Restore Your Smile’s Function and Aesthetics with Dental Crowns and Bridges
Losing one or several teeth can cause numerous problems, including reduced chewing ability, confidence loss, and diminished aesthetics. Dental crowns and bridges in Abingdon, Virginia, are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. These restorations are made of tooth-colored materials, restoring your smile with natural-looking outcomes. Expertly placed at Abingdon Smiles, dental crowns and bridges don’t just replace missing teeth—they give your life back!
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that provides full coverage to your tooth. A dental crown restores your tooth’s shape, size, and strength. Dental crowns are fingernail-sized, but they have several uses in dentistry.
Some include:
- Restoration: Dental crowns repair tooth damage that is too pronounced for a typical dental filling. They are also used to strengthen a tooth after root canal treatment.
- Aesthetics: The dentist can use a dental crown to improve the appearance of a stubbornly discolored or poorly shaped tooth.
- Tooth replacement: We can pair dental crowns with dental implants or bridges to replace one or more missing teeth.
Dental crowns can be created from several materials, including gold and composite. However, we prefer all ceramic crowns because of their aesthetics, biocompatibility, and durability. Our crowns are also made with excellent precision, ensuring an optimal fit.
What are dental bridges?
We use dental bridges to replace one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of customized artificial teeth (pontic) anchored to the nearby teeth with dental crowns. A dental bridge provides a permanent solution for missing teeth, offering stability when eating, talking, or smiling.
Our bridges are created with excellence to ensure they look natural and feel comfortable. Once you get used to your restoration, no one will know they are replacement teeth. Bridges look like an extension of the existing teeth.
How are dental bridges and crowns placed?
It takes 2-3 visits to restore your smile with dental crowns and bridges. The dentist will establish your eligibility for crowns and bridges during the first appointment. If deemed suitable, we’ll prepare the support teeth (abutments) by reshaping them, creating a sturdy foundation for dental crowns or bridges.
Then, we will make an impression of your teeth, which our dental lab will use to create your bridgework. Until your bridges or crowns are ready, we’ll protect your teeth with temporary restorations.
After 2-3 weeks, you’ll visit our office for placement. We will try in your new teeth and adjust your bridge for optimal comfort and bite-alignment and then cement it in place, restoring your smile and chewing function. Bridgework will feel weird initially, but everything will feel natural after a few days.
What are the benefits of bridges?
Are you considering dental bridges? It’s one of the best decisions for your smile and life. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy with bridges:
- Enhanced chewing and speaking ability
- Better overall aesthetics
- Maintains your facial shape
- Prevent the nearby teeth from tilting
- Durable Functionality
Ready for Abingdon crowns and bridges?
Don’t let missing teeth diminish your quality of life. High-quality bridges and crowns near Abingdon are excellent solutions for failing or missing teeth. To get started, call (276) 451-2450 to reserve an appointment with Abingdon Smiles. Your healthy, beautiful smile awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crowns and Bridges
Can I take my dental bridge out?
No. Traditional dental bridges are permanently cemented in place. They are designed to stay secure and function like natural teeth. Trying to remove one yourself can damage the supporting teeth and the bridge. If you want a removable option, partial dentures offer a perfect solution.
Will my bridge or crown stand out in the mouth?
Not at all. Modern crowns and bridges are fabricated from high-quality porcelain or ceramic materials that closely match the translucency of natural teeth. At Abingdon Smiles, we carefully shade-match your restoration to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. A natural appearance gives you confidence to take photos, meet new people, and attend social events without holding back.
Can a dental crown or bridge fail?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. Crowns and bridges can fail due to tooth decay, trauma, teeth grinding, or cement breakdown over time. If your restoration fails, contact our office immediately. We’ll address the underlying issue before repairing or replacing your restoration to restore full function.
Does it hurt to place a dental crown or bridge?
The procedure is comfortable. The dentist uses effective local anesthetics to numb the area completely before preparing your tooth. You may feel pressure as we work on your tooth, but not pain. Mild soreness afterward is normal but temporary. Most patients return to their everyday activities the same day.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
On average, crowns and bridges last 10–15 years. Many last even longer with excellent oral hygiene and routine dental visits. You should also avoid chewing ice and biting fingernails to maximize the lifespan of your restoration.
How do I make my dental crowns and bridges last longer?
Care for them just as you would natural teeth. That means you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. For bridges, use floss threaders or water flossers to help remove plaque buildup beneath the restoration. Also, remember to see your Abingdon dentist every six months for routine cleanings and check-ups.
What are the alternatives to a dental bridge?
Dental implants are a popular alternative because they replace the entire missing tooth, including its root. This unique design provides stability and comfort for your new tooth. Partial dentures are another option for replacing one or more missing teeth. We’ll discuss which solution fits your needs, goals, and budget.
How much does a dental crown or bridge cost in Abingdon, VA?
Restorative dentistry is a personalized experience. Each treatment plan is unique, including the cost. Our office will share a cost breakdown after consultation, as several factors, such as the number of teeth involved and the type of materials, influence the cost.
Does insurance cover the cost of dental crowns and bridges?
Yes! Your insurance will likely cover part of the cost of your restoration if it’s medically necessary to restore function. However, coverage varies by provider. We’ll review your plan and advise on the applicable benefits. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment affordable with financing and an in-house membership plan.
Where can I get high-quality dental crowns in Abingdon, VA?
Do you have a damaged or missing tooth? High-quality dental crowns and bridges in Abingdon, VA, can help restore the function and appearance of your teeth. To get started, call (276) 451-2450 and schedule an appointment with Abingdon Smiles. We proudly serve patients from Abingdon, Marion, Mountain City, Bristol, Lebanon, Emory, Tazewell, Clintwood, Wise, Boone, and beyond.
