Paulo Cortes, DMD
Dentist located in Mira Mesa, San Diego, CA
Crowns & Bridges Specialist
Crowns & Bridges Q & A
Why are Crowns Used?
Crowns are used for several reasons. They’re placed over the top of damaged or broken teeth to prevent further damage that may result in the loss of the tooth. Crowns are also valuable when it comes to filling gaps created when by lost teeth. Crowns are used in conjunction with Dental Implant San Diego to protect the stability of the jaw and prevent teeth from shifting.
Crowns also give the visual impression of a full, healthy set of teeth. Aside from the aesthetic benefits of crowns, the fact is they protect teeth and prevent further decay. For some, it’s easier to cover the tooth and leave it the way it is than try to repair it, especially if making repairs could cause it to become more prone to breakage in the long run.
What is a Bridge and How is it Used?
A bridge is exactly what it implies: It’s a small bridge made to fit over an existing gap in a row of teeth. A crown on either side is used to stabilize the bridge. The fake teeth that comprise the bridge portion are installed to fill gaps left behind by missing or broken teeth that Dr. Cortes must extract.
Once a bridge is made, Dr. Cortes places the two crowns on each of the existing teeth on either side of the gap. By anchoring the bridge in this way, he fills the gap, and the teeth on either side are held in place so they can’t shift and alter the alignment of the teeth. That helps maintain the proper structure of the mouth and eliminates pressure from the TMJ joint if the teeth shift.
Why is it Important to Fill Gaps Caused By Missing Teeth?
When you lose a tooth, the teeth on either side have nothing to hold them in place. Without the natural abutment of other teeth, they begin to shift and will start to gravitate toward the vacant area left by the lost tooth. If this is allowed to happen, your natural bite pattern will be disrupted, and your teeth won’t fit together as naturally as they did before.
If your alignment is allowed to remain askew, it can put pressure on your TMJ joint. This can result in intense pain and inflammation that may prevent you from closing your mouth normally and can have a dramatic impact on your ability to chew food and speak normally.
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Our San Diego clinic offers comprehensive solutions for all of your dental needs.
Accepted Insurance Providers
At San Diego Smile Center, our professional dentist in mira mesa is dedicated to our patient’s dental health with affordable payment plans. As a dental practice, we accept a wide variety of insurance providers to ensure that all our patients are covered. Our friendly staff will be able to assist you if your insurance isn’t listed or you have questions.
What We Offer
Dental Services
Testimonials
Contact Paulo Cortes, DMD
Contact Dental Implant San Diego or visit us at the location mentioned below.
10737 Camino Ruiz #120
San Diego, California 92126