Custom restorations for damaged or missing teeth
Crowns and bridges are fixed restorations designed to protect weakened teeth or replace teeth that have been lost. Each restoration is planned around your oral health, bite, existing dental work, and the appearance of the surrounding teeth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown covers a prepared tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. A crown may be considered when a tooth has extensive decay, a large existing filling, a fracture, significant wear, or another condition that cannot be predictably treated with a direct filling or a more conservative restoration.
Crowns can also complete a dental implant restoration or help support a bridge. The appropriate material depends on the tooth’s location, the forces placed on it, the amount of remaining tooth structure, appearance goals, and other clinical considerations.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a fixed restoration. Depending on the plan, the replacement tooth or teeth may be supported by crowns placed on neighboring teeth or by dental implants. Replacing a missing tooth can restore chewing and appearance and may help limit unwanted movement of nearby teeth.
A bridge is not the only way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants, removable partial dentures, or no immediate replacement may also be discussed. The health of the supporting teeth and gums, available bone, location of the space, bite, and patient priorities all influence the recommendation.
Planning your restoration
Evaluation may include an examination, diagnostic imaging, and an assessment of the tooth, surrounding gums, bite, and existing restorations. We will discuss suitable materials and alternatives before treatment. Some teeth need stabilization, periodontal care, root canal treatment, or another procedure before a crown or bridge can be completed.
What to expect during treatment
Many crowns and bridges are completed over two or more visits. At the preparation visit, the tooth or supporting teeth are shaped as needed and a digital scan or impression is taken for the custom restoration. A temporary restoration may be placed while the final crown or bridge is made.
At the fitting visit, the temporary restoration is removed when one was used. The completed restoration is evaluated for fit, bite, appearance, and cleanability before it is secured. The exact sequence and number of appointments vary with the individual treatment plan and laboratory workflow.
Caring for crowns and bridges
Crowns and bridges need the same consistent oral hygiene and professional monitoring as natural teeth. Brush twice daily and clean between the teeth every day. A bridge also requires cleaning beneath the replacement tooth; the dental team can demonstrate floss threaders, interdental brushes, or another aid suited to its design.
Avoid using restored teeth to bite hard objects, and tell the dentist if you clench or grind your teeth. Contact the practice if the restoration feels loose, the bite changes, or you develop persistent pain, sensitivity, swelling, or difficulty cleaning the area.