Crown and Bridge in Metairie, LA

Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common restorative treatments that dentists perform on their patients. They provide several excellent benefits, making them ideal options for patients with heavily decayed or damaged teeth.

At Raul Ramirez DDS, we have crowns or bridges crafted from different materials, including porcelain, gold, metal alloy, and ceramic. These restorations serve several functions, which include functionally protecting the remaining tooth structure, restoring the bite balance, and reinforcing the overall appearance.

Dental Crowns

A crown is a restoration that completely caps a tooth, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown strengthens a tooth and improves its appearance, condition, alignment, and color. A tooth that has been treated with a crown looks and functions

very much like a natural tooth. Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, gold alloys, metal alloys, resin, ceramic, and plastic. Porcelain is often the preferred material for crowns because it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth, creating a natural appearance.

The Benefits of Dental Crowns

If you want to protect a weak or decayed tooth, your dentist in Metairie, LA, may recommend placing a crown to restore it. A crown is a hollow cap placed over the tooth and cemented in place. The crown acts as a shield for the tooth underneath. It is durable enough to last for years, even decades. It can help protect your tooth from further damage and improve its appearance. A dental crown can also work as the visible functional component of a dental implant restoration that replaces a missing tooth. In this case, the crown is attached to the implant to help you complete your smile.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a long-term solution for replacing one or more lost teeth in a row. The bridge is anchored to crowns that are placed over the existing healthy teeth on either side of the gap to hold it in place. Aside from replacing missing teeth, a bridge can also help prevent the surrounding healthy teeth from shifting into the space and causing alignment issues in the future.

For bridges to be adequately secured, your dentist will first prepare the adjacent teeth for dental crowns. These abutment teeth are reshaped to accept the new crowns. Next, an impression is made of your teeth, surrounding soft tissues, and gums. This impression is sent to a laboratory where your customized bridge will be crafted. Once ready, you will return to the dentist’s office, where it will be bonded into place using permanent adhesive.

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Improved bite strength for speaking and eating
• Restored ability to chew food properly
• Prevention of shifting of the remaining teeth and supporting bone structure in the jaw
• Preservation of remaining gum and bone tissue to promote a healthy mouth
• Added support to prevent sagging facial cheeks and other signs of aging

Dental bridges and crowns are custom crafted from impressions of the teeth to ensure the restoration looks natural and blends in with the surrounding teeth. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit Raul Ramirez DDS at 2816 Lake Villa Dr, Metairie, LA 70002, or call (504) 885-3255 for more information.