Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using neighboring teeth for support. We use digital X-rays, an iTero Digital Scanner, and a Planmeca low-dose radiation CBCT scanner when needed to carefully plan treatment and create precise restorations.

You’ll receive clear explanations, a treatment plan tailored to your needs, and options that fit your priorities.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are designed to restore strength, function, and appearance while protecting your oral health.

A dental crown can strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay, a large filling, wear, or a fracture. A dental bridge can replace missing teeth and help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space.

Depending on your needs, crowns and bridges can:

• Protect weakened or fractured teeth from further damage
• Restore comfortable chewing and speaking
• Replace missing teeth
• Help maintain proper tooth alignment
• Improve the appearance of damaged or missing teeth

What to Expect When Getting a Crown or Bridge

Your treatment begins with a clinical exam and digital X-rays. In more complex cases, we may also use a CBCT scan to get a detailed view of your teeth, roots, and surrounding structures.

When appropriate, we use the iTero Digital Scanner to capture precise digital impressions without traditional putty impressions. These digital scans help create crowns and bridges that fit comfortably and match your bite.

Treatment may include:

• Numbing the treatment area with local anesthesia
• Removing decay, damaged tooth structure, or old filling material
• Reshaping the supporting tooth or teeth
• Taking a digital impression
• Placing a temporary crown or bridge while the final restoration is created
• Placing the final restoration and carefully adjusting your bite

Treatment often takes two or more visits, depending on the restoration and how it is fabricated.

Comfortable, Precise Restorative Care

We focus on making each stage of treatment as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Dr. Sydney Schenk uses local anesthesia and gentle techniques to help reduce sensitivity during treatment.

Our team also offers noise-canceling headphones and explains each step so you know what to expect.

Digital technology can also make the process more efficient. The iTero Digital Scanner helps reduce the need for traditional impressions, while detailed imaging allows us to plan treatment more precisely.

Before you leave, we carefully check the fit, appearance, and bite of your restoration and make any necessary adjustments.

How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?

Dental crowns and bridges can last for many years with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the condition of the supporting teeth, your bite, daily habits, and how well the restoration is maintained.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss around your restoration to help prevent decay near the edges of the crown or bridge.

If you have a bridge, it is also important to clean underneath the replacement tooth using a floss threader, interdental brush, or another recommended cleaning tool.

Avoid chewing very hard objects such as ice or pen caps. If you grind your teeth or participate in contact sports, a mouthguard may help protect your teeth and restorations.

Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your crown or bridge and identify potential problems early.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth needs additional strength or protection.

Common reasons for a crown include:

• A large filling that has weakened the tooth
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Significant tooth wear
• Damage caused by decay or trauma
• A tooth that needs improved shape or appearance

We will evaluate the condition of your tooth and explain whether a crown or another treatment is the best option.

When Is a Dental Bridge Used?

A dental bridge may be an option when one or more teeth are missing and the surrounding teeth can provide adequate support.

Replacing a missing tooth can restore chewing function, improve the appearance of your smile, and help prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of position.

Depending on your oral health and long-term goals, we may also discuss alternatives such as dental implants or partial dentures. Our team will explain the advantages of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Dental Crowns and Bridges in Mount Airy, NC

If you have a damaged tooth, a failing filling, or a gap left by a missing tooth, Schenk Family Dentistry can help you understand your restorative options.

Call today to schedule a visit with Dr. Sydney Schenk and learn whether a dental crown or bridge is right for you. We’re conveniently located in Mount Airy and are happy to answer questions about treatment, materials, timing, and what to expect.