Crowns, sometimes called caps, are dental restorations that are used for teeth that are missing a large amount of tooth structure, either due to decay, tooth fracture, or root canal treatment. A tooth with large amounts of tooth structure missing is at high risk of fracture from the stress of daily function. If the tooth is damaged but not lost, a crown can help to restore the shape, function and esthetics of your tooth. Crowns are typically a 2-appointment procedure. During the first appointment, the tooth is properly shaped to allow room for the crown, and an impression is taken and sent to the lab before the patient leaves with a temporary crown. Within 2 weeks the custom fit crown is ready from the lab and is cemented on. Crowns can be used to correct the shape, position, and shade in esthetic areas of the mouth.
Dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth that are in between two other healthy teeth. A bridge consists of a false tooth (a pontic) that is held in place by crowns cemented to abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges follow the same appointment schedule as crowns do. Traditional bridges are good options for restoring esthetics and function in areas that are missing teeth.