Using dental crowns and bridges to restore the smile

Dr. Blanca Fernandez of South Lakeland, Florida, utilizes dental crowns and bridges to restore and repair smiles beautifully. Dental crowns are specifically designed to safeguard and strengthen deeply damaged or compromised teeth, while dental bridges function to replace one or more of one’s missing teeth. As a reputable dentist, Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team are committed to ensuring you understand these two options and helping you to select the most appropriate solution for your specific dental needs and smile objectives.

How do dental crowns and fixed bridges work to restore the smile?

At Highland Dental Clinic, our team employs dental crowns and dental bridges to bring your smile back to its former glory. While they are both different in their functionality, both are instrumental in treating significant tooth damage or loss.

Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as porcelain crowns or “tooth caps,” have the ability to restore both the strength and function of the natural tooth. If a tooth has been treated with a filling due to decay, it could still be prone to damage if larger parts of the natural tooth structure have been removed in preparation of the fillings. In cases like this, placing a quality porcelain dental crown offers the necessary structure and strength needed to minimize the potential for any further damage. Crowns may also be used on teeth that have recently undergone root canal therapy or as part of the dental implant process of replacing a single missing tooth.

Dental bridges, on the other hand, offer a fixed and lasting solution to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is fabricated with false teeth, known as pontics, that are fused together with a crown and fixed onto the adjacent teeth for support. These restorations can replicate one or several lost teeth using porcelain, which closely resembles the appearance of natural tooth enamel.

What are some of the benefits of dental crowns and bridges?

  • These restorations can restore broken or missing teeth
  • These restorations might eliminate the need for dental extractions
  • These restorations use materials such as porcelain to ensure they look completely natural within the smile
  • These restorations are affordable, and many patients can reduce their costs by applying their dental insurance benefits

How do I know which option is right for me?

Knowing the restoration that is appropriate for your specific needs starts with a consultation visit at Highland Dental Clinic. You can contact our office to speak to Dr. Blanca Fernandez and explore the many advantages of using these porcelain restorations for your smile restoration. Call our office today at (863) 457-1954 to book a visit to our conveniently located office. Our dental clinic welcomes both new and returning patients who are seeking comprehensive dental care for themselves or their families.

FAQs

When might I need a dental crown?

Dental crowns are a common restoration used by dentists to restore a tooth that might have damage from decay or trauma.

Some of the more common situations in which a dental crown might be recommended include the following:

  • A large area of decay that is filled but affects the structure and integrity of the tooth
  • Teeth which have recently undergone endodontic, or root canal, therapy and are weakened
  • To fuse to false teeth referred to as pontics to create a custom dental bridge
  • To cover teeth with large cracks or chips

Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic can evaluate you and determine whether your smile could benefit from one or more crowns.

What are the benefits of using a dental crown?

Dental crowns have many advantages. They are fabricated from porcelain or ceramic to ensure they look natural when put in place. They are strong, durable, and easy to care for. Most patients will find that their dental crown will last many years with proper attention and routine evaluations at Highland Dental Clinic.

What can I expect from the process of obtaining a dental crown?

The process of obtaining a dental crown starts with a consultation and evaluation appointment to determine if it is a suitable solution for the patient and their unique needs. Then, preparations begin. The tooth is numbed, and the outside structure is filed down. Impressions are taken afterward to create molds of the current tooth.

A temporary is put in place, and the impressions are sent to an outside laboratory where a skilled ceramist will fabricate the final restoration based on Dr. Blanca Fernandez’s instructions. Patients return to the office when the crown fabrication is complete to have the temporary one removed and the permanent one bonded in place.

Will my dental crown look natural?

Because Dr. Blanca Fernandez uses an experienced ceramist to fabricate dental crowns, patients can rest easy knowing their restorations will look, function, and feel great! She always recommends using materials that mimic the look of natural tooth enamel for the best results.

How do I take good care of my dental crown?

Taking care of your dental crown is easy. We recommend continuing to see our dental team at Highland Dental Clinic of South Lakeland, Florida, at least every six months for cleanings and evaluations. Brushing, flossing, and regular appointments are critical to the longevity of dental crowns.

Patients who care for their restorations will often enjoy them for many years before needing replacement. If the crown is loose or broken, call the dentist as soon as possible to have the crown bonded back or completely replaced.

How do dental bridges restore my smile after tooth loss?

Dental bridges are a reliable solution for patients who need to replace missing teeth. They use dental crowns fused to pontics to create a single restoration. The crowns rest over the adjacent teeth, using them for support, while the pontics rest on the gumline.

What material is used to create a dental bridge?

Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic will always focus on biocompatible and aesthetic materials to create dental restorations. Dental bridges are commonly made with materials like ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain.

How do I take care of my dental bridge?

Caring for a dental bridge is easy with routine care. Be mindful of brushing around the gumline and using floss to keep food particles from becoming trapped underneath. The teeth underneath the dental crowns are still susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, so special attention to these areas is highly recommended.

How many teeth are replaceable using a dental bridge?

Dental bridges have the ability to replace one or several teeth in a row, depending on the patient’s unique situation. In some cases, patients may be able to have up to four teeth replaced with a single dental bridge. This includes four pontics and two dental crowns to complete.

What are some alternatives to dental bridges?

At Highland Dental Clinic, Dr. Blanca Fernandez is pleased to offer other solutions for patients to consider, including partial dentures, full dentures, implant-supported dentures, and dental implants.

Blanca Fernandez, DMD
Blanca Fernandez, DMD

Dr. Blanca Fernandez is a skilled dentist in Lakeland, FL. She studied general dentistry at the Colombian Dental College and studied prosthodontics and received a Master of Science at the Dentistry Foundation of San Martin in Bogota, Colombia. She earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. With specialized training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and oral surgery, Dr. Fernandez is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and member of the American Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, and Polk County Dental Association.