Dental Crowns and Bridges

At Smith Sedation Dentistry in Fresno, CA, we understand that the health and aesthetics of your smile are essential to your overall well-being and confidence. As Fresno's #1 sedation practice, we provide a comprehensive range of restorative dental services, including dental crowns and bridges, to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Under the expert care of Dr. Rob Smith, we provide top-notch restorative treatments while ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience through our advanced sedation options. 

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges in Fresno, CA? 

Dental crowns and bridges are commonly used restorative treatments designed to repair and replace damaged or missing teeth. They play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. 

Dental Crowns in Fresno, CA 

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are designed to restore the tooth's strength, shape, and function, providing protection and improving its appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including: 

• Porcelain: A popular choice for its natural appearance and durability. Porcelain crowns blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth and are often used for front teeth. 

• Ceramic: Similar to porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns can provide a natural look and are highly resistant to wear. 

• Metal: Made from gold, platinum, or other metal alloys, metal crowns are highly durable and are often used for molars. 

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Combining the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain, these crowns offer a balance of durability and appearance. 

Dental Bridges in Fresno, CA 

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) supported by dental crowns on adjacent teeth or implants. Bridges are designed to fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring function and enhancing the appearance of your smile. There are several types of dental bridges: 

• Traditional bridges: Consist of one or more pontics anchored by crowns on the adjacent teeth. 

• Cantilever bridges: Supported by a crown on only one side of the missing tooth gap. 

• Maryland Bridges: Uses metal or porcelain wings instead of crowns to attach the bridge to the adjacent teeth. 

• Implant-supported bridges: These are supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth, providing a stable and long-lasting solution. Contact us to learn more. 

Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges in Fresno, CA 

Both dental crowns and bridges can provide numerous benefits for patients seeking to restore their oral health and appearance. Here are some of the key benefits: 

Benefits of Dental Crowns 

• Enhanced protection: Crowns protect weakened or damaged teeth from further damage, decay, or fractures. 

• Restored function: Crowns restore the tooth's ability to chew and speak properly, improving overall function. 

• Improved aesthetics: Porcelain and ceramic crowns provide a natural-looking solution that enhances the appearance of your smile. 

• Durability: Crowns are designed to withstand normal chewing forces and can last for many years with proper care. 

• Versatility: Crowns can be used in various situations, including covering large fillings, supporting dental bridges, and completing root canal treatments. 

Benefits of Dental Bridges 

• Gap filling: Bridges effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring the function and appearance of your smile. 

• Preventing shifting: By replacing missing teeth, bridges help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the empty space, maintaining proper alignment. 

• Restored function: Bridges improve overall function by restoring your ability to chew and speak effectively. 

• Aesthetic improvement: Bridges can be customized to match the color and appearance of your natural teeth, providing a seamless result. 

• Durability: Dental bridges are designed to be durable and long-lasting, making them a stable solution for tooth replacement. 

The Dental Crowns and Bridges Procedure at Smith Sedation Dentistry in Fresno, CA 

At Smith Sedation Dentistry, we are committed to making dental crowns and bridge procedures as comfortable and efficient as possible. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during your visit: 

Initial Consultation and Examination 

The process begins with a thorough examination and consultation with Dr. Smith. We will assess your oral health, discuss your treatment options, and determine if a dental crown or bridge is the best solution for your needs. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate the condition of your teeth and jawbone. 

Treatment Planning 

Based on the examination, we will create a personalized treatment plan outlining the steps involved in placing your dental crown or bridge. This includes discussing the materials used, the expected timeline, and any sedation options available to ensure your comfort during the procedure. 

Tooth Preparation 

For crowns, the affected tooth will be prepared by removing any decayed or damaged material. The tooth will then be shaped to accommodate the crown. For bridges, the adjacent teeth or implants will be prepared to serve as anchors for the bridge. 

Impressions and Temporary Restorations 

After tooth preparation, we will take impressions of your teeth to create custom-made crowns or bridges. These impressions are used to fabricate the final restorations. In the meantime, temporary crowns or bridges may be placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain function. 

Placement of Permanent Crowns or Bridges 

Once your custom crowns or bridges are ready, we will schedule a follow-up appointment for placement. During this visit, Dr. Smith will carefully fit and adjust the restorations to ensure a proper fit and comfortable bite. The permanent crowns or bridges will be securely bonded to your teeth or implants. 

Final Adjustments and Care Instructions 

After placement, Dr. Smith will make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and function. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including tips for maintaining your restorations and oral hygiene practices. 

Conclusion 

Dental crowns and bridges are effective solutions for restoring and replacing damaged or missing teeth, and Smith Sedation Dentistry is here to provide you with the highest level of care and comfort. As Fresno's #1 sedation practice, we are dedicated to ensuring that your experience is as pleasant and stress-free as possible. 

If you are considering dental crowns or bridges, or if you have any questions about our sedation options, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Let us help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile with our expert restorative treatments and compassionate care. 

Experience stress-free dental care at Smith Sedation Dentistry, Fresno's #1 sedation practice. Dr. Rob Smith and his expert team are here to ensure your comfort with advanced sedation options tailored to your needs. Call (559) 438-4031 or visit us at 6191 North Fresno St. #102, Fresno, CA 93710 to schedule your relaxing appointment today!