Crowns and bridges
A crown covers a tooth that is cracked, worn or heavily filled, and a bridge fills a gap by joining crowns to the teeth beside it.
What happens
Usually two visits, a couple of weeks apart.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and options
Dr. Loera looks at the tooth, explains why a crown is needed and gives you the fee in writing.
- 02
Step 2: Shaping and scan
She numbs the area, shapes the tooth and takes a digital scan of it.
- 03
Step 3: A temporary crown
A temporary covers the tooth while the final crown is made.
- 04
Step 4: Fitting
We fit the final crown and check the edges and your bite.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
We use a local anesthetic. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain. Tell us and we stop.
Material choices
Crowns can be ceramic, metal, or ceramic over metal. Each has trade-offs in color, wear and thickness. Dr. Loera explains them for the tooth in question.
Risks and aftercare
The tooth can be sensitive for a few days. A crown can chip or come loose. Brush and floss around it, and call us if your bite feels high.
How it's billed
The crown, the temporary and the fitting are listed separately. The fee is in your written estimate before we start.
How fees work
Questions about crowns and bridges
How long does a crown last?
It depends on the material, your bite and how you look after it. We tell you what to watch for.
What does a bridge involve?
The teeth either side of the gap are shaped to carry crowns, and a false tooth is joined between them.
Is an implant an alternative?
For a missing tooth, yes. Each way has trade-offs. We go through them with your scan.
Can I eat with the temporary?
Yes, with care. Avoid sticky food and chew on the other side.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Ariadna Loera, DDS, general dentist, licensed in Washington.