When a tooth is fractured, has a large, old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown, or cap.  Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile.  Types of crowns include the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, all metal crown, and full porcelain crown.

     Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist office:

• At the initial visit the dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth.  Then they take an impression and make a temporary or transitional crown.
• At the subsequent visit the dentist removes the temporary crown, fits and adjust the final crown and cements the final crown into place.

     Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance than tooth loss.  When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease.

     When tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend the placement of a bridge.  A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side.

• At the initial visit, the dentist prepares teeth on each side of the space to receive crowns and takes an impression of the entire area.  A temporary or transitional bridge is then fitted.
• At the next visit, the metal portion of the bridge or framework is tried in for fit and accuracy.
• At the final visit, the dentist places, adjusts and cements the fixed bridge.

     The dentists at Somerset Family Dentistry, are experienced in all facets of crown and bridges and can assess your oral condition to determine the best treatment for our patients.