Crowns and Bridges

Damaged, decaying, or missing permanent teeth can diminish the beauty of your smile. But the good news is that simple dental solutions are at your fingertips. At Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, the family dentistry and orthodontic specialists provide crowns and bridges to restore teeth or fill in gaps left by missing permanent teeth. Call the office to schedule an appointment at Hendricks Dental Specialists, or book one online today.

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that restore decaying, damaged, or missing permanent teeth. 

Bridges replace one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth. Crowns fit over the top of natural teeth or attach to dental implants to replace missing permanent teeth. You might need crowns, bridges, or both dental restorations.

Who benefits from crowns and bridges?

You may be a candidate for crowns or bridges if you have teeth that are:

• Decaying
• Broken
• Chipped
• Cracked
• Misshapen
• Weak
• Discolored
• Imperfect 
• Loose
• Missing

These dental restorations can perfect the appearance and function of your smile without discomfort or extensive downtime.

Are crowns and bridges right for me?

Your Hendricks Dental Specialists provider lets you know if you’re a candidate for crowns or bridges after reviewing your oral health history and examining your gums and teeth. They also take dental X-rays, if needed, and discuss your desired results. Your dentist then tailors a restoration treatment that best suits your needs. 

What should I expect during crown or bridge placement?

Your dentist places a crown or bridge in your mouth using various methods. The Hendricks Dental Specialists team digitally scans your teeth and mouth before ordering a customized crown or bridge from a dental lab.

If you’re a candidate for implant-supported crowns or bridges, they first implant metal posts into your jawbone and wait for the bone to fuse around the implants. Dental implants attach to crowns or bridges to replace missing permanent teeth.

Traditional crowns are like caps that fit over the entire surface or a natural tooth to protect and strengthen it. Traditional bridges contain two crowns that fit snugly over adjacent permanent teeth, with an artificial tooth between that fills in gaps left by missing teeth.

How can I avoid damage to crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are strong and long-lasting when cared for properly. Floss daily, brush your teeth after meals using fluoride toothpaste, and avoid chewing on hard objects. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports. See the Hendricks Dental Specialists team at least every six months for dental exams and cleanings.

To find out if you need crowns and bridges, schedule an appointment at Hendricks Dental Specialists by phone or book one online today.