Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Crowns and Bridges

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When looking for a new dental office, you probably have many questions. We listed some of the most common ones we hear at our Vallejo dental office. Please feel free to read through them. If you do not see your specific question listed here or if you'd like more information, please give us a call and one of our helpful and knowledgeable team members will answer all of your questions. You can also reach us through our contact page and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Crowns and Bridges

Yes, dental crowns can come off, although they are sturdy and generally last for many years. Usually, 95 percent of crowns last for at least five years, with some standing strong for 15-20 years. However, there are some common reasons that crowns fall out, including:

  • Weakening of the dental cement due to chewing and fluids in the mouth
  • Teeth grinding
  • Tooth decay
  • Eating habits that involve very hard or sticky foods
  • Diminished underlying tooth structure

There are signs of a loose crown that you should be aware of. If you have sensitivity, discomfort, or pain coming from your crown, it’s possible that the crown is actually loose. If your crown moves around when you touch, that’s a definite sign that it’s loose. A crown that’s visibly chipped or cracked is compromised and needs to be looked at by a dentist. If you feel pain or discomfort when biting into food, that is another sign that your crown may be loose.

If your crown does fall out, what should you do? First of all, stay calm! There are several things you can do. First, if you haven’t already, try to find the crown if you can. If possible, don’t touch the inner surface that sits on your tooth. Call your dentist ASAP! It depends on what exactly has happened to your crown, but your dentist may be able to re-cement it. 

You should also protect the exposed tooth, as it will be left uncovered after the crown is removed. You can put a small piece of sugar-free gum over that tooth. But, DO NOT chew the gum on the exposed tooth.

If Your Crown Has Fallen Off, Let Us Help!

If you have a dental crown in Vallejo, CA, and it’s fallen off. Give us a call, and we can help you remedy the situation.

Dental bridges in Vallejo, CA, are made of quality materials and carefully cemented via crowns over healthy teeth. It is highly unlikely that your dental bridge will simply fall out, but if it does, it may mean the anchoring teeth were not adequately prepared for crowning or that the bridge does not fit.

Remember, for a bridge to fall out entirely, it must detach from not one but two supporting crowns. You would likely notice the bridge fitting loosely or not as secure as it once was. You should see these changes long before the bridge is ready to fall out.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a single prosthetic consisting of one or two artificial teeth with a crown on either side. The crowns cap the healthy teeth to the left and right of your smile gap, forcing the artificial teeth to fill the space.

Your bridge is custom-designed in shape, fit, and color to look natural in the mouth. It restores function and aesthetics.

Contact Your Vallejo Dentist Today

Contact us today to learn more about the dental bridge or our other tooth replacement options. If you’re ready to book a tooth replacement consultation with the dentist, a team member is standing by to help you get started.

Dental crowns have many important uses, including restoring your bite force.

Dental crowns can protect weak and at-risk teeth. They anchor bridge teeth and cap dental implants. They are also used in cosmetic dentistry to conceal tooth imperfections like chips, wear, and discoloration.

They are tooth caps, custom-designed to look like your untreated teeth. They cover teeth to the gumline and offer a safety zone between chewing and the tooth beneath the crown.

Eating with a Dental Crown

You can enjoy your favorite foods with a dental crown. However, we recommend not biting into toffee or hard, sticky foods with the crown. And please never use your teeth or restorations as tools. Use them only for eating and smiling.

Always keep your crown clean—brush it and floss around the restoration. Also, continue visiting your dentist for exams and teeth cleanings.

With proper care, your crown can last for more than a decade and sometimes much longer!

For Quality Dental Crowns in Vallejo, CA, Contact Our Dental Office

If you would like more information about dental crowns or if you have a restoration needing repair or replacement, please get in touch with a member of our dental team today to schedule an appointment with the dentist.

Dental crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth's unique shape, color, and size. Your Vallejo family dentists––Drs. Morgan Nordstrom, Emily Thai, and William Vizzolini––provide high-quality dental crowns to restore decayed or damaged teeth and improve your smile's health and appearance. 

With dental crowns in Vallejo, CA, you can achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you have always wanted. Our team of skilled experts can design and craft your dental crowns to match your natural teeth, so no one will ever be able to tell you've had dental work done. 

Our dentists combine advanced dentistry techniques with meticulous cosmetics to ensure your dental restorations look, feel, and function beyond expectations. If you'd like to learn more about our custom-made dental crowns in Vallejo or want to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact our dental office today.

What Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns can be made of various materials, including e-max, zirconia, porcelain, ceramic, gold, stainless steel, and a combination of porcelain and metal. The type of dental cap you place on the tooth depends on your unique needs, goals, comfort levels, budget, and more. 

Porcelain dental crowns look most like natural teeth due to their light-reflecting qualities. However, e-max, zirconia, and ceramic are also wonderful options we customize to match your smile's specific shape and shade. Stainless steel and gold crowns are also options for those who desire their aesthetics and durability. 

