Family Dentistry & Restorative General Dentistry
Tooth Crown
Over time, teeth can weaken and become more susceptible to decay, cracks, discoloration and other problems. In cases where a white filling or bonding is not sufficient, a tooth crown will provide greater protection and stability for the involved tooth. Crowns can be made from gold, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. For a natural look and feel, a porcelain-finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the exact shade of your other teeth. The process takes two or three visits. When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last 10 to 15 years.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a great way to replace missing teeth after tooth extraction. A dental bridge is made from gold, metal, alloys or porcelain to ensure that it is strong and durable. We re-contour your existing teeth to provide a base for the dental bridge. The bridge consists of two crowns with a pontic (false tooth) in the middle to replace your missing tooth. The bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again.
You should eat soft foods for the first few days after having your dental bridge placed. After the initial phase, you will be able to eat whatever you want with no issues. If you are missing a tooth, you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the esthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw as well as make it difficult to eat or speak properly.
Dentures
Dentures replace missing teeth and can be removed when you sleep. We use full dentures when all of the natural teeth are gone There are two types of full dentures:
Conventional Dentures – We place these after all your teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal. It may take a few months for gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
Immediate Dentures – Prior to removing your teeth, we take measurements and have dentures fitted for your mouth immediately. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will need a follow-up visit to refit your dentures after your jawbone changes shape as your mouth heals. The dentures will need tightening after the jawbone has healed.
Your dentures may take some getting used to. Some people say their dentures feel bulky at first. Others say the dentures feel loose. Over time, your mouth adapts and you learn to eat and speak with your dentures and they feel more like your natural teeth. They may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than not having teeth.
Discover a restorative family dentist at Crescent City Smiles. Call 504-282-5062 or use our Request an Appointment form. Our restorative dentistry patients come to us from New Orleans (NOLA), Jefferson, Metairie, Kenner, Gentilly, Lakeview, Eastern New Orleans, Pontchartrain, Lake Terrace Park and close-by locations.
