Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges permanently solve broken, decayed, or missing teeth. At New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera in Pico Rivera, California, experienced dental expert Karen Martinez, DDS, offers many dental treatments to restore your smile, including the placement of crowns and bridges. Call the office or click the online booking tool today for a consultation.

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are permanent restorative dental devices. Dr. Martinez cements your crown or bridge to your existing teeth so they look and function like natural teeth to improve your smile, eating, and speaking. 

Why would I need a crown?

There are many reasons Dr. Martinez may recommend the placement of a crown. Also referred to as a cap, a crown is placed over your tooth and may be recommended to:

• Strengthen a weak tooth
• Restore a broken tooth
• Cover your misshapen or discolored tooth
• Complete your dental implant

Crowns are also needed after a root canal or if a large cavity can’t be fixed with a simple filling. Dr. Martinez also uses crowns as an anchor for the placement of your bridge.

Why would I need a bridge?

You may benefit from a bridge if you’re missing teeth and are searching for a more permanent solution to restore your smile. A bridge includes two or more crowns that Dr. Martinez cements to your permanent teeth to fill in your gap.

In addition to restoring your smile, your bridge also helps keep your other teeth in place. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift and loosen, leading to further tooth loss. 

What can I expect during crown and bridge placement?

Because your oral health needs are unique, the placement of your crown or bridge may differ from other patients. Dr. Martinez explains in detail what you can expect when getting a crown or bridge, including how to prepare, the specifics of the dental procedure, and the time needed to place your permanent crown or bridge.

Though every patient’s experience is different, the placement of your crown or bridge may require more than one visit to the office. Dr. Martinez has your crown or bridge custom-made to fit your tooth and match your natural teeth.

After she’s properly prepared your tooth for placement of your crown, she takes a mold of your tooth that’s used to create your crown. A temporary crown or bridge is used until your permanent restoration is ready. Once your permanent device is ready, Dr. Martinez has you return to the office so she can cement the device in place.

Crowns and bridges restore your smile and improve your oral health. For expert dental care from a dentist who treats you like family, call New Smile Dental of Pico Rivera or book an appointment online today.