Dental Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or misshapen tooth to restore its strength and appearance. Crowns are often used after a root canal, a large filling, or a crack that leaves the tooth vulnerable. They can be milled from a digital scan and placed the same day. When attached to a dental implant, a crown can replace a missing tooth.

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It anchors to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap, holding a replacement tooth in place. This restores your ability to chew and speak while keeping nearby teeth from shifting.

Dental crowns can last at least five to seven years with proper care. The exact lifespan depends on the material, your bite, and how well you maintain oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help crowns last as long as possible. Grinding or clenching can wear down a crown faster over time. Wearing a night guard will help prevent this wear.

Same-day crowns are possible with in-house milling technology. A digital scan of the tooth is sent to a machine that shapes a custom crown while you wait, so it can be placed during the same visit. This skips the temporary crown and second appointment that is needed when an outside dental lab makes a crown.

Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including ceramic, porcelain, and other tooth-colored options designed to match the surrounding teeth. The material chosen depends on the tooth's location, the amount of chewing force it handles, and the desired appearance. Some crowns are milled in-house from a digital scan.

Getting a crown or bridge is generally a comfortable process. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed before any preparation begins, similar to getting a filling. Some mild sensitivity is common for a few days afterward, especially to hot or cold, but it typically fades as the tooth adjusts to the restoration.

A bridge can replace one or several missing teeth in a row, as long as there are healthy teeth or implants on either end to support it. For larger gaps or multiple missing teeth throughout the mouth, a dentist may suggest a partial denture or implant-supported option instead.

Dental crowns and bridges are shaped and shaded to match the surrounding teeth, so they blend in with your natural smile. Digital scans and photography help capture the exact color and contour needed for a seamless look. Most people can't tell the difference between a crown or bridge and a natural tooth.