Melanie L. Throne, DDS, PA

General Family Dentist located in Fort WOrth, Texas

A crown is a very common dental procedure used to protect teeth and restore function. Usually made from ceramic, resin, or metal, a crown completely covers a damaged tooth. Melanie L. Throne, DDS, PA, in Fort Worth, Texas, regularly treat weakened teeth with dental crowns. If you have a tooth that's suffered decay or damage, a crown can cover it to add strength and improve your oral health. Book online or call the office to schedule an appointment today. 817-735-4700

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a cap that completely covers the visible part of your tooth. Crowns are molded to match the shape of your teeth and they can be made from resin, ceramic, or a variety of metals.

Ceramic and resin crowns are typically tooth-colored, so they blend in with your natural teeth. This type of crown is best for front teeth exposed when you smile. Crowns made from metal alloys are extremely durable and are often a good choice for molars in the back of your mouth.

Crowns are permanently fixed inside your mouth with special cement. Most often, they're used to strengthen a damaged or broken tooth. Dental crowns can also e used to hold dental bridgework in place or make cosmetic improvements.

Why do I need a dental crown?

Dr. Trhone may recommend a dental crown to treat severely weakened or damaged teeth. By getting a crown, you're preventing further damage and saving your natural tooth. A crown can:

• Protect a broken or worn-down tooth
• Secure a dental bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or misshapen tooth

Cavities are an extremely common dental condition where plaque decays enamel and creates a hole in your tooth. Dr. Throne uses DEXIS CariVu^TM to detect cracks and cavities, giving her the ability to treat damage as early as possible to prevent complications down the road.

What is the procedure for getting a dental crown?

Getting a crown usually requires two office visits. During the first visit, Dr. Throne examines your tooth and prepares it for the crown. Your exam may include digital X-rays to evaluate the tooth.

Dr. Throne gently files down the sides and top of the tooth to make room for the crown. If large pieces of the tooth are missing, she may reshape it with filling material. She takes an impression of the tooth and it's this impression that's used to create your custom crown.

Once the crown is complete, you return to the office for it to be placed on your tooth. Dr. Throne checks the color, fit, and shape of the crown to ensure the perfect fit. She cements the crown in place and checks your bite.

A dental crown can protect your tooth, eliminating pain and sensitivity from cavities and more. If you have a damaged tooth, make an appointment with Dr. Throne online or by phone.

Crown and Cosmetic Dentistry

Bridges

Melanie L. Throne, DDS, PA

General Family Dentist located in Fort Worth, Texas

Age, damage, and decay can all lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth can make it difficult to talk and chew, and even impact your overall oral health. Dental bridges fill in the space left by missing teeth to restore mouth function. Melanie L. Throne, DDS, PA, provides high-quality bridges and dental care at her practice in Fort Worth, Texas. Call the office or book online today to learn more about your options. 817-735-4700

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a medical device with artificial teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. It's called a bridge because it bridges the gap left by a missing tooth.

A bridge is made of pontics, or artificial teeth that look like natural teeth. Porcelain pontics blend in with the rest of your teeth, but sometimes pontics can be made of metal. The bridge is held in place with the help of the existing teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth.

What types of bridges are availabe?

There are a variety of different types of dental bridges. The type that works best for you will depend on the teeth you're missing, as well as your overall oral health. Traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges are a few of the most common dental bridges.

Traditional bridges

A traditional bridge is held in place by dental crowns on either side of the gap left by missing teeth.

In some cases, traditional bridges can be held in place by dental implants. Implants are artificial teeth that are surgically inserted into your jaw as permanent replacement teeth.

Cantilever bridges

Cantilever bridges are like traditional bridges, but they only require a natural tooth on one side of the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. The bridge is cemented to a crown on one abutment tooth. This type of bridge is common for teeth at the back of your mouth.

Maryland bonded bridges

Maryland bonded bridges require two abutment teeth, just like a traditional bridge. But instead of utilizing crowns to hold the bridgework in place, Maryland bonded bridges use a frame of metal or porcelain bonded to the backs of your natural teeth on either side of the gap.

Is a dental bridge a good option for me?

If you have a missing tooth or you need a tooth removed, a dental bridge can restore the look and function of your smile. A bridge is often a good option to:

• Fill out your smile
• Help you chew and speak easily
• Protect remaining natural teeth from additional strain
• Prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting in your mouth

For the best in restorative dentistry and bridges, visit Dr. Throne and her caring team. Make an appointment online or by phone to get started today.