Dental Crowns & Bridges in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Has your tooth sustained damage or been lost? Dr. Patrick Morrissey can help! Dr. Morrissey and his team here at Boones Ferry Dental may recommend a dental crown or bridge to help you regain your smile.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a tooth replacement option, consisting of one or more prosthetic teeth connected to dental crowns on either side of the bridge. They are designed to replace a single missing tooth or several teeth in a row, closing the gap between your teeth to give you back a natural-looking smile and restore your oral health and function. Bridges may be fixed or removable depending on your needs and preferences.

What Is a Removable Dental Bridge?

Removable bridges are also known as partial denture ore removable overdentures. They consist of prosthetic replacement teeth set into a pink plastic base.

What Is a Fixed Bridge?

A traditional fixed bridge is made of a false tooth suspended between two crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the false crown. These crowns hold the bridge in place to give you a stable foundation for your smile. They also prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place.

What Is the Procedure for Getting a Fixed Bridge?

Dr. Morrissey will want to give your teeth a thorough exam in order to determine if a fixed bridge is the best choice for you.

If he decides it is, he will start by working with the teeth that are adjacent to the empty tooth socket — he will most likely have to modify them to make sure that the crowns will fit correctly. When he is satisfied, he will take an impression of that area of your mouth, which he will send to a lab, where they will make your bridge. When it is ready, Dr. Morrissey will put your new bridge in and make any adjustments.

What Should I Get: a Fixed or Removable Bridge?

Our Lake Oswego dentist will want to consider many things before advising you on what kind of restoration you should get. We will want to look at the health of your remaining teeth and your gum tissue as well as how healthy your jawbone is. If you have a healthy mouth and jawbone, he may recommend a fixed bridge. On the other hand, if you have a weak jawbone he may recommend a removable bridge.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Bridge?

Fixed bridges are very easy to take care of. You should make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. And do not forget to visit Boones Ferry Dental twice a year for your exams!

Dental bridges also look very natural. It can be hard for even friends and family to tell that you have one. They can help you to smile and talk without being self-conscious, and they can also help you to enjoy your favorite foods.

But besides these advantages, bridges are important to stay healthy, as well. Having the right number of teeth in your mouth ensures that your other teeth do not shift out of position, the shape of your face is maintained, and the forces of biting and chewing are properly distributed, which prevents jaw pain and other problems in the future.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A crown is basically a “cap” that fits over a tooth. When used in a bridge, a crown helps to hold the false tooth in place. The crowns are cemented to the adjoining teeth.

Crowns are not just used in bridges. Our Lake Oswego dentist may use a crown for teeth that have been damaged, cracked or seriously decayed. It can also be used on a tooth that is severely worn down, discolored or misshapen. A crown protects the damaged tooth, and using one can save a badly damaged tooth from having to be pulled.

Dental crowns are designed to restore the appearance, strength and function of your tooth as well as protect it from further damage. Crowns (as well as fixed bridges) typically take two appointments to complete – one which involves preparing the tooth or teeth and a second appointment during which the restoration is bonded into place. Your crown is custom-made to fit your tooth and your smile perfectly.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are missing a tooth or have a tooth that is damaged, you may benefit from a bridge. Call 503-699-6699 to learn more about dental bridges in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and make an appointment today!