A cracked, worn, or missing tooth can turn a simple family dinner or a quick photo into something you plan around. Dental crowns and bridges are two restorative options that may help bring back comfort, function, and a smile you feel calm about sharing. A crown covers and protects a damaged tooth, while a bridge fills the space left by a missing one.
Our team at Godley Station Dental provides crowns and bridges, along with other tooth replacement options, for patients in Pooler and surrounding areas. We bring a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere to every visit, and we walk you through each step so you can choose the plan best suited to your needs and budget.
How Dental Crowns Work
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth to cover it from the gumline up. Crowns may protect a cracked, worn, or weakened tooth, and they can also improve the shape and look of a tooth. Crowns can be made from several materials, and our team can talk with you about the options available at our office.
Crowns are often considered when a tooth has more damage than a filling can handle. Because a crown covers the entire tooth, it may help spread biting pressure evenly and protect what remains. Crowns also offer a cosmetic benefit, and our cosmetic dentistry services can help you choose a look matching the rest of your smile.
How Dental Bridges Fill the Gap
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighboring teeth are usually fitted with crowns, which hold the bridge in place. Closing the space may also help keep nearby teeth from shifting over time.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, total tooth loss among adults 65 and older fell from about 32% to 17% over about two decades, so more of us are keeping our natural teeth later in life. A well-planned crown or bridge may help you keep chewing comfortably as the years go by.
Choosing Between a Crown and a Bridge
The right choice depends on what your tooth needs and what your mouth can support. Here is a quick look at how the options compare:
- Crown: may suit a cracked, worn, or weakened tooth with a healthy root.
- Bridge: may suit a gap left by a missing tooth when the neighboring teeth are strong enough for support.
- Implant crown: may work when you want a replacement tooth supported by an implant instead of the teeth beside it.
- Gum health: matters for any restoration, so we may suggest a periodontal evaluation first.
Every mouth is different, so we encourage you to talk with our team about what you want from your smile. Our general dentistry team can check the health of your teeth and gums, and we may recommend periodontal treatment before moving forward with a restoration.
Signs It May Be Time to Talk With Us
Some changes are easy to ignore at first, but they can point to a tooth needing attention. You may notice a chip or crack, sensitivity to hot and cold, discomfort when you bite down, or a gap where a tooth used to be. Any of these may be a good reason to schedule an exam.
Catching a problem early may give you more options and keep treatment simpler. A conversation with our team is a good first step, and we want you to feel comfortable asking questions before you decide anything.
Caring for Crowns and Bridges at Home
Good habits go a long way toward protecting your restoration. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, and floss daily, paying close attention to the area where the crown or bridge meets the gumline. A floss threader or interdental brush can help you clean beneath a bridge.
Try to avoid chewing ice or other hard objects, which may chip or crack a restoration. Regular checkups and cleanings also let us keep an eye on your crown or bridge and the teeth around it. We aim to make every appointment a calm experience, so you can ask questions as often as you like.
Schedule Your Crown or Bridge Consultation at Godley Station Dental
Crowns and bridges may help you chew, speak, and smile with more confidence, and our team is ready to help you explore which option fits. Dr. Matthew Allen started Godley Station Dental in the early 2000s with a focus on a more modern, patient-centered experience. Today, our story includes 4 doctors, 12 hygienists, and 11 assistants working together to care for families in Pooler and surrounding areas.
We offer Cherry, CareCredit, and Sunbit financing options, along with an in-house dental savings plan, to help make treatment fit your budget. Take the first step toward a stronger, more confident smile by scheduling your consultation.