A guide to dental crowns and bridges in Charlottesville

Missing or damaged teeth can also damage your confidence, so it’s important for you to find a dentist you can trust for your tooth restoration needs. Dr. Olivia Hart of Virginia Biological Dentistry combines advanced training and artistry for new teeth that look and feel like the “real thing.”

Crowns are caps placed over teeth to restore natural shape, appearance, and strength. They are a great option for damaged teeth that can’t be appropriately repaired with fillings, same-day ceramic inlays, onlays, or overlays. A crown may repair a cracked filling, anchor a dental bridge, cover a dental implant, or be placed in conjunction with root canal therapy to save an infected tooth. In some instances, dental crowns cover teeth when porcelain veneers are not an option and for cosmetic modifications or to hide malformed or discolored teeth.

In children, crowns may be the only way to avoid extraction when a tooth is too decayed for a filling. They also serve as a protective measure for children who are at high risk of developing tooth decay, particularly those who can’t maintain proper oral hygiene.

The shade of your crown can be matched to surrounding teeth for a natural look. They last anywhere from five to fifteen years. Daily hygiene and avoiding habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth will help you get the most time out of your crowns.

Bridges replace missing teeth. Everyone’s mouth contains a specific number of teeth, which are necessary for chewing and maintaining the shape of the face. Just one missing tooth can cause a shift in the teeth, leading to an array of problems, including problems with chewing, a sinking facial structure, and a misshapen smile.

A bridge is constructed of dental crowns on either side of the missing tooth, fused with an artificial tooth or pontic. This multi-unit restoration literally “bridges the gap” of the missing tooth. Like crowns, they can last up to 15 years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Many patients are concerned with eating after the placement of a dental bridge. Dr. Hart has found that replacing missing teeth with dental bridges improves chewing. It may be necessary to eat soft foods until you have become used to your bridges.

Dr. Hart is committed to the health and wellbeing of all her patients. In addition to quality care, every new patient will receive an oral cancer screening to identify potential health risks. Call us today to schedule your appointment at Virginia Biological Dentistry.

Dr. Olivia Hart
DDS, NMD, IABDM & ICOI Fellow & AAIP Fellow

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Dr. Olivia Hart, a founder of Virginia Biological Dentistry and a highly accomplished biological dentist, is honored to serve her community in Glen Allen, Richmond VA. She has always sought to enrich her knowledge in the field of holistic/biological dental health and to offer her patients the best comprehensive dental care possible. Her Virginia Biological Dentistry provides services ranging from biocompatible ceramic restorations, ceramic implants, and extractions with a biological protocol to treatments of sleep apnea, TMJ and other specialized bio-dental services.

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