Natural-looking dental crowns and bridges in Alpharetta, GA

Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used dental restorations. They are incredibly versatile and can be used to protect, functionally restore, and cosmetically enhance the appearance of a tooth, either as a single tooth cap or as part of a dental bridge. At Alpharetta Smile Care, Dr. Doug Worful uses high-quality materials, such as modern dental porcelain, to provide patients in the Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Cumming, Roswell, and surrounding GA communities with natural-looking, functional restorations.

Dental crowns (“tooth caps”)

Dental crowns are often called tooth caps because that is a great description of what they do. A dental crown is a custom-made piece of porcelain or other durable material that is placed over the top of a tooth. They can be used in a number of different scenarios:

• A large area of decay has occurred that is too large for a filling
• To restore the function and biting surface of worn down, chipped, or fractured teeth
• As a replacement tooth on top of a dental implant
• To anchor a dental bridge in place
• To protect a tooth after it has had root canal therapy
• For cosmetic purposes, such as to enhance the appearance of a permanently stained tooth

Getting a dental crown placed typically takes two visits. In the first visit, Dr. Worful will shape your tooth in preparation for the crown, which requires reducing the tooth’s size so the crown will fit securely over it without being too bulky in your mouth.

Then, we will take dental impressions so that your new crown can be custom-fabricated for a perfect fit. If needed, we will place a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being made. Then, when it is ready, you will come back in to the office and after checking the fit and making any minor adjustments necessary, Dr. Worful will cement it onto your tooth.

To take care of your crown and ensure it lasts as long as possible, it is important to floss daily and maintain routine oral hygiene visits. In addition, chewing on hard objects or clenching and grinding your teeth (bruxism) can damage your crown, so it is important to discuss options such as a sleep mouthguard with Dr. Worful if you suspect you have bruxism.

Dental bridges to replace missing teeth

Dental bridges are a great way to replace one or more missing teeth in a row, and can be made from a variety of durable dental materials such as porcelain, gold alloys, or a combination of materials. Dental bridges consist of false teeth that “bridge” the gap created by the missing teeth, along with dental crowns on the adjacent teeth that securely anchor the bridge in place. As an alternative to crowns, some patients may opt to have dental implants placed to securely attach their bridge instead.

To learn more about getting bridges or crowns for missing teeth, aesthetic reasons, or to restore and protect a damaged tooth, call Alpharetta Smile Care today at (678) 762-1601!