A cracked, decayed, or missing tooth does not have to mean living with discomfort or hiding your smile. Depending on what is going on with the tooth, the right fix is usually one of two well-established restorations rather than something experimental or invasive.
At Smiles of Fort Myers, we use dental crowns and bridges to restore damaged teeth and close the gaps left by missing ones for patients in Fort Myers, FL. Both are custom-fitted, non-removable, and designed to give you back the function and appearance of a natural, healthy tooth.
Dr. Victor Galvan and Dr. Claudia Orta bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to patients in Fort Myers, FL. Dr. Galvan completed advanced training in implant dentistry through the AAID MaxiCourse and holds a Moderate Sedation Permit for patients who want extra comfort during treatment.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
A crown, sometimes called a cap, fits over the surface of a natural tooth or a dental implant to restore its strength and shape. A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth and is anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns on either side of the empty space. Nearly 90 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 have had decay in their teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and crowns are one of the most common ways to protect a tooth once decay has progressed beyond what a filling can address.
Crown or Bridge: Which Do You Need?
The right restoration depends on whether the tooth is still there or already missing.
| Situation | Likely Restoration |
|---|---|
| Tooth is damaged or decayed but still intact | A crown fitted over the existing tooth |
| Tooth is missing, with teeth remaining on either side of the gap | A bridge anchored to the surrounding teeth |
| Tooth was lost and an implant was placed | A crown fitted onto the implant |
A consultation with our team is the clearest way to confirm which option fits your specific situation.
Did you know? The Etruscan civilization is credited as one of the earliest cultures to restore damaged teeth with crowns, using materials like ivory, gold, and bone. Those materials remained the standard well into the 20th century, before porcelain crowns became the norm.
What to Expect When You Get a Crown or Bridge
Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically to your bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits.
Tooth Preparation
The affected tooth or teeth are reduced to ensure a proper fit.
Impression and Shade Match
We take an impression of your bite and match the color to your natural teeth.
Temporary Restoration
If a dental lab is fabricating your restoration, you may wear a temporary in the meantime.
Final Placement
Your permanent crown or bridge is cemented into place and checked for fit.
Your teeth will need a few days to adjust following placement, so mild sensitivity to hot and cold, or soreness in the surrounding gums, is normal and usually manageable with ibuprofen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns and Bridges in Fort Myers
Schedule Your Consultation at Smiles of Fort Myers
Dr. Victor Galvan and Dr. Claudia Orta bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to every consultation at our Fort Myers, FL office, and Dr. Galvan’s advanced training in implant dentistry and IV sedation gives anxious patients an added layer of comfort. We also offer 0% APR financing and our in-house Smile Program membership plan for patients without insurance, so cost does not have to stand between you and a complete smile.
If you are ready to talk through your options with our dentists, we would be glad to walk you through what crowns and bridges could look like for you. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
