Dental
Dental Restorations: Crowns & Bridges
Dental restorations like crowns and bridges can provide patients with a number of advantages. With protection and the ability to stop further harm, crowns can help restore a tooth that has been broken or decayed.
By bridging the space left by a missing tooth, bridges can restore function and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. You can speak and chew more comfortably by using either of these methods to help you improve your bite.
To create strong, realistic-looking crowns and bridges that blend in perfectly with your teeth, our dental office uses premium materials and cutting-edge techniques.
Consider a crown or bridge today for a healthier, more assured smile.
Crowns
A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable.
The treatment plan for a patient receiving a crown involves:
Numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it.
Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.
Making an impression of your teeth in order to create a custom-made crown (usually takes one to two weeks).
Making a temporary crown out of acrylic resin and fitting it onto the tooth during the interim period when the permanent custom-made crown is being created.
Applying the permanent crown (when received from the lab) by removing the temporary crown and fitting the permanent one onto the tooth.
After ensuring that the crown has the proper look and fit, the dentist cements it into place.
This process generally consists of a minimum of 2-3 visits over a three to four week period.
Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.
Bridges
A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent:
Shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease.
Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.
There are three main types of bridges, namely:
Fixed Bridge
This is the most popular and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place.
"Maryland" Bridge
This bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler that is attached to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches existing tooth color.
Cantilever Bridge
This bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.
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Our Services
Whether it’s a cleaning, a crown, or a dental implant, we want you to feel confident coming to McLaughlin Dentists. We have advanced traning in oral surgery, implant dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, and dental sleep medicine. As a result, McLaughlin Dentists can be your home for all your dental needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Transform your smile with advanced cosmetic procedures offered by Dr. Ian. From teeth whitening to veneers, we use the latest techniques to deliver stunning results!
Dental Implants
Restore your smile and improve your oral health with dental implants. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Pediatric Dentistry
Give your children a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our experienced team provides gentle, child-friendly care to help your children develop good oral habits.
Cleaning
Regular dental cleanings are key to maintaining good oral health. We offer gentle and thorough cleanings that remove plaque and tartar, preventing cavities, gum disease, and restore your mouth to good health.
Fillings
We provide high-quality fillings to repair decayed or damaged teeth. Our dentists use modern materials for a comfortable, long-lasting restoration, so you can eat with comfort and smile with confidence.
Root Canals
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a root canal may be necessary to save your tooth and prevent further damage. Our skilled and gentle team uses advanced techniques to ensure a stress- and pain-free experience.