Top Dentist Serving St. Peters
Dental Crowns and Bridges in St. Peters, MO
Restore Strength, Function, and Confidence to Your Smile
When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or missing, it affects more than just your appearance – it can make eating and speaking uncomfortable and compromise your oral health. At Scanlon Family Dental, we provide custom dental crowns and bridges to restore your smile’s strength, comfort, and natural look. Our goal is to protect your teeth, preserve your bite, and help you smile with confidence again.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, sometimes called a “cap,” is a custom-made restoration that completely covers the visible part of a tooth. Crowns are used to strengthen and protect teeth that are weakened, cracked, or have large fillings, as well as to restore shape and appearance after decay or trauma.
We may recommend a crown for a tooth that:
- Has a large cavity or filling that compromises its strength
- Is cracked, fractured, or worn down
- Has undergone root canal therapy
- Is discolored or misshapen
- Supports a dental bridge or implant crown
At Scanlon Family Dental, our crowns are carefully designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, both in color and contour. We use durable, high-quality materials for restorations that are strong, natural-looking, and built to last.
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What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. It consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored in place by crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth. Bridges “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth, restoring function and maintaining the natural shape of your bite.
A bridge can help:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak normally
- Maintain the shape of your face and jaw alignment
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of position
- Improve the appearance of your smile
Bridges are permanently fixed in place, offering a secure and reliable way to replace missing teeth without the need for removable dentures.
Our Approach to Restorative Care
At Scanlon Family Dental, we take a conservative, patient-first approach to restorative dentistry. That means we only recommend crowns or bridges when they’re truly necessary and beneficial to your long-term oral health. Before treatment, we’ll discuss all available options, explain the process in simple terms, and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision.
We believe restoring your smile should be a comfortable and stress-free experience. From start to finish, our team ensures your care is precise, efficient, and tailored to your individual needs.
The Crown and Bridge Process
Your treatment will take place over two visits:
- Comprehensive Evaluation and Tooth Preparation – We begin with a detailed exam and digital X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding bone structure. After ensuring the tooth is healthy enough for restoration, we gently reshape it to make space for your custom crown. We then take impressions or digital scans, which guide the dental lab in crafting your restoration.
- Temporary Protection and Custom Fabrication – You’ll receive a temporary crown or bridge to protect your tooth while your permanent one is made. This ensures your comfort and normal function between appointments.
- Final Placement and Adjustment – Once your permanent restoration is ready, we’ll carefully check the fit, color, and bite alignment before bonding it securely in place. We’ll make any minor adjustments needed for a comfortable, natural feel.
After placement, most patients forget which tooth was restored – that’s how natural it looks and feels.
Materials and Aesthetics
We offer crowns and bridges made from a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and high-strength composite options. The material we recommend depends on the tooth’s location, functional needs, and your cosmetic goals.
For front teeth, we often use all-ceramic or porcelain crowns for their lifelike translucency and aesthetic appeal. For molars, where durability is essential, we may suggest stronger materials to withstand biting forces. In all cases, our goal is to create a restoration that looks as good as it performs.
Digital X-Rays and Precision Fit
To ensure accuracy and long-lasting results, our office uses digital X-ray imaging to plan and monitor your restoration. Digital technology gives us detailed, immediate images that help us detect hidden decay, assess root health, and confirm proper fit and alignment of crowns and bridges. It also exposes patients to significantly less radiation compared to traditional film – making your care safer and more efficient.
Comfort and Relaxation Options
If dental treatment makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. To help you feel comfortable during your crown or bridge appointment, we offer nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas). This safe, mild sedative helps patients relax while remaining fully awake and able to communicate. The effects wear off quickly, so you can return to your normal routine right after your visit.
Our compassionate team is experienced in caring for patients of all comfort levels and will ensure you feel supported throughout your procedure.
Caring for Your New Restoration
With proper care, your new crown or bridge can last for many years. To keep it strong and healthy:
- Brush and floss daily, paying special attention to the gumline
- Use floss threaders or interdental brushes around bridges to clean underneath the pontic area
- Visit our office for cleanings and exams every six months
- Avoid chewing hard foods or ice with your restored teeth
- Notify us if you feel any looseness or discomfort
We’ll monitor your restoration at each visit and ensure it continues to fit and function perfectly.
Why Patients Trust Scanlon Family Dental
Since 1962, families across St. Peters and St. Charles County have trusted us for honest, reliable, and personalized dental care. We take pride in helping patients maintain their natural teeth whenever possible – and when a restoration is needed, we ensure it’s done with precision and care. From preventive cleanings to custom crowns and bridges, our mission is to protect your health and keep you smiling for life.
Schedule a Consultation for Crowns or Bridges in St. Peters, MO
If you’re dealing with a damaged or missing tooth, don’t wait to restore your smile. Our friendly team can help you regain full function and confidence with a custom dental crown or bridge designed to match your natural teeth.
Call (636) 441-1020 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation at Scanlon Family Dental in St. Peters, MO. We proudly serve patients throughout St. Charles County, including Cottleville, O’Fallon, and nearby communities.