San Francisco dentist provides dental crowns and bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are familiar treatments that have been used for many years. However, they have changed and improved a great deal in recent times. San Francisco dentist, Dr. Leo Arellano, uses a number of new techniques and progressive procedures. Yet, in many cases, traditional crowns, or crown and bridge appliances, work quite effectively to meet the demands of the patient’s budget and timeline.
Dental crowns
Each tooth in your mouth is protected by a hard outer layer of enamel that provides strength. When the tooth is damaged from decay, accident, or trauma, it is important to restore it. The dental crown procedure involves creating and placing a custom-made cap on the tooth. Because the crown is made precisely to the dentist’s specifications, it is an exact match in terms of shade and shape.
Crowns are often used to:
- Replace an old filling when the area of damage is so large that there is not enough tooth structure to support a new filling.
- Strengthen a weak tooth to prevent breakage.
- Anchor a dental bridge to replace a missing tooth.
- Correct a cosmetic imperfection.
- Protect a tooth after a root canal treatment.
Dental bridges
When a tooth is missing, a dental bridge is a common treatment. Even if the gap is not readily visible, the lost tooth should be replaced. The gap can interfere with proper function of the mouth, and lead to shifting of the remaining teeth. If teeth do begin to move, crowding or spaces may develop, creating traps for food particles and resulting in further damage.
The gap from the missing tooth is closed with a replacement tooth, a prosthetic known as a bridge. It is fused to dental crowns placed on each side of the space. A bridge is a time-tested, effective technique to replace a missing tooth.
To learn more about dental crowns and bridges call Dr. Leo Arellano in San Francisco at 415-881-4343.
