Dental Crowns & Bridges - Murphy, TX
Lasting Solutions To Dental Damage
Have decay or trauma compromised the health or strength of one of your teeth? Do you have one or more gaps in your smile because of missing teeth? At Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer two effective solutions for helping patients reclaim their good health and wellbeing. Dental crowns can protect and restore struggling dental structure, while bridges recreate whole teeth sturdily and beautifully. Both dental crowns and fixed bridges from our Murphy, TX dental team will be painstakingly personalized to recreate your smile.
Is crown or a bridge right for you? Dr. Najari and Dr. Nguyen will help you answer that question during a free consultation. For patients who only need to strengthen an existing tooth, we may recommend treatment with a crown. If you're missing a tooth, we'll talk to you about the benefits of treatment with dental implants and bridges. You can learn more about both services below.
Why Choose Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry for Dental Crowns & Bridges?
- Top-Tier, All-Ceramic Materials Available
- FREE Restorative Consultation
- Over 20 Years of Clinical Experience
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a common restoration designed to help patients improve the strength and appearance of a tooth damaged by decay or injury. They can be made from a range of materials, including gold. The most natural-looking material for a crown is porcelain. When possible, we always try to provide our patients with a porcelain crown so that their smile’s natural appearance is preserved. Most crown procedures can be completed in as few as two visits to our Murphy dental office.
Fixed Dental Bridges
Do you have a gap in your smile caused by a missing tooth? While dental implants are often the preferred method of treatment for this type of problem, another alternative option would be a fixed bridge. A bridge will help you replace the missing tooth, preserving your smile's alignment and improving its functionality and appearance. Traditionally, bridges are anchored in place with two dental crowns for stability, but this method does require healthy tooth structure to be minimized. Implant-retained bridges are a good alternative because of their improved health benefits and longer lifespan.
Dental Crown FAQs
If dental crowns in Murphy are the recommended treatment for your weakened and decayed teeth, the team at Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry understands you probably have many questions. With more than two decades of experience, our dentists want to provide the clarity you need to feel confident and comfortable moving forward with any type of dental care, which is why you will find a list of commonly asked questions below. If you do not see your question below or have additional concerns, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.
Why are dental crowns necessary?
The majority of cases that involve a dental crown include a decayed or severely damaged tooth. However, it is also possible that our team will recommend this type of restoration if you have a large filling that has expanded and is damaging the rest of the tooth, if you recently had a root canal or dental implant placed, or if you have a misshapen or discolored tooth you want to hide.
Can problems arise while wearing a dental crown?
Depending on the type of crown you receive, there are instances where problems can arise. From sensitivity immediately following your procedure to potential chips that develop in the porcelain to and loose or detached crown, these are all possible scenarios that can occur. Additionally, if you are unaware of any allergies, those created using metal can cause an allergic reaction to occur as well as discoloring around the tooth next to the gum line.
How long can I expect it to last?
The longevity of your crowned tooth largely depends on how well you take care of it. On average, a dental crown can last between 5 and 15 years. Naturally, wear and tear will occur over time because of daily use; however, your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits can either shorten or lengthen the lifespan of your restoration. This is why it is best to stop smoking and avoid grinding your teeth, chewing on ice, or trying to open packages with your teeth. Otherwise, you’ll be seeing your dentist in Murphy for an emergency visit.
Will the crowned tooth require special products or tools for cleaning?
Although you will not be required to purchase any additional products or equipment to care for your dental crown, it is important that you devote ample time to your oral hygiene each day. While the crown itself cannot decay, the tooth underneath can be negatively impacted if you forgo regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. It is imperative to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from occurring and further weakening your crowned tooth.
Will dental insurance pay for a dental crown?
Most dental insurance companies provide available coverage for this type of restorative treatment. Dental crowns are a common service provided by dental professionals, and insurers know they are necessary to ensure the future health of a patient. Depending on your plan, crowns may be covered anywhere from 50-80%. Our team will be happy to work on your behalf to file any paperwork or claims to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you are uninsured, you can arrange financing through CareCredit, which provides low and no interest payment plans to individuals who qualify.
Dental Bridges FAQs
Dental bridges in Murphy are a tried and proven method of replacing 1 or more lost teeth. Although they’ve been used for decades, a bridge is a big commitment. We understand you might have some concerns before you are ready to commit to the procedure. Don’t worry, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to calm your nerves.
Can you take a dental bridge out?
No, dental bridges aren’t removable, unlike a partial. A bridge is designed to stay in your mouth for several years to provide a long-term solution for tooth loss. Only a trained dental professional can take it out. Typically, it is held in place by bonding dental crowns over the adjacent teeth; however, you can also use dental implants to anchor the bridge to your jawbone.
How many teeth can a dental bridge replace?
A bridge can be used to replace 1 to 4 missing teeth in a row. Although it’s possible to recreate up to 4 teeth, a bridge is most often recommended for 1-2 teeth. If the bridge is too long, it won’t have enough stability, which can cause damage to the supporting teeth. If you need to replace several teeth, an implant bridge may be the better option. A dental implant at either end of the bridge will provide unmatched stability and won’t rely on your remaining teeth for support to preserve your natural smile.
Are dental bridges covered by insurance?
Every plan differs, but many dental insurances can be used to offset the cost of a dental bridge. Most dental plans consider the restorations as a major procedure. Therefore, your benefits can cover 40% to 50% of the cost after meeting your yearly deductible. You can use your annual allowance to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. A member of our team will file the necessary claim forms to maximize your dental benefits. If there’s any remaining balance, we offer several financial options to keep your bridge within your budget, like third-party financing.
Can dental bridges get cavities?
No, a bridge can’t get cavities; however, your supporting teeth are still vulnerable to decay. It’s not unusual for a cavity to occur where the crowns meet the gum line. Food debris or bacteria can get trapped in the small crevasse, causing decay to occur underneath the restoration. As your crown reaches the end of its lifespan, the cement holding it to your tooth can crack. Bacteria can gain access to the tooth through the fractures. Although this is a common cause of bridge failure, it is easy to prevent. Just like your natural teeth, good oral hygiene is crucial to keeping tooth decay at bay. Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks to safeguard your smile. Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll examine your bridge at each routine appointment to ensure it is functioning as intended and there aren’t any concerns with the abutment teeth.
Which One Is Right for Me?
To find out which solution is right for you, call Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry today to reserve your free consultation.