Dental Crowns and Bridges 

A Crown, sometimes referred to as a cap, is made of gold, porcelain or a combination of those materials. It is bonded onto the top of the tooth in need of restoration.

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advance that large portions of the tooth must be removed, a crown is often used to restore the tooth.

A crown is also used to cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from fracturing and becoming painful, or if an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated, it protects and stabilizes the tooth. A crown may also serve a cosmetic use, when a discolored tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

Crown Impressions

A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is made of the existing tooth and a mold is made. The mold is then sent to a dental lab, which manufactures a custom, one of a kind, designed crown. A temporary crown is placed until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are bonded in place.

Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas and are primarily used for cosmetic purposes.

Dental Bridges

Bridges are natural looking dental fixtures that replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. They are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Porcelain, gold or the combination of those materials are used to make bridges. Dr. Cooley has extensive experience in fabricating bridges.