Dental Crowns and Bridges in Kirkland, WA

Dental crowns preserve natural teeth. Dental bridges fill gaps to complete your smile. Patients at Kingsgate Dental Clinic of Kirkland, WA, benefit from crowns and bridges made from biocompatible materials. These materials are natural-looking and also support lasting health and functionality.

Our approach to dental crowns

Crowns have traditionally been made from metal or a metal base covered with dental ceramics, such as porcelain. Dr. Ann Kelley does not place crowns made from metals. Instead, she places all-porcelain or ceramic restorations. Unlike metal restorations, ceramic dental materials are:

• Appropriate for patients with metal allergies and sensitivities
• Do not inflame, irritate, or otherwise damage surrounding tissues
• Transparent when viewed through x-rays so that we can detect “hidden” decay or infections during routine exams

Crowns may be recommended to restore the appearance of a poorly shaped or very discolored tooth. They are also a common restorative treatment. Crowns may be recommended to restore natural function and oral health to teeth that are decayed or broken. These damaged teeth cannot be restored adequately with fillings, dental inlays, or dental onlays (partial crowns). Often, crowns are placed following root canal therapy to “save” a badly infected or extensively decayed tooth. The dental ceramic is shaped to cover up the prepared natural tooth structure. This shaped material is then placed to securely fit over the natural tooth, similar to how a crown or cap snugly fits the head. Crowns should be cared for like natural teeth. No special tools or products are required to keep your repaired teeth healthy for life.

Dental bridges let you smile with confidence

A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth.

Video Transcript

A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or non-metal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.

Real Patients, Real Results Kingsgate Dental – Before and After Images of Patients

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Tooth replacement with dental bridges

Teeth that cannot be restored with root canal therapy or other means may be extracted and replaced with dental bridges. A basic bridge comprises three parts:

• The “pontic” or replacement tooth,
• The abutment tooth to the left of the pontic,
• The abutment tooth to the right of the pontic.

The neighboring abutment teeth hold the pontic in place. To adequately support the artificial tooth, abutments must be crowned. These teeth are reduced and shaped to make room for the crowns. The crowns and pontic are fused together. This three-unit piece is then bonded or fixed to the prepared reduced natural teeth. Once placed, the gap is filled. With proper care, bridgework can remain healthy for years. There are special hygiene considerations associated with traditional bridges, which we can discuss during a visit to our office – Call (425) 385-0080 to schedule your appointment.

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.