Our general dentists provide restorative dental services to all of Kitsap County, including Poulsbo, Bremerton, Suquamish, Kingston, and Hansville. For patients missing several teeth, we also offer complete and partial dentures in Poulsbo.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dentists commonly put on protective dental caps, also known as dental crowns, to prevent more damage. Dentists bond the crown to a piece of the remaining tooth or an implant. Dental technicians create dental crowns in Poulsbo with a hollowed middle. Technicians can even replicate the original color of the broken tooth. The original tooth, or what is left of it, is bonded to the hollowed middle.
What are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a more complicated structure that can take care of several problems. A dental bridge often looks like a small set glued together. The bridge fits over an original tooth and covers missing or broken ones. A dental bridge is smaller than dentures but does about the same thing. They allow people to chew and show their smiles as they did with their original teeth.
These tools can help keep the rest in alignment, especially as teeth can shift when they fall out or break. They can also replace the ones that are missing or broken.
What Are The Options To Replace a Missing Tooth or Teeth?
If you are missing one tooth or several of them, you have a few options to replace them. First, you can get a dental implant, which surgically attaches a faux tooth root to your jawbone. If you need several replacements, you have additional options to consider. Dentists can also add a customized fixed bridge to cover the missing teeth. If you want a fixed dental bridge, our dental clinic can take care of this for you. Fixed sets require less cleaning and care than a removable bridge.
Your other options include:
- Resin-retained bridge
- Removable partial denture
- Removable complete denture
Benefits Of Dental Crowns & Bridges
When you have problems with your smile, a dental cap or bridge can help. Damaged ones can be removed, replaced, or covered using the restorative dentistry to restore your grin so you feel beautiful and healthy when showing your pearly whites. Having a full set of teeth makes it easier to eat, so you can enjoy your favorite foods. Other benefits include:
- Speech improvement
- Facial shape maintenance – especially around your jaw
- Keeping teeth in their original position
- Overall health improvement
- Stabilizing the remaining teeth
- Decreased jaw discomfort
Before the Procedure
Before having major dental procedures, patients should meet with their dentist in Poulsbo, WA for an exam. The dentistry provider will examine each tooth, tongue, and jaw as well as collect information about your medical history. Before having dental crowns in Poulsbo WA, tell your provider about the medications you are taking.
Your dentist might suggest a root canal before the placement of a dental crown, especially for someone who has excessive damage or other needs. The procedure has several steps that are completed in the office:
- Building a foundation for the crown
- Taking X-rays
- Filling the tooth below the crown
- Taking an impression to make the permanent crown
- Placing a temporary crown
Patients might need a few appointments before the final Poulsbo dental crowns or implants are permanently placed. Each patient should talk to their provider about their comfort level and pain tolerance, as your dentist can help you relax before receiving any services.
During that first or second appointment, your dentist will file down the tooth receiving the crown. The dentist does this to make space for the full crown or bridge placement. If too much tooth is missing, the provider will add some filling.
Once the tooth is filled to the appropriate shape, the provider will make an impression if the underside of the crown along with your teeth around and above it, so the top of the crown matches the rest of your them and your bite.
The Process
When you return for the permanent crown appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary one. Then, the dentist checks that the permanent one will fit and that it matches the rest of your teeth. If you're concerned about dental anxiety, rest assured that our team will make sure you're comfortable throughout the process. Your Poulsbo dentist will numb the spot and cement the permanent crown into place.
After the Procedure
Your crown or bridge will last between 5 and 15 years, depending on how you take care of your teeth. If you keep your crown clean and avoid some negative behaviors, your crown could last longer. Bad habits that reduce the life of your crown include:
- Chewing ice
- Biting nails
- Opening packages with your mouth
- Clenching your jaw
- Teeth grinding
Also, many patients decide to have teeth whitening procedures so their mouth is filled with a full matching set.
Patients who have any issues with their dental caps should contact us immediately to fix the problem. Your conveniently located Poulsbo dentist can help you find relief from any range of discomfort you might feel. Porcelain caps can chip, and your dentist can either fix it or replace it.
Why Choose Our Office
The family-friendly office can help you with teeth whitening, fillings, cosmetic dentistry work like porcelain veneers, and all dental emergency services to protect your oral health. Our goal is to help each patient have a healthy environment in their mouths.
FAQ
How much do dental crowns and bridges cost?
Dental crowns in Poulsbo generally range from $600 to $1,500. Dental bridges start at $1,800. We’ll examine your teeth, explain your options, and provide a personalized estimate before beginning treatment.
Pricing is an estimate and varies based on your individual needs, the treatment recommended, the materials used, and your insurance coverage. We’ll provide an exact quote after your examination.
Dental insurance may cover part of your treatment, depending on your plan and benefits. We accept most PPO plans and will bill your insurance directly. We also accept all standard forms of payment. Visit our Insurance page for more information.
Does a crown or bridge require special care?
Crowns and bridges don’t need special products, but they do need consistent daily care. Brush twice a day and floss once a day, paying extra attention to the edge where the crown meets the gum, since plaque that collects there can cause decay underneath. With a bridge, also clean under the replacement tooth using a floss threader or water flosser. Keep up with cleanings and exams on the schedule we recommend for you, and contact our office right away if a crown or bridge feels loose, cracks, or causes pain.
Does a crown or bridge hurt?
The procedure itself shouldn’t hurt, because we numb the area before we start. Once the numbness wears off, some sensitivity to hot or cold around the new crown or bridge is common and usually fades within a few days. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. If the sensitivity lasts or your bite feels uneven, call us so we can check and adjust it.
What are crowns made of?
Crowns can be made of porcelain, pressed ceramic, metal, porcelain fused to metal, or resin. We’ll recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how much force it takes when you chew, and how natural you want it to look.