Crowns & Bridges

Here at Silvestri Dental & Associates we take great pride in our crown and bridgework. Every detail of the procedure from the initial impression, to the temporary, and to the final insert, you can expect only the finest. The results are exceptional and you will be pleased with the look, feel and quality of your restoration.

A crown is a restoration that covers the whole tooth in order to strengthen it as well as restore it to its natural shape and size. Crowns are recommended for many different reasons. A number of the reasons why are the following:

To prepare the tooth for a crown, it requires two appointments with the doctor. At the first visit, the tooth is reduced by approximately two millimeters so it allows for the crown to fit over it. Next, impressions of the teeth are taken to send to the lab for fabrication of the crown. A temporary crown is then custom fitted over the tooth to protect the prepped tooth and cemented with temporary cement until the crown insert appointment. Two to three weeks later is the second visit at which this time is when the temporary crown is gently removed and the permanent crown is adjusted and cemented in with permanent cement. The end result is a restoration that looks and feels amazing and we often have patients comment that they cannot even tell which tooth just had a crown!

A bridge is a dental restoration that is routinely used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are an excellent choice of treatment when teeth are missing because they help to create a normal bite and prevent the drifting and tilting of adjacent teeth. On a dental bridge, the pontic is the false tooth attached to the framework of the bridge that fills in the space left by the missing teeth. The abutments are the crowns placed on the adjacent and sound teeth that support the entire framework of the bridge. The end result is a single piece framework that resembles individual teeth without even knowing that one is missing.

To prepare teeth for a bridge, it is similar to having a crown done with the exception that there are more teeth involved and it requires three appointments with the doctor. At the first visit, the teeth are reduced by approximately two millimeters so it will allow the bridge to fit, impressions are then taken to send to the lab to fabricate the framework, and next a temporary bridge is custom fitted and cemented. Two weeks later is the second appointment at which this time is when the metal framework of the bridge is fitted in to make any necessary adjustments, if any. At this time is when we also verify a shade to match your smile to guarantee a natural looking bridge. We then send the metal framework back to the lab so they can add on the porcelain to create a beautiful restoration. The third and final appointment is approximately a week later. This is when the permanent bridge is adjusted and cemented in for a restoration that is functional and natural looking.