Crowns And Bridges
Padmaja Yalamanchili, DDS, PC
General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Fairfax, VA
You don’t have to lose your damaged tooth. Even if your tooth is already missing, replacing it doesn’t have to involve the ongoing maintenance of dentures. With crowns and bridges, Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili, DDS PC helps her patients get full, strong, beautiful smiles. Call the office in Fairfax, Virginia, or book your appointment online to get started with your crown or bridge.
Crowns and Bridges Q & A
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that goes over the top of your tooth. It’s effective in protecting your tooth if it has been damaged, either in an accident or because of tooth decay.
In fact, crowns are most commonly used after a root canal removes extensive damage from a tooth. Affixing a crown after this procedure restores the tooth’s full shape and strength.
Crowns are also effective in restoring teeth when a significant section of the tooth is missing. If you broke your tooth and the jagged edge is getting in the way of smiling, eating, drinking, or talking, Dr. Yalamanchili offers crowns to help. Once the crown is in place, your tooth looks, feels, and works just like any of your other natural teeth.
What is a dental bridge?
While crowns are effective in repairing a damaged tooth, there are some cases where the tooth can’t be saved. In these cases, dental bridges offer you a way to replace your tooth.
The bridge holds your replacement tooth in place via crowns attached to the abutting teeth on either side of your missing tooth or teeth. Bonding the crown to the teeth on either side of your missing tooth or teeth provides your replacement teeth with a firm foundation. This way, you get a full smile that looks and feels natural.
What’s the process like for getting a crown or bridge?
Getting a crown or bridge is a two-appointment process. Whether you’re getting a single crown or crowns to secure a bridge, the process is the same.
During your first appointment, Dr. Yalamanchili prepares the tooth that will be receiving the crown. This involves removing the outer portion of the tooth. This way, the crown can slide over the prepared tooth and sit flush with your surrounding teeth, looking just like a natural tooth.
After preparing your tooth or teeth, Dr. Yalamanchili takes molds so that your crown can be prepared to fit perfectly over it. The crown will be shaped and colored to look just like your missing tooth. You go home with a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth.
Once your crown or bridge is ready, you return to Dr. Yalamanchili to have it bonded in place. She makes any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.
Get started by calling Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili, DDS PC or by booking your appointment online.