Crowns & Bridges in Simi Valley, CA

Dental crowns and bridges are two common methods to restore missing or damaged teeth, which can cause more than embarrassment over a flawed smile. Broken or cracked teeth can impair chewing, which can lead to improper digestion or malnutrition. With missing teeth, your adjoining teeth may shift to fill in the gaps, taking on greater wear and stress; they may even become unstable.

Dr. Sahar Yaftaly can offer you the choice of metal-free crowns and bridges, which are typically created from tooth-colored zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns if you need restorations that will withstand the pressures of grinding and clenching (bruxism).

Crowns in Simi Valley, CA

A dental crown is an artificial tooth that is shaped out of some material – metal alloy, porcelain, composite resin, or ceramic – and placed over the outside of a natural tooth to protect, support, and strengthen it. Often used to save a tooth after a root canal procedure, a crown is also implemented to preserve a tooth that has suffered damage from trauma or disease. Additionally, crowns are placed to cover implant posts and create an esthetically pleasing smile.

During your appointment, Dr. Yaftaly will perform an examination and take digital x-rays of the tooth and its surrounding area, to better create a replica that will match your adjacent teeth as well as the tooth it will cover. The affected tooth will be cleaned and disinfected; you will be able to listen to music or watch a movie with headphones provided by our staff during this procedure. The digital x-rays allow Dr. Yaftaly to create the necessary map of the tooth site and its appearance in a shorter amount of time. On your return visit, the crown will be placed, and you will once again be able to relax while listening to music or a movie on headphones.

Bridges

A dental bridge is a device meant to “bridge” gaps left by missing teeth. Two crowns are fixed to the natural teeth or implants on either side; one or more artificial teeth are created to fill the gap, and the bridge is cemented in place. The artificial teeth are usually made with porcelain to simulate the look of your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, the bridge is a permanent fixture, and with proper care and oral hygiene can last for your lifetime.

If you have one or several adjoining teeth missing, a bridge can be an excellent replacement selection. As with crowns, bridges can be placed over two visits. 

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge in Simi Valley

A crown or bridge needs to be cared for just like your own teeth. Continue to brush and floss as usual, and see Dr. Yaftaly for yearly check-ups and cleanings. If you detect any damage or stains to your crown or bridge, call our office at your earliest convenience. Likewise, if you should crack your crown or bridge, or if it comes loose, call us so we can set up an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.

Contact our office to speak to Dr. Yaftaly about crowns and bridges if you’d like to find out how to best preserve your smile. We’ll be happy to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Yaftaly so you can find out about your choices.