RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

Dental Crowns & Bridges

At Hammons Family Dental, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive solutions to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. Among our most effective restorative treatments are dental crowns and bridges, which can significantly improve both appearance and oral function. Whether you’re coming from North Austin or Georgetown, Texas, our skilled team is committed to delivering top-notch care tailored to your unique needs.

The Role of Crowns & Bridges in Restorative Dentistry

When teeth are damaged, decayed, or missing, it’s essential to address these issues promptly. Untreated dental problems can lead to more extensive damage, compromise overall oral health, and even affect systemic health. Crowns and bridges are two proven restorative options that address these concerns:

Dental Crowns: Also known as “caps,” crowns cover and protect a damaged tooth by encasing it entirely. They restore strength, shape, and functionality.
Dental Bridges: A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to surrounding natural teeth or implants. By filling the gap, bridges prevent shifting and maintain proper bite alignment.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is typically recommended if a tooth has been weakened by extensive decay, a large filling, or a crack that jeopardizes its integrity. Crowns can also be used to enhance the appearance of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth. At Hammons Family Dental, we use high-quality materials—like porcelain or ceramic—to ensure your crown blends seamlessly with neighboring teeth.

Crown Placement Process

Assessment: We’ll conduct a thorough exam to determine if a crown is the best option for your situation. This may include digital X-rays to assess the tooth’s internal structure.
Preparation: If a crown is deemed necessary, we’ll prepare the tooth by removing any decay or old fillings. A small amount of enamel is also removed to make room for the crown.
Impression or Digital Scan: Traditionally, a physical impression would be taken and sent to a lab. However, we may also use digital scanning technology for enhanced precision.
Temporary Crown: While the final crown is being created, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
Fitting and Bonding: Once the permanent crown is ready, we’ll remove the temporary and securely bond the new crown. We’ll ensure the fit is comfortable and that your bite aligns properly.

After placement, you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular checkups help maintain the crown for many years.

Understanding Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an ideal solution for one or more missing teeth. Leaving gaps unaddressed can lead to issues like tooth shifting, an uneven bite, and potential bone loss. Bridges consist of an artificial tooth (or teeth) called a pontic, anchored to adjacent teeth or implants via crowns or attachments.

Bridge Placement Process

Evaluation: We begin by evaluating your oral health and discussing your goals, which may include improved aesthetics or better chewing efficiency.
Teeth Preparation: The teeth adjacent to the gap—also known as abutment teeth—are shaped to accommodate crowns if needed.
Impression or Scan: We capture precise measurements of your mouth to ensure the bridge fits comfortably and looks natural.
Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to safeguard the prepared teeth and maintain function until the permanent restoration is ready.
Final Placement: During your final appointment, we remove the temporary and place the permanent bridge, ensuring a proper fit and bite alignment.

Advantages of Crowns & Bridges

Restored Function: Chewing, biting, and speaking become more natural, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of foods.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Modern materials closely mimic natural enamel, blending seamlessly with your existing smile.

Longevity: With proper care, high-quality crowns and bridges can last for many years.
Preventive Benefits: Filling gaps and protecting damaged teeth can prevent further complications like tooth shifting, jaw joint disorders, or additional decay.

Caring for Your New Restoration

Just like natural teeth, crowns and bridges require consistent maintenance. Here are a few tips:

Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice daily and floss carefully around the restoration to prevent plaque buildup.
Avoid Hard Foods: While crowns and bridges are durable, chewing on ice or biting into very hard objects can damage the material.
Regular Checkups: Continue scheduling routine appointments at Hammons Family Dental so we can monitor the integrity of your restorations and overall oral health.

Are You a Candidate?

Crowns and bridges are versatile solutions, but not every situation is the same. We’ll evaluate your dental history, the health of your gums, and the stability of surrounding teeth to determine the best approach. In some cases, dental implants may be a more suitable choice, particularly for patients with sufficient jawbone density or those seeking a long-term solution for multiple missing teeth.

The Hammons Family Dental Difference

At Hammons Family Dental, we strive to stand out by combining cutting-edge technology with personalized care. Serving North Austin and Georgetown residents, our practice offers:

Advanced Diagnostics: Digital X-rays and intraoral scanners help us identify and address issues with greater precision.
Patient Comfort: From local anesthetics to sedation dentistry options, we do everything possible to ensure a relaxing experience.
Skilled Craftsmanship: Our team’s expertise ensures a functional, beautiful restoration that aligns with your natural bite.
Open Communication: We believe in transparent discussions about treatment options, costs, and timelines, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Reclaim Your Smile Today

Missing, broken, or damaged teeth can take a toll on your self-confidence and overall well-being. With dental crowns and bridges at Hammons Family Dental, you can restore not just your smile, but also your quality of life. Our restorative services are designed to meet the high standards of care you expect, providing long-lasting solutions for patients in North Austin, Georgetown, and beyond.

Ready to explore your options for crowns and bridges? Contact Hammons Family Dental today or book an appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, functional, and radiant smile that stands the test of time.

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At Hammons Family Dental, we make it easy for you to enjoy optimal oral health.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.