Why dental crowns and bridges are important to our Kirkland patients

There are two primary functions that teeth fulfill. They support our cheeks and lips giving the face an attractive appearance, and they enable us to chew food. When damage or loss occurs, our goal is to provide care that will restore each of these functions using the most lifelike, durable materials. Two of the most common dental restorations are crowns and bridges.

Dental crowns

There are several reasons why Kirkland dentist Dr. Kelley may suggest the placement of a dental crown. Because a crown offers full coverage all the way to the gum line, this method of repair is ideal for large cavities as well as fractures and chips. The intent in covering a tooth with a crown is to preserve it. The greater the extent of damage, the more vulnerable the tooth is to further injury. A crown is a buffer that absorbs the force of biting and chewing so the fragile tooth no longer has to. This can prevent the need for root canal therapy or extraction.

In addition to repairing damaged teeth, crowns are integral to tooth replacement using a dental bridge.

Dental bridges

The purpose of a dental bridge is to restore the appearance and function after tooth loss. It is important to fill a gap not only because it reinstates the natural smile aesthetic, but also because a gap invites bacteria that can cause extensive dental problems. Bridges provide the permanence that cannot be achieved with a partial denture because a bridge is fixed, not removable. In order to affix the bridge, two teeth are fitted with dental crowns, and an artificial tooth is secured onto these crowns to fill in the empty space. With a dental bridge, chewing, speaking, and smiling can feel comfortable and natural.

The longevity of crowns and bridges

One of the primary goals of restorative care at Kingsgate Dental is to achieve stability that will last for many years. Technique and materials facilitate this, but good oral care habits are also important. Treated teeth need to be brushed and flossed, and they should not be used as tools to hold or bite hard objects or open packages.

Learn more about your options for cosmetic or restorative crowns at (425) 385-0080.

Ann Kelley, DDS

Dr. Ann Kelley is a graduate of the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. She highly values the comfort of her patients, and places the needs of the patient above her convenience. Her dental clinic is built to bring the best and most comfortable dental experience to all her patients. She builds relationships with her patients based on trust and always acts to safeguard this trust.