DENTAL CROWNS & BRIDGES
IN JACKSONVILLE, FL
As a prosthodontist, Dr. Kathryn Ryan’s skills in crafting custom-made dental crowns, bridges, and other restorative solutions is second to none. If you’re struggling with injured or entirely missing teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment here in Jacksonville, FL.
WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN?
Dental crowns are highly durable restorations that are designed to match the natural size, color, and shape of your natural teeth. In addition to rebuilding a damaged tooth, crowns may also be recommended by Dr. Ryan for aesthetic purposes, such as improving a tooth’s alignment, shade, or overall structure.
Here are some other uses for this versatile restorative solution here in Jacksonville:
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Replacing a large filling that doesn’t have enough healthy tooth structure remaining.
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Protecting a weakened tooth that has a high risk of fracturing.
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Covering a placed dental implant.
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Treating a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy.
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Attaching a dental bridge into place within the patient’s smile.
WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?
Dental bridges are designed to literally “bridge” the gap left by one or more consecutive missing teeth. Dr. Ryan may recommend this type of restoration for the following reasons:
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To rebuild the patient’s ability to chew and speak.
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To prevent nearby natural teeth from gradually shifting to fill the gap.
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To upgrade a removable partial denture to a more permanent and sturdy solution.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENTAL BRIDGES?
There are several bridge options, including cantilever bridges, resin-bonded bridges, conventional bridges, and even implant-supported bridges. The option that Dr. Ryan recommends will depend on several important factors, such as where in the mouth the bridge needs to go or whether or not the patient is a habitual teeth grinder. She will ensure that the new addition is a perfect fit for each patient’s oral health needs and aesthetic goals.
HOW ARE DENTAL BRIDGES PLACED?
Conventional and cantilever bridges will require Dr. Ryan to reshape natural teeth that are adjacent to the gap. Dental crowns will then be secured over these teeth and attached to the bridge’s artificial teeth, holding them steadily in place for a lifelike result. Alternatively, resin-bonded bridges are typically only used to recreate front teeth, and they won’t require as much alteration of existing teeth. Dr. Ryan strongly recommends implant-supported bridges as the superior option since they require no reshaping of natural teeth and will instead attach to placed implants on either side of the gap.
WHY DO I NEED TO REBUILD DAMAGED/MISSING TEETH?
There are several health problems that can arise when your smile isn’t at its best. For instance, patients may experience a misaligned bite that leads to TMJ disorder and chronic facial pain, or an increased risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Missing teeth can even cause speech impediments or shift remaining teeth significantly out of position with adverse cosmetic and functional results. Our team’s goal at Parkway Prosthodontics is to help you regain the healthy and thriving teeth you need with quality restorative solutions.