Is the procedure painful?

No, the procedure is generally not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely before beginning any work. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation options to ensure a relaxing experience.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last between 10 to 15 years, or even longer. Avoiding habits like chewing ice, biting fingernails, or grinding your teeth can help extend the life of your restoration.

Can a bridge be replaced with an implant later?

Yes, in many cases, a patient with an existing bridge can transition to a dental implant. This often helps preserve bone density in the jaw and makes hygiene easier, as you can floss between the teeth normally.

Dental Crowns & Bridges - Pittsburgh, PA | Oakdale, PA

Dental Crowns and Bridges Procedure in Oakdale, PA

Restore Strength, Beauty, and Confidence to Your Smile

At Advanced Dentistry Ameredes & Associates, we believe that a healthy smile is the foundation of confidence and overall well-being. Living with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth can make simple daily tasks like eating and speaking difficult. Fortunately, restorative dentistry has evolved significantly, allowing our team to rebuild smiles with precision and artistry. Dr. TJ Ameredes, Dr. David Mascio, and Dr. Josh Thorne are dedicated to providing high-quality restorations that look and feel natural.

If you are searching for a “dentist’s office near you” that can handle everything from single tooth repair to complex restorations, our Oakdale, PA dentist’s officeis equipped to help. We prioritize patient education, ensuring you understand every step of the procedure for dental crowns and bridges before we begin.

If you are experiencing tooth pain or have a broken restoration, do not hesitate to reach out. Call today at 412-788-6300.

Restoring Function and Aesthetics

Dental crowns and bridgesare two of the most common and effective fixed prosthetic devices used in dentistry. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, these restorations are cemented onto existing teeth or implants.

A crown is used to cover a damaged tooth entirely. It strengthens the tooth structure, improves appearance, and restores shape. A bridge, on the other hand, is commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. It spans the space where the teeth are missing and is cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.

For patients missing teeth, we often recommend aZirconia Fixed Bridge, known for its exceptional durability and natural appearance. Whether you need to repair a cracked tooth or fill a gap in your smile, our team creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your oral health goals.

The Initial Consultation and Examination

Every successful restoration begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During your first visit to our Oakdale office, our doctors will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if a crown or bridge is the right solution for you. We utilize advanced digital imaging and X-rays to assess the health of the roots and surrounding bone.

If the tooth is extensively decayed or there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp,Root Canal Therapymay be required before a crown can be placed. Our goal is to ensure the foundation is healthy before placing any restoration.

The Process for Getting a Dental Bridge

The procedure for a dental bridge is similar to that of a crown but involves the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth gap. These neighboring teeth, called abutments, serve as the anchors for the bridge.

Preparation: Just like with a single crown, the abutment teeth are recontoured to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
Impressions: We take precise molds of the area to ensure the pontic (the replacement tooth) fits perfectly in the gap and aligns with your bite.
Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the dental lab fabricates your custom restoration.
Final Placement:During the follow-up visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the new metal, porcelain, or zirconia bridge is adjusted and cemented for a permanent fit.

To see if a bridge is the right option for restoring your smile, call our team at 412-788-6300.

Implant-Supported Restorations

While traditional bridges rely on natural teeth for support, modern dentistry offers another robust solution:Dental Implants. An implant-supported bridge or crown does not require the alteration of healthy adjacent teeth. Instead, the restoration is anchored to titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone.

Dr. Ameredes is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has placed and restored thousands of implants. This expertise allows Advanced Dentistry Ameredes & Associates to handle complex cases, includingFull Mouth Dental Implants, right here in our Oakdale facility.

Recovery and Aftercare

After your procedure, it is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures as the anesthesia wears off. This usually subsides within a few days. We may recommend using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth during this transition period.

To ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. While crowns cannot decay, the tooth underneath them still can. We recommend:

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Flossing daily. If you have a bridge, we will show you how to use a floss threader to clean under the artificial tooth.
Scheduling regularDental Cleanings and Examsat our office.

If you have questions about caring for your new restoration, call us at 412-788-6300.

Why Choose Advanced Dentistry Ameredes & Associates?

When looking for “dentists near you” in the Pittsburgh metro area, experience and comprehensive care are vital factors. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge to every procedure. Dr. Mascio has over 19 years of experience owning a practice before joining us, and Dr. Thorne graduated in the top 15% of his class at West Virginia University, followed by an intensive General Practice Residency.

Combined with Dr. Ameredes’ specialized training in implantology and cosmetic dentistry, our practice offers a level of clinical excellence that ensures your restorative treatments are both functional and beautiful. We utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure precise fits and long-lasting results for patients in Oakdale, Seven Fields, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the crown and bridge procedure take?

Typically, the process requires two appointments spaced about two to three weeks apart. The first visit involves preparation and impressions, while the second visit involves the final placement. In some cases involving implants, the timeline may be longer to allow for healing.

Are dental crowns or bridges painful to get?

The dental crown procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain—just mild pressure during preparation. Some patients experience minor sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Once adjusted, your new crown or bridge should feel completely natural when you bite or chew.

What’s the difference between dental crowns and bridges?

A dental crown covers a single damaged or weakened tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth between two crowns. Both restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Your dentist will recommend the best option after evaluating your oral health and the number of teeth involved.

Schedule Your Restorative Appointment Today

At Advanced Dentistry Ameredes & Associates, we are committed to helping you reclaim your smile and your quality of life. Whether you need a single crown to save a tooth or a bridge to complete your smile, our skilled team is here to provide compassionate, expert care.

Don’t let damaged or missing teeth affect your confidence any longer. Contact our dentists near youtoday to schedule your consultation at our Oakdale, PA office.

Call us now at 412-788-6300.