Dental Crowns and Bridges in Bastrop, TX

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap permanently cemented over a damaged tooth to restore its strength, shape, function, and appearance. Once placed, the crown covers the visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, protecting what remains underneath.

We recommend crowns for several situations. Broken or cracked teeth benefit from crowns to hold weak structures together and prevent further fracturing. Large fillings may require crown support when the existing tooth structure becomes compromised. Crowns also attach bridges, cover discolored or deformed teeth, and cap dental implants to complete your restoration. Following root canal therapy, crowns protect the treated tooth and restore full chewing ability.

Our office uses CEREC technology to create crowns in a single visit. No uncomfortable impressions or temporary crowns are required. After preparing the tooth, we take optical impressions to create a 3D model. We then design your crown and mill it using a porcelain block shaded to match your natural teeth. After trying it in and making any adjustments, we bond the crown to your tooth, completing the procedure in one appointment. Crowns generally last five to eight years, though many patients enjoy much longer lifespans with proper care. Habits like fingernail biting, ice chewing, and teeth grinding can damage crowns and should be avoided to protect your investment.

Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by attaching to supporting teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed permanently in place for stability and comfort.

Replacing missing teeth matters more than cosmetic dentistry alone. Tooth loss affects your ability to chew favorite foods and speak clearly. The gap left by missing teeth allows adjacent teeth to shift out of position over time. This shifting can create a misaligned bite, potentially causing jaw joint problems. Shifted teeth become harder to brush and floss, making them more susceptible to gum disease, decay, and even additional tooth loss. Dental bridges prevent these complications while restoring your natural smile and enhancing your quality of life.

We often fabricate bridges in our office using CEREC technology, completing bridge placement in a single visit similar to crowns. For longer spans involving four or more units, we work with a dental laboratory to ensure proper fit and function, which typically requires two or more visits.

During your first appointment, we prepare the supporting teeth on either side of the missing tooth. This preparation creates room for the crowns that slide over these adjacent teeth. These crowns serve as anchors, holding the pontic—your missing tooth’s replacement—in place. We then take an impression of your prepared teeth so the laboratory can custom-fit your bridge. A temporary bridge protects the supporting teeth and the space between them while your permanent restoration is crafted.

At your second visit, we place your permanent bridge and adjust it to ensure proper fit and function. Once we confirm everything fits correctly, we permanently cement the bridge into place. You should feel comfortable eating and speaking within a few weeks as you adapt to your new restoration.

After successful completion of your bridge or crown, you may experience mild discomfort, slight pain when biting, or temperature sensitivity for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medicine containing ibuprofen can alleviate this discomfort. If these symptoms persist more than a few days, schedule an appointment with us immediately.

The longevity of your dental crown or bridge depends largely on the quality of materials used, your oral health habits, your diet, and the health of your supporting teeth and gums. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are essential to protect your investment. Consider these maintenance tips:

• Brush twice daily with fluorescent toothpaste to prevent tooth decay around your restoration

• Floss daily, paying special attention around crowns and bridges to remove plaque

• Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools

• Visit our office every six months for professional cleanings and examinations

• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep

Our preventative dentistry approach helps ensure your restorations remain healthy and functional for years to come.

At Spring St. Dental, we restore smiles with expertly crafted dental crowns, using the latest advancements in cosmetic and restorative dentistry to ensure natural-looking, long-lasting results. Our precision-driven approach ensures each crown is custom-designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, enhancing both function and aesthetics.

From your initial consultation to the final placement, our Bastrop dentist prioritizes your comfort and care, providing a smooth, stress-free experience in a welcoming environment. Trust Spring St. Dental for high-quality, durable crowns that protect and strengthen your teeth. Contact us today at 512-321-1600 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation.