Crowns & Bridges in Lenoir City, TN
Restore Your Smile's Natural Functionality and Beauty
Why People Love Lenoir City Dental
A Blend of Artistry and Expertise in Every Smile
Understanding Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are fundamental in restorative dentistry. They are custom-made to restore, protect, or replace your teeth, enhancing both the function and appearance of your smile.
Dental Crowns: Reinforcing Your Natural Teeth
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are ideal for:
- Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
- Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling
- Holding a dental bridge in place
- Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Covering a dental implant
Dental Bridges: Filling the Gap in Your Smile
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth/teeth in between. Bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants and are essential for:
- Restoring your smile
- Maintaining the shape of your face
- Preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position
- Restoring the ability to properly chew and speak
- Distributing the forces in your bite properly
The Process of Getting Crowns and Bridges
At Lenoir City Dental, we ensure that your journey towards a restored smile is comfortable and seamless. Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation and Custom Treatment Planning
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Lee. He will assess your dental needs and discuss the best treatment options for you. We use digital imaging technology to create precise treatment plans, ensuring a perfect fit and natural look.
Preparing Your Teeth for Treatment
For a crown, the tooth is shaped to ensure a proper fit. For a bridge, the adjacent teeth are prepared as well. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create your custom crown or bridge.
Fitting Your Temporary Crown or Bridge
While your custom crown or bridge is being made, we'll fit a temporary one to protect your teeth and maintain your smile's appearance.
Placing Your Permanent Crown or Bridge
Once your custom crown or bridge is ready, you'll return to our office. Dr. Lee will place the crown or bridge, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit.
Advanced Technology for Superior Results
We use the latest in dental technology, including high-resolution digital imaging and precision crafting, to ensure your crowns and bridges are of the highest quality, functionality, and aesthetics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth (or teeth) in between.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, your crown or bridge can last many years. On average, crowns and bridges can last between 5 to 15 years, but with diligent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, they can last even longer.
Are crowns and bridges noticeable?
Crowns and bridges are designed to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable. Our goal at Lenoir City Dental is to create restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth.
How do I care for my crown or bridge?
Caring for crowns and bridges involves the same oral hygiene practices as your natural teeth: regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. It's important to pay extra attention to the area around the crown or bridge to prevent decay or gum disease.
Is getting a crown or bridge painful?
We take every measure to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so you should feel minimal discomfort. Sedation is also offered as needed for enhanced relaxation. After the procedure, there might be some sensitivity, which typically subsides quickly.
How many visits does it take to get a crown or bridge?
Typically, getting a crown or bridge requires two visits to our office. The first visit involves preparing the teeth and placing a temporary crown or bridge. The second visit is for placing the permanent crown or bridge.
Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
Yes, once your crown or bridge is fully set, you can eat normally. However, we recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods to prolong the life of your restoration.
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of crowns and bridges varies depending on various factors, including the materials used and the complexity of the procedure. We offer a range of financing options and will provide a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.
Will my insurance cover the cost of crowns and bridges?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for crowns and bridges. We recommend checking with your provider for specific details. Our team at Lenoir City Dental can also assist in determining your coverage.
How do I know if I need a crown or a bridge?
The need for a crown or bridge is determined by several factors, including the condition of your teeth and your overall dental health. A consultation with Dr. Christopher Lee will help determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
