Crowns and Bridges in Midwest City
Crowns are made of a variety of materials, ranging from tooth-colored like porcelain to gold. Crowns are typically used to cover a cracked tooth, protect a tooth that has had a root 
canal, cover an implant, or protect a tooth with a very large filling in order to prevent it from fracturing. We can also use crowns to cover a tooth that is stained and dark in color in order to improve the appearance of the tooth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a solution for replacing missing teeth. They “bridge” a space by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of a space and filling in the space with floating crowns or “pontics.” Bridges are glued into place and do not have to be removed at night like other tooth replacement options.
How Is a Crown Made?
The first step is scheduling a consultation at Red Rock Family Dentistry with Dr. Lauren Huffaker-Allen. Dr. Huffaker-Allen will examine your mouth and teeth and discuss the different treatment options you may have.
Crowns are made by gently shaping the tooth to create enough space for the crown to fit over your tooth. Then, an impression is made of your tooth.
At Red Rock Family Dentistry, most crowns can be completed from start to finish in one day. We have invested in the latest technology, which allows us to take a digital impression and form the crown in our office. This allows us to give our patients the best in modern dentistry and we are able to take a process that used to take two visits and shorten it to one.
Because of this, our patients don’t have to deal with wearing plastic temporaries that can break or fall off while the final crown is being made over a period of two or three weeks.
What Is the Process of Getting a Bridge?
A bridge is done by shaping the teeth on either side of a space and taking an impression. This impression is sent to a dental technician who will make the final bridge. For bridges, you will wear a temporary bridge for two to three weeks while a lab technician is making a custom bridge that fits perfectly to the shape of your teeth.
When your bridge is finished, we will try the bridge on and make any necessary adjustments to make sure you can floss it properly, it is well sealed to prevent bacteria from getting underneath it, and it feels natural with your bite. Then, we will glue it on with dental cement.
How Do I Maintain my Crown or Bridge?
If you have a clenching or grinding habit, typically we recommend a night guard to preserve your crown. This is because clenching and grinding can wear down the crown and shorten its lifespan.
You will brush, floss, and clean the crown or bridge just like your other teeth. For bridges, we have different tools and tricks to help clean underneath the tooth replacing the missing space. When your bridge is installed, we will demonstrate how to use these products and where to find them at your local grocery store.
