Restorative Dentistry & Tooth Restoration Kelowna
Dental Crowns, Bridges and Fillings
At Knox Mountain Dentistry, our restorative dentistry services, including crowns and bridges, are designed to restore function and beauty to your smile. Whether you need to replace a missing tooth, repair a damaged one, or improve your overall oral health, our team will provide personalized care with advanced techniques and modern technology.
CROWNS
A dental crown is designed specifically to protect and restore a damaged tooth. Over the years, teeth endure significant wear and tear. If a tooth has a large filling, has been subjected to trauma, or has fractured, a dental crown might be the best solution.
Crowns typically come in two materials: gold and porcelain. Gold crowns are extremely durable and long-lasting but are less desirable for front teeth due to their yellow colour. Porcelain crowns, on the other hand, are fabricated to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, making them quite popular in modern dentistry. With proper care and hygiene, both types of crowns can last for many years, restoring both function and appearance.
The process of getting a crown usually requires two appointments:
- Initial Visit: The damaged or decayed tooth is prepared by removing old fillings or decay. An impression of your natural tooth and bite is taken and sent to a dental lab to create the custom crown. In some cases, you may be asked to visit the lab for a precise colour match. A temporary crown will be used to protect the tooth in the meantime.
- Follow-Up Visit: The temporary crown is removed so that the permanent crown can be securely cemented into place.
Typically, the reasons that your dental professional may recommend a crown are:
- Teeth that may be fractured or broken
- Cosmetic correction
- Teeth that are heavily decayed
- Teeth having large fillings
- A tooth where a root canal has been completed
Bridges
We offer different types of dental bridges to suit your unique needs. A traditional dental bridge uses crowns on either side of the gap to support the artificial tooth, making it the most common option for replacing a missing tooth. For patients seeking extra stability, implant-supported bridges are an excellent option, as they are anchored to dental implants, eliminating the need to alter nearby teeth while providing a secure and durable solution for replacing multiple missing teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the best option to restore your smile and maintain proper function.
Like crowns, bridges typically require two visits:
- Preparation Visit: The abutment teeth are prepared in the same way as for crowns. Impressions are taken and sent to the lab to craft the bridge.
- Placement Visit: Once the dental bridge is ready, it is permanently cemented to the abutment teeth.
A bridge may be suggested in the following situations:
- Replacing a missing tooth or teeth
- To aid in chewing
- Avoid the use of a removable partial denture
- Where dental implants are not recommended
Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common dental restoration methods used to repair tooth decay and restore strength to a damaged tooth. A filling replaces decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and prevents further deterioration.
We offer different types of fillings, including tooth-coloured composite resin and porcelain. Composite and porcelain fillings are designed to blend effortlessly with your natural teeth, offering a durable and visually pleasing result.
The process for placing a filling is straightforward:
- The dentist removes any decay to prepare the tooth or teeth for restoration.
- The selected filling material is carefully applied and shaped to match the natural structure of the tooth.
- The material is hardened using a special light, leaving your tooth ready for immediate use.
Fillings are an effective way to:
- Protect the tooth from further decay
- Restore the tooth’s function
- Address minor chips or cracks
- Maintain a healthy smile with proper care
Regular dental visits and engaging in good oral hygiene are essential to prolong the lifespan of your fillings.