Crowns, Bridges, Partials and Denture services offered by Dr. Keith Wall, DDS

Dental Crowns/Bridges

Crowns are single tooth restorations that are recommended in cases where there is insufficient tooth structure to hold a filling.  This can be due to fractures, decay or failing restorations.   Bridges are restorations of more than one tooth connected to each other, which are used to replace missing teeth.  Crowns and bridges cover the entire visible tooth surface and help restore broken down teeth to proper function and esthetics.  Crowns and bridges are custom made and therefore involve the use of a laboratory.

Crowns and bridges are made in two to three visits.  The first visit involves preparing the tooth by drilling any old filling and cleaning out any decay then shaping the tooth for fitting the crown.  A custom shade is taken and a mold is then made of the tooth which is sent to the laboratory.

The patient is then fitted with a temporary crown, which will be worn until the second and final visit.  At the final visit the crown is tried in and any adjustments necessary are made.  The crown is then cemented onto the tooth.

FAQ's About Dental Crowns:

Will I need a root canal before a crown?

Many times crowns are performed in order to avoid root canals by preventing further fracture of a tooth and preventing leakage of an existing filling.

Crowns are also used after having root canal procedures.  In this case, the crown protects and seals the tooth after a root canal.

Is a crown permanent or does it come out?

A crown is permanent/non-removable.  The crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth and therefore should not come out.

 How long will crowns last?

Crowns may last anywhere from 5-10 years and many times longer if the patient maintains proper dental care.

What if I need a root canal after?

There may be times when a root canal may need to be performed on a tooth that has been crowned.  If this is the case, the crown may be tapped off the tooth, the root canal procedure performed and the crown re-cemented on.  If the crown cannot be removed, the root canal may still be performed by drilling a hole into the crown and still preserving the crown.

Is a crown harder to take care of?

Crowns are a little harder to maintain than natural teeth, but with proper flossing, brushing and maintenance visits, patients usually have no problem taking care of their crowns.

Do crowns look like real teeth?

Yes, crowns are custom made to match your existing teeth.

Partials and Dentures

Partials:

Partials are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth.  A single partial can be use to replace teeth on both sides of the mouth (one single partial for two sides for the upper and one single partial for two sides for the lower).

Partials can be made to look as if your natural teeth are not missing.  They also aid in correct eating.  Partials are easy to take care of and can be removed as wanted.

Dentures:

Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace an entire set of upper or lower teeth.  Dentures are now very natural looking.

FAQs Partials and Dentures

Can partials and dentures be removed?

Yes

Can partials and dentures be cleaned at home?

Yes, with proper dental appliance cleaners.

Can additional teeth on partials and dentures be added to the appliance?

In many cases yes they can.

Will the retaining metal clasp show on the partials?

Not necessarily, new advances in dentistry have made it possible to have clasps that are tooth colored.