When a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling, or when a missing tooth is affecting your ability to chew and speak comfortably, crowns and bridges offer reliable, long-lasting solutions. At Hawkins Dentistry in Marysville, Ohio, Dr. Kent Hawkins provides custom dental crowns and bridges designed to restore your smile’s function and appearance with results that look completely natural. We serve patients from Marysville, Dublin, and Plain City, Ohio.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fabricated cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or treated tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect teeth that have been significantly damaged by decay or fracture, to restore teeth after root canal therapy, to cover a dental implant, and to anchor a dental bridge.
Dr. Kent Hawkins uses tooth-colored porcelain and ceramic crowns that blend naturally with your surrounding teeth. For back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces, he may recommend porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia crowns for added durability. He will help you understand the best material for your specific situation.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth — or pontic — to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. A traditional bridge uses dental crowns on the adjacent teeth as anchors. A cantilever bridge is used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. Both options provide a fixed, stable restoration that looks and functions like natural teeth.
A dental bridge helps restore your bite, prevents adjacent teeth from shifting toward the gap, and maintains the natural shape of your face. With proper care, a well-made bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
The Crown and Bridge Process
Receiving a crown or bridge at Hawkins Dentistry typically takes two appointments:
- First visit: Dr. Kent Hawkins prepares the tooth or teeth, takes a digital scan or impression, and sends it to a dental lab for fabrication. A temporary crown or bridge protects your teeth in the meantime.
- Second visit: The custom crown or bridge is placed, adjusted for your bite, and permanently bonded in place.
Dr. Kent Hawkins will review the fit and appearance carefully before you leave to ensure you are completely comfortable with your result.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
Caring for a crown or bridge is similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss daily — being careful to clean beneath the bridge where it meets the gum — and maintain your regular cleaning appointments at Hawkins Dentistry. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard objects that could damage the restoration. With consistent care, your crown or bridge can provide reliable function and a natural appearance for many years.
Crowns and Bridges vs. Dental Implants
Both bridges and implants replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A dental bridge uses adjacent natural teeth as support and does not require surgery. A dental implant replaces the tooth root directly in the jawbone, which preserves bone and does not affect neighboring teeth. Dr. Kent Hawkins will discuss both options and help you choose the best solution based on your oral health, goals, and budget.
