Dr. Sara Davidson is ready to improve your smile!
Dr. Sara Davidson is ready to improve your smile!

Crowns & bridges

Decay and fracture — for example, from cavities, clenching and grinding, and accidents (e.g., falls and impact causing tooth breakage) — can lead to tooth structure loss. It’s critical to act quickly, to preserve and protect the remaining tooth structure, and restore the natural function and appearance of your teeth.
 
Dental crowns and bridges are durable solutions to damaged and missing teeth that restore your smile’s function and aesthetics. We want you to keep your teeth!
WHAT TO EXPECT

The custom crown or bridge process requires two visits to Walnut Creek Dental Studio.

 

Preparation Visit

During your first visit, we’ll remove any decay and clean your tooth. We’ll also take a 3D digital scan of your teeth — no more gooey, sticky impression material! — and share it with our expert lab partners. To ensure a natural appearance, we’ll share your teeth coloring with our lab so they can color match and make your crown or bridge undetectable.

 

Finally, we’ll create and place a temporary crown or bridge, which protects your tooth while the lab creates the permanent version.

 

Placement Visit

 

During your second visit, we’ll work with you to ensure that your crown or bridge has ideal fit, function, and aesthetics. Once everything looks and feels good, we’ll permanently cement it and educate you on proper maintenance. Your smile will be instantly improved!

FAQ

Crowns and bridges can address a range of dental issues, including:

  • Missing teeth
  • Support for dental implants
  • Tooth decay and cavities
  • Cracked or fractured teeth
  • Broken or damaged fillings
  • Misshapen or discolored teeth
  • Restoration after root canal treatment

It typically takes between 2-3 weeks from your initial preparation visit until your final placement visit. This depends on several factors, so you should confirm with your dentist during your initial visit.

With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges can last 5-15 years or more. The exact duration depends on many factors, including:

  • Material choice: metal vs. ceramic or porcelain
  • Oral hygiene: better hygiene leads to longer-lasting crowns and bridges
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism): grinding and clenching teeth puts pressure on crowns and bridges, which shortens their lifespan
  • Diet and overall health: crowns and bridges last longer if you avoid exposing them to excessive force by biting hard objects (e.g., hard candies, ice), and if you don’t have health conditions that are known to impact oral health (e.g., diabetes, certain autoimmune conditions)
Need to be seen soon for a dental issue or concern? Schedule an appointment!