Who crowns and bridges are for
A crown can help if you have:
- a cracked or broken tooth
- a tooth with a filling too large to hold up on its own
- a back tooth that has had a root canal
- a worn, misshapen or badly stained tooth
A bridge can help if you are missing one tooth, or a few in a row, and the teeth on either side are healthy enough to support it. If they aren't, an implant may be the better choice. We'll talk through both.
How it works
- Exam. We check the tooth or gap, take X-rays if needed, and explain your options with the cost of each.
- Preparing the tooth. After numbing, the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it. For a bridge, the teeth on each side are shaped.
- Making the crown or bridge. The shape of your teeth is recorded so the crown or bridge can be made to fit. If it isn't made the same day, you wear a temporary one in the meantime.
- Fitting. The fit, color and bite are checked, then the crown or bridge is cemented in place.
Crown, bridge or implant?
| Crown | Bridge | Implant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | A damaged tooth you still have | One or a few missing teeth | One or more missing teeth |
| Changes nearby teeth? | No | Yes, they are shaped for crowns | No |
| Surgery? | No | No | Yes, a small one |
What crowns and bridges cost
The cost depends on the material, the number of teeth, and whether the tooth needs other work first, such as a root canal. You know the cost before you decide, and our front desk can review your insurance benefits with you.
Why patients choose us for crowns and bridges
- A prosthodontist in the office, the specialty for restoring teeth
- Implant options in the same office if a bridge isn't the best fit
- Sedation options may be available if you feel nervous
- In Dearborn Heights on Ann Arbor Trail, with parking out front
Questions patients ask
Does getting a crown hurt? The tooth is numbed, so you feel pressure rather than pain. It may be a little sensitive for a few days.
Will people be able to tell? Crowns and bridges are made to match the color and shape of your other teeth.
Can I still get cavities under a crown? Yes. The edge where the crown meets your tooth can decay, so keep brushing, flossing and coming in for checkups.
Bridge or implant: which is better? It depends on the health of the nearby teeth, your bone and your budget. A bridge involves shaping the teeth next to the gap, and an implant doesn't. We'll walk you through both.
Learn more: Dental implants · Emergency dentist · Veneers and smile makeovers