bridges & crowns in Kelowna

If you have an unhealthy tooth, or a large gap where there are no teeth, Dr. Shupe in Kelowna can help by providing you with a crown or a dental bridge.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also known as a cap, is an artificial tooth that is hollow so that it can cover a natural tooth. It can be a great solution for people that want to fix a damaged or discoloured tooth. It is also a good option after a root canal procedure or if a large filling was done and the remaining tooth needs to be covered up to protect it from further damage. Dr. Shupe uses metal-free ceramic dental bridges and crowns  in order to colour match the crown to the rest of your teeth so it looks more natural.

Dental Crown Procedure

If it is determined that you need a dental crown to cover your tooth, then Dr. Shupe in Kelowna can provide you with a consultation in order to understand the process. Each patient’s situation is different, but in general the process is as follows:

1. You will receive a local anesthetic from the dentist.
2. The dentist files down the problem tooth so that the crown can fit over top of it.
3. An impression of your filed down tooth is taken along with nearby teeth in order to custom make your final crown.
4. The crown begins to be created based on the impression taken. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary crown over the problem tooth.
5. Once the final crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown from the problem tooth, and position the final crown over top instead.
6. If it is determined that the final crown is the right shape and colour, and fits properly with the rest of your teeth, then the dentist will cement it into place.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge can replace one or more teeth that are missing in your mouth. It is also known as a “fixed bridge” or a “fixed dental prosthesis”. There are different types of bridges depending on how many teeth are missing, but a traditional bridge is made up of an artificial tooth that is fused between two crowns. The crowns that are part of the bridge will then sit over top the teeth that are on either side of the gap, and the artificial teeth will fill in the space. If there are not enough teeth to support a traditional bridge, then an implant bridge will be used and dental implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone.

Dental Bridge Procedure

Depending on if you require a traditional bridge or an implant bridge, the procedure is slightly different.

1. For a traditional bridge, you’re healthy teeth on either side of the gap will be filed down so that the crowns on the bridge can fit over them. If you don’t have healthy teeth to support the bridge, then titanium implants will be surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as roots and anchors for the artificial teeth on the bridge.
2. The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth in order to create custom artificial teeth and the crowns to complete the bridge mold.
   
3. While your final bridge is being created, the dentist will put a temporary bridge in your mouth to cover the exposed teeth and gums.
   
4. On your next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary bridge and fit the final bridge in your mouth, and cement the crowns on the bridge onto the teeth or onto the dental implants.

Taking Care of Your Bridge

Your dental bridge should last for 10 or more years if you take proper care of it. You can brush the artificial teeth just like you would your natural teeth, and Dr. Shupe will show you how to floss the artificial teeth with a floss threader. Contact Dr. Shupe in Kelowna for all your dental bridge and  dental crown needs.