge to minimize risk of decay.
Many patients express concern about the potential pain of getting a dental bridge. However, the process itself is generally painless. Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. This means you won’t experience any pain during the bridge preparation. With any dental procedure, there could be some sensitivity after the numbness wears off as the surrounding tissues have undergone some trauma.
Dental Bridges
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.