Dental Crown Design and Fabrication 

The dental crown design and fabrication process is straightforward and simple. First, we perform an oral health evaluation, bite assessment, x-rays, and digital impressions. Next, we use the impressions and design your dental crown to meet your precise needs and aesthetic aims. 

Our Vallejo dental office partners with a specialty laboratory where trained technicians fabricate high-quality crowns for our patients. Crafting a dental crown can take a couple of weeks, so in the meantime, we place a temporary crown you can wear to eat and smile like usual. When the final crown is complete and back from the lab, we shape the natural tooth and cement it in place, ensuring its fit and stability. 

Dental Crowns in Vallejo Restore Your Smile 

Do you have a damaged, misshapen, or cracked tooth? Dental crowns at our Vallejo dental office might be the perfect solution for your smile! Please contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Morgan Nordstrom, Dr. Emily Thai, or Dr. William Vizzolini. 

Happy patient smiling in dental chair

A dental crown is a custom-made "cap" placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. When cemented into place, the crown fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. This procedure is the standard of care for protecting weakened teeth and restoring your bite's functionality.

Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?

Our Vallejo dental team recommends crowns for several clinical and cosmetic reasons:

  • Structural Reinforcement: A crown protects a weak tooth (usually from decay) from breaking or holds together parts of a cracked tooth.
  • Post-Root Canal Care: After a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle. A crown acts as a protective shield to prevent the tooth from splitting under pressure.
  • Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth, providing a uniform, natural-looking smile.
  • Tooth Replacement: Crowns serve as the functional "tooth" on top of a dental implant or as anchors for a dental bridge.

What Materials Are Used for Crowns?

The choice of material depends on the location of the tooth and your specific goals for durability and aesthetics:

  • Porcelain or Ceramic: These provide the best natural color match and are ideal for front teeth.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These offer a stronger bond than regular porcelain because they are connected to a metal structure.
  • Gold and Metal Alloys: These are the most durable options. Because they rarely chip or break, they are excellent for back molars that endure heavy chewing forces.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Illustration showing a dental crown over a tooth

On average, dental crowns last between 10 and 20 years. Their lifespan depends heavily on the "wear and tear" the crown takes and how well you follow oral hygiene practices.

To maximize the life of your restoration, avoid biting your fingernails, chewing ice, or using your teeth to open packaging. Regular cleanings at our Vallejo office are essential to ensure the underlying tooth remains healthy and decay-free.

Affordable Dental Care in Vallejo, CA

We believe everyone deserves a functional smile. If you are concerned about the cost of a crown, contact our Vallejo dental office to ask our special program for uninsured patients. We provide restorative care to residents in Vallejo, American Canyon, Benicia, Glen Cove, Crocket, Green Valley, and Napa.

 

Diagram of dental bridge

If you are missing some of your natural teeth, you have several tooth replacement options available to you. 

One of your options is a dental bridge, and there are several different things a dental bridge can do to improve your smile. 

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth replacement that bridges a gap left behind by missing teeth. Dental bridges can be supported either by natural teeth that remain in the mouth or by artificial dental implants. 

You may want to consider a dental bridge for several reasons. First, our dental bridges in Vallejo, CA can help strengthen weakened jaw bone. When a dental bridge goes inside your mouth, it becomes “fixed” and is a permanent structure. The bridge will support your surrounding teeth and help correct any potential problems with your bite.

If you’ve had trouble eating due to tooth loss, a dental bridge can help with that as well. A well-placed dental bridge will allow you to chew your favorite foods again and help maintain the structure of your smile by preventing other teeth from shifting.

Contact Our 94590 Dental Clinic

If you are considering a dental bridge in Vallejo, CA,  Dr. Nordstrom and Dr. Vizzolini would be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. Please give our dental practice a call today at (707) 643-2660 to schedule your dental appointment!

dental crowns | Dentist Vallejo CAAt our Vallejo, CA dental office, it is our goal to keep your teeth healthy and viable. Sometimes, dental crowns help us achieve this goal. Other times, a crown is simply the best cosmetic option for a broken or damaged tooth.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that fits over an existing tooth. Our dental crowns look completely natural because we design them to match the shape and shade of your teeth. Not only do they look natural, but they also feel natural in your mouth.

Dental crowns help with the following:

  • Making a weak or damaged tooth strong
  • Concealing dental cracks
  • Closing small gaps between teeth
  • Helping a tooth remain viable following a failed root canal
  • Giving teeth a more uniform appearance
  • Sustaining a decayed tooth that is too damaged for a traditional filling

At the dental office of Dr. Morgan Nordstrom, DDS and William C. Vizzolini, DDS, we will keep you comfortable during dental crown placement, but it's important to note that this is not generally a painful procedure.

Contact Our 94590 Dental Office

If you’re considering a dental crown to conceal tooth discoloration or another cosmetic issue,contact our Vallejo, CA dental office today. Our team is standing by to answer any questions and address any concerns.

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