Dental Crowns and Bridges in New Orleans

close up of dental crowns | dentist new orleans If you have damaged or missing teeth, you probably feel self-conscious about your smile and are seeking a solution to lost or flawed teeth in New Orleans. But there are other concerns you should be aware of in addition to the appearance of your smile.

When damaged or missing teeth are not repaired or replaced, you are putting your healthy teeth at risk for breakage and even potential loss.

A damaged tooth that is not repaired can continue to deteriorate until it becomes a tooth that needs to be extracted. The space in your mouth that is left by a missing tooth can compromise the healthy teeth around it and even promote bone loss in your jaw. These problems generally cause bite issues and an aged or sunken appearance in your face.

Dental crowns and bridges in New Orleans are permanent restorations that can give you back your oral health, ensure you can chew properly, and protect your surrounding teeth from harm, shifting, and loss.

If you have missing or damaged teeth, seek treatment right away. Call New Orleans dentist Dr. Richard Rathke at (504) 528-7800 to find out if a dental crown or dental bridge is right for you.

We also invite you to look through the questions posted below. These are the questions we hear most often from patients seeking tooth replacement solutions in New Orleans. If your question is not addressed here, contact Downtown Dental, and a member of our team will be happy to discuss our services with you.

What is a dental crown?

Dental crowns in New Orleans are tooth covers that fit over a damaged or weak tooth—or over a tooth that is flawed cosmetically—and then bonded into place to protect the remaining structure, restore function, and give you a beautiful new tooth. In some cases, people need a dental crown to repair a molar that has become fractured because of a weakened filling.

Another frequent use for dental crowns is to strengthen a tooth that has had a root canal. When the infected pulp of a tooth is removed, as it is during a root canal treatment, the remaining structure may become brittle or compromised due to the extent of infection. A dental crown protects the tooth and helps prevents further damage or breakage.

At Downtown Dental we offer same-day crowns to help you gain your new smile faster.

Dental crowns in New Orleans are also used to hold a dental bridge in place.

Dental crowns are diverse and may be used in cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and to hold tooth restorations.

Our dental crowns are always shaped and colored to match your surrounding teeth. They blend in seamlessly, and no one will guess that you even have a new dental crown.

Is a dental crown in New Orleans right for me?

Dr. Richard Rathke will examine your tooth and surrounding gums to make sure that a dental crown is the best solution for your particular issue—whether it’s general, cosmetic, or restorative.

Most people are good candidates for dental crowns, but determinations are made only after our top New Orleans dentist assesses the integrity of your tooth and the health of your gum tissue.

In most cases, we can provide same-day crowns in New Orleans.

Is a dental crown a good option for a tooth that is resistant to professional teeth whitening treatments?

A dental crown can be a great option if you want to conceal a severely stained tooth that is not responding to professional teeth whitening treatments. Other options include dental bonding, which is a composite resin applied to the stained tooth, always colored to match your smile.

A complex root canal treatment can leave a tooth weak and vulnerable to breakage. A dental crown shores up the tooth and returns it to natural function. If a crown was recommended at Downtown Dental, this means the extent and complexity of your infection weakened your tooth to the extent that a filling would not keep the tooth viable.

Is dental crown placement painful?

Dental crown placement is not an invasive procedure, but Dr. Richard Rathke is probably the gentlest dentist in New Orleans.

At Downtown Dental, we always make sure our patients are thoroughly numb during invasive procedures, and we also offer nitrous oxide for those who suffer from dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is a safe gas administered through a small nasal mask. It provides a relaxing and euphoric feeling. It also wears off immediately when your nasal mask is removed, allowing you to drive home safely.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge in New Orleans fills in the space that is left behind when one or more teeth is missing.

There is nothing like having a gap in your smile to make you feel embarrassed or judged, but there are also more serious ramifications of not replacing missing teeth. Your healthy teeth will begin to shift to fill in the space left behind. This will eventually compromise your bite and can cause undue wear to your healthy teeth. It can also lead to more tooth loss.

Dental bridges in New Orleans anchor to the teeth adjacent to the gap left behind by missing teeth; these are called the abutment teeth. The dental bridge itself is made up of false teeth to “bridge” the gap in your smile. Dental bridges are supported by implants or crowns.

Our natural-looking dental bridges in New Orleans blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, so your smile is restored—and so is your chewing function and confidence!

Is a dental bridge right for me?

Dr. Richard Rathke, your NOLA dentist, will assess your oral health, including the health of the teeth adjacent to your smile gap, to make sure a dental bridge is the best option for you. If the adjacent teeth are not healthy enough to support a dental bridge, he may recommend an implant-supported dental bridge or dental implant.

During your assessment at Downtown Dental, our dentist will discuss your options with you and answer any questions that you may have about the process.

How is a dental bridge different from a partial denture?

A partial denture is similar to a dental bridge because it fills in for missing teeth. However, a partial denture fits in and around your natural teeth and is removable for cleaning or while sleeping. A dental bridge is attached and may provide a stronger bite because there is no slippage or shifting.

If I have crowns and bridges, do I still need regular teeth cleanings?

Dental restorations enhance your smile and improve your bite and oral health. However, the only thing that prevents further tooth decay and gum disease is a good oral hygiene routine at home, regular dental check-ups, and twice-yearly teeth cleanings.

With a dental bridge, it is particularly important to keep surrounding teeth and gum tissue healthy to maintain the integrity of your dental bridge. Gum disease can compromise the teeth beneath your dental bridge from the roots.

A member of our dental team will provide instructions on how to care for your crowns and bridges.

Do you offer any financing at your New Orleans dental office?

We offer two types of financing at Downtown Dental to provide affordable dentistry in New Orleans.

With a CareCredit card, you can finance your dental care with no upfront costs, no annual fees, no interest, no pre-payment penalties, and easy repayment options.

The application process is easy and decisions are made quickly—usually in only a few minutes. A member of our dental team will be happy to walk you through the process.

At Downtown Dental, we also offer no-interest and extended-payment plans to make it easier for you to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Contact our dental office today to learn more about financing the following services:middle aged couple hugging | dental bridges new orleans

  • Veneers and caps
  • Dental implants
  • Dental crowns
  • Oral surgery
  • Dental bridges
  • Dentures
  • Tooth contouring and reshaping
  • Gum surgery
  • Dental sealants

Get in Touch with Downtown Dental Today in New Orleans!

Protect your healthy teeth by repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Talk to Dr. Richard Rathke about whether a dental crown or a dental bridge can restore your smile and help you maintain your oral health. Call our New Orleans dental office today to make an appointment!