What Are Dental Crowns?

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in modern dentistry, yet many people don't fully understand what they are, how they work, or why they're necessary. Whether you've recently been told you need a filling or you're just curious about oral health, this guide will walk you through the essentials especially if you're looking for a dentist near you in San Antonio.

Common reasons for crowns

Large cavities
Cracked or worn teeth
After a root canal
To cover a dental implant

Materials we use

Porcelain or Ceramic: Natural-looking, good for front teeth

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental fillings are materials used to restore the function, integrity, and shape of missing tooth structure. This loss can be caused by tooth decay (cavities), fractures, or gradual wear. When a dentist removes decayed material from a tooth, a filling is placed to "fill in" the area and prevent further damage.

If you're searching for dental fillings in San Antonio, TX, Brook Hollow Family Dentistry offers expert care using the latest materials and techniques.

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It's made of crowns on either side of the gap (called abutments) and a false tooth (pontic) in between. Types of bridges

Traditional Bridge: Most common, supported by crowns on natural teeth
Cantilever Bridge: Attached on one side only (less common)
Maryland Bridge: Uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth
Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth

The Procedure at a Glance

Consultation & Exam
Tooth Preparation: For crowns, this involves reshaping the tooth. For bridges, the adjacent teeth are prepped.
Impressions: Taken to create a custom-fit restoration.
Temporary Crown/Bridge: Worn while the final one is made.
Permanent Placement: Cemented into place during a follow-up visit.

The full process usually takes 2 visits.

Care and Maintenance

Brush and floss daily (especially around the bridge)
Avoid chewing hard foods on restorations
See your dentist regularly for checkups

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dental crown is a custom cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its strength and appearance, while a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by connecting artificial teeth to nearby supporting teeth.

A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth is cracked, weakened, severely decayed, worn down, or after a root canal treatment.

Dental bridges help replace missing teeth, restore chewing ability, improve speech, and prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of position.

With proper care and regular dental visits, many dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or even longer.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during treatment. Local anesthesia is commonly used to keep the procedure comfortable.

The best option depends on the number of missing teeth, oral health, comfort preferences, and long-term treatment goals. A dentist can recommend the most suitable solution.

Cosmetic Dentistry

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