Crowns & Bridges
Our teeth are incredibly strong and stand up to the daily wear and tear of normal chewing forces. As strong as teeth are, however, they’re not indestructible!
A broken tooth or large cavity may only require a filling to repair; if the damage takes up too much of the tooth, our dentist in Moorpark would recommend adding a porcelain dental crown for support and protection.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Porcelain dental crowns are also referred to as tooth caps or just caps, and you can think of them as a helmet that protects your tooth. Placing a dental crown on your tooth does four things:
- Gives a badly decayed or damaged tooth a second chance
- Provides a sturdy new chewing surface
- Covers the tooth to protect it from further damage
- Restores your smile’s appearance
There are several situations where Dr. Gury Batlle would recommend a crown as the best option to protect your tooth and restore oral health.
- Protect a weakened, decayed tooth
- Restore a cracked or broken tooth
- Support a tooth after root canal treatment
- Restore a dental implant to full function and complete your smile
What’s Involved with Getting a Dental Crown?
Getting a porcelain dental crown typically requires two visits to our Moorpark, CA dental office. First, we remove a layer of dental enamel so that the restoration will blend seamlessly with your smile.
We then take impressions of the tooth to create your temporary crown and send them to a custom dental lab that fabricates your final crown. When the dental lab returns your final crown to us in 1-2 weeks, we’ll have you return to Moorpark Dental Studio for a second appointment.
At that time, Dr. Batlle tests the crown on your tooth for fit, adjusts it as needed to ensure a comfortable dental bite, and cements it securely in place.
Dental Bridges Replace Missing Teeth
Tooth loss affects millions of people in the US. There are several reasons why you might lose a tooth; teeth can be loosened by advanced gum disease and need to be removed. Widespread decay might make a tooth unsalvageable, or you may have experienced dental trauma due to a sports injury.
At Moorpark Dental Studio, we know tooth loss can happen to anyone, and we offer several tooth replacement options, including dental implants and dental bridges. While some people prefer dental implants, many of our patients turn to dental bridges to replace missing teeth.
How Does a Dental Bridge Work?
We recommend dental bridges to replace one or two missing teeth in a row. A bridge works by replacing missing teeth with an artificial tooth placed in the gap and supported by a dental crown on either side.
Just like a crown, we customize our bridges for a realistic look so that all anyone will notice will be your healthy, confident smile.
Solutions for Broken and Missing Teeth in Moorpark, CA
Dental crowns and bridges give your teeth a second chance and allow you to eat, speak, and smile confidently again. If you need help with damaged, broken, or missing teeth, please call Moorpark Dental Studio to schedule a convenient appointment.
We look forward to seeing you smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns and tooth fillings have lifespans that depend on the material used and how well you care for them and your oral health.
How to Make Your Crowns and Fillings Last
A ceramic or zirconia crown has an average lifespan of 10-15 years. However, when properly cared for, some dental crowns last decades. Tooth fillings made of composite resin can last between 7-10 years.
The type of materials we use for crowns and fillings doesn't always have as much impact, however, as how well you care for them every day. Numerous factors affect the lifespan of your crown or filling, and you have control over most of them.
Practice Consistent Dental Hygiene
Brush twice at least twice a day and floss once at home. Staying current with exams and cleanings allows our dentist and hygienist to look for and treat cavities and gum disease that could threaten your tooth restorations.
Makes Sensible Food Choices
Consuming too many sweet or acidic foods like fruit juices can put your general oral health and your restorations at risk. Avoid those as well as hard, crunchy, or crispy foods that could damage a crown or filling. Chewing on ice can damage both your teeth and your restorations, so don't do it.
Address Teeth Grinding or Bruxism
A teeth grinding habit or bruxism is destructive to your teeth and your dental work. The simplest solution is a custom night guard worn during sleep to protect your teeth, crowns, and fillings from damage.
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam
If you're due for your next dental checkup, call Moorpark Dental Studio, so we can help you schedule an appointment. Our dentist in Moorpark, CA will check all your dental work, including your crowns and tooth fillings, to be sure they're in good condition.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Gury Batlle
Dr. Gury Batlle is a graduate of the highly acclaimed University of California, San Francisco's (UCSF) School of Dentistry, a leader in oral and craniofacial health since 1881. UCSF has been ranked the top dental school in the country in research funding from the National Institutes of Health for 25 years.
Before dental school, Dr. Batlle received a Bachelor of Science degree in cellular and molecular biology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he did extensive cancer research and genetic transmission studies. Volunteering his time for a good cause was ...
Crowns & Bridges Technology
Electric Handpieces
Everyone experiences dental anxiety differently. Many people are triggered by the sights and smells of a dental office, while others dislike the noise of a dental drill.
At Moorpark Dental Studio, our handpieces are electric instead of air-driven handpieces and allow for a more enjoyable experience for you at the dental office. We use electric handpieces because they eliminate the high-pitched whining sound and uncomfortable vibrations. Electric handpieces are also gentler on your teeth, giving our dentist more control over the procedure to get you out of the dental chair faster.