At Advanced Dental Solutions: Shawna Omid DDS & Associates, we take pride in the top-quality dental care we provide to our patients in Torrance, CA. Dr. Shawna Omid, Dr. Mona Nejad, and Dr. Matthieu Sullivan are dedicated to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures. Among the most common restorative treatments we offer are dental crowns and dental bridges. These treatments are designed to repair and replace damaged or missing teeth, ensuring your smile remains functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Understanding Dental Crowns in Torrance, CA
A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect weakened teeth, restore broken or severely worn teeth, and cover and support teeth with large fillings. They can also be used to hold a dental bridge in place, cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, or attached to a dental implant as a permanent replacement tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns in Torrance, CA
Porcelain Crowns
These crowns are popular for their natural-looking appearance, as they can be color-matched to your existing teeth. They are an excellent choice for front teeth and visible areas of the mouth.
Ceramic Crowns
Similar to porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns provide a natural look and are highly resistant to wear. They are also a good option for patients with metal allergies.
Metal Crowns
Made from gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium, metal crowns are highly durable and can withstand biting and chewing forces. They are typically used for molars and out-of-sight teeth due to their metallic color.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. They provide a durable and natural-looking solution for both front and back teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Known for their strength and natural appearance, zirconia crowns are an excellent choice for both front and back teeth. They are also biocompatible, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
The Dental Crown Procedure in Torrance, CA
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two visits to our office.
First Visit: Tooth Preparation and Impression
- Examination and X-rays: Dr. Omid, Dr. Nejad, or Dr. Sullivan will examine the affected tooth and take X-rays to assess its condition and the surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or risk of infection, root canal therapy may be recommended before placing the crown.
- Tooth preparation: The tooth receiving the crown is reshaped to make room for the crown. This involves removing a portion of the tooth's outer structure.
- Impression: An impression of the prepared tooth is taken, along with the surrounding teeth, to ensure a precise fit. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is custom made.
- Temporary crown: A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent crown is ready. Contact us to learn more.
Second Visit: Crown Placement
- Removal of temporary crown: The temporary crown is removed, and the prepared tooth is cleaned.
- Fit and color check: The new crown is checked for fit and color. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit.
- Permanent placement: Once the crown is confirmed to be a perfect fit, it is cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Strength and protection: Crowns provide a strong and durable solution for weakened or damaged teeth, protecting them from further damage.
- Aesthetic improvement: Crowns can significantly improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or damaged teeth.
- Functionality: By restoring the shape and size of your tooth, a crown ensures you can bite and chew properly.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental crowns can last many years, providing a long-term solution for dental restoration.
Understanding Dental Bridges in Torrance, CA
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, that are anchored to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Dental bridges help restore the function and appearance of your smile by filling in the spaces left by missing teeth.
Types of Dental Bridges in Torrance, CA
Traditional Bridges
These are the most common type of dental bridges and consist of one or more pontics held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. Traditional bridges are suitable for replacing one or more missing teeth and provide a stable and durable solution.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. They are less common and are typically used in areas of the mouth that experience less stress, such as the front teeth.
Maryland Bridges
Also known as resin-bonded bridges, Maryland bridges consist of a metal or porcelain framework with pontics attached. The framework is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth using resin. Maryland bridges are less invasive than traditional bridges, as they do not require the adjacent teeth to be crowned.
Implant-Supported Bridges
These bridges are supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are an excellent option for patients who have multiple missing teeth and want a stable and long-lasting solution.
The Dental Bridge Procedure
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves multiple visits to our office.
Initial Consultation and Examination
- Examination and X-rays: Dr. Omid, Dr. Nejad, or Dr. Sullivan will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess the condition of your teeth and jawbone. This helps determine the best type of bridge for your needs.
- Treatment planning: A treatment plan is developed based on your oral health and the number of missing teeth. If necessary, preparatory treatments such as tooth extraction or implant placement are scheduled.
Tooth Preparation and Impression
- Tooth preparation: For traditional bridges, the adjacent teeth are prepared by removing a portion of their structure to accommodate the crowns that will support the bridge.
- Impression: An impression of your teeth is taken to create a model for the dental laboratory. This ensures that your bridge will fit precisely and comfortably.
- Temporary bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect your teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being fabricated.
Bridge Placement
- Temporary bridge removal: The temporary bridge is removed, and the prepared teeth are cleaned.
- Fit and color check: The new bridge is checked for fit and color, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit.
- Permanent placement: Once the bridge is confirmed to be a perfect fit, it is cemented into place using a strong dental adhesive.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Restored functionality: Dental bridges restore your ability to bite and chew properly, improving your overall oral function.
- Aesthetic improvement: Bridges fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile and boosting your confidence.
- Speech improvement: Missing teeth can affect your speech. Dental bridges help you speak more clearly and confidently.
- Preventing teeth shifting: By filling in the gaps, bridges prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, maintaining the alignment of your bite.
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, providing a durable and reliable solution for missing teeth.
Conclusion
Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorative treatments that can significantly improve your oral health, functionality, and appearance. At Advanced Dental Solutions: Shawna Omid DDS & Associates, Dr. Shawna Omid, Dr. Mona Nejad, and Dr. Matthieu Sullivan are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized care to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Experience top-notch dental care with Dr. Shawna Omid, Dr. Mona Nejad, and Dr. Matthieu Sullivan at Advanced Dental Solutions in Torrance. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative services, our dedicated team is here to help. Schedule your appointment today by calling us at 310-542-5155 or visit us at 4305 Torrance Blvd Suite 103, Torrance, CA 90503.