Crowns and Bridges
Dental Crowns & Bridges for Restoring Damaged Teeth
Some dental problems go beyond what a filling can fix. A tooth that’s cracked down the side, weakened after a root canal, or lost to extraction needs a different kind of solution, one that restores the full structure and function of the tooth rather than just patching a surface.
Dental crowns and bridges are among the most established and reliable restorative treatments in dentistry. At Scottsdale Family Dentistry, we provide custom crowns and bridges for patients throughout Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix, using materials chosen to match your natural teeth and built to last.
Crowns vs. Bridges, What’s the Difference?
A dental crown is a cap that fits entirely over an existing tooth, covering it from the gumline up. It restores the tooth’s shape, protects what’s beneath it, and gives it back the strength needed for normal chewing. Crowns are used after root canals, for teeth too damaged for a filling to hold, for cracked teeth at risk of splitting further, and sometimes as part of cosmetic treatment.
A dental bridge is used when a tooth is missing altogether. It spans the gap with a false tooth, called a pontic, held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side (or in the case of implant-supported bridges, onto implants). The result is a fixed restoration that looks natural and restores your ability to chew normally on that side.
Both are permanent, fixed restorations, they stay in place and don’t need to be removed.
When Does a Tooth Need a Crown?
Crowns are one of those treatments that come up in more situations than most patients realize. Common reasons include:
- A tooth has cracked and is at risk of splitting further under chewing pressure
- Decay has destroyed too much of the tooth for a filling to hold reliably
- A large old filling is failing and there isn’t enough healthy tooth to support a new one
- A root canal has been completed and the tooth now needs protection
- The tooth is worn down significantly from grinding
- A chip or fracture has exposed the inner layer of the tooth
Timing matters here. A tooth that needs a crown but doesn’t get one often ends up cracking further, sometimes to the point where it can no longer be saved. Getting a crown placed when it’s first recommended is almost always simpler and less expensive than waiting.
When Should a Missing Tooth Be Replaced with a Bridge?
Beyond appearance, there are solid functional and structural reasons to replace a missing tooth. The teeth on either side of a gap gradually tilt toward the empty space. The opposing tooth above or below begins to over-erupt because it has nothing to bite against. Over time, these shifts change your bite, create new areas of uneven wear, and can cause jaw discomfort.
A bridge holds the space, restores the contact points your bite depends on, and keeps surrounding teeth in their correct positions. It also lets you chew normally on that side, which many patients with missing teeth unconsciously avoid for years.
Crown Materials We Offer
Different materials suit different teeth and different situations. We’ll recommend the right one based on where the tooth is, what it needs to do, and what your aesthetic priorities are.
Porcelain crowns are made entirely from dental ceramic. They closely replicate the translucency and color of natural enamel, making them the best aesthetic choice, ideal for front teeth and any tooth visible when you smile.
Zirconia crowns are made from a very strong ceramic material that offers the durability needed for back teeth combined with a natural tooth-colored appearance. They’ve largely replaced metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns in many applications because they offer the best of both properties.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have a metal substructure with a porcelain exterior. They’re strong and have a long track record. The main limitation is that the metal can sometimes show as a dark line at the gumline over time, particularly as gums recede with age.
Same-day crowns are milled in our office using CAD/CAM technology and placed in a single visit, no temporaries, no second appointment. They’re a convenient option for many straightforward crown cases.
Bridge Options We Offer
Traditional bridges anchor a false tooth between two crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. They’re reliable, stable, and have decades of proven results. The requirement is that healthy teeth on both sides of the gap are available to serve as supports.
Implant-supported bridges replace the anchoring crowns with dental implants. This option doesn’t require altering the adjacent teeth and also preserves the jawbone beneath the gap, something a traditional bridge can’t do. It takes longer and involves surgery, but offers superior long-term outcomes.
Cantilever bridges use only one adjacent tooth as a support, used in specific situations where only one neighboring tooth is available.
What to Expect During Treatment
Consultation: We examine the tooth or gap, take X-rays, and explain clearly what we recommend and why.
Tooth preparation: For a crown, the tooth is reshaped to accommodate the cap. For a bridge, the anchor teeth are prepared. This is done under local anesthesia.
Impressions or digital scanning: Precise measurements are taken so the lab (or our in-office system for same-day crowns) can fabricate a restoration that fits your specific bite and tooth anatomy.
Temporary restoration: A temporary crown or bridge is placed while the permanent one is being made.
Final placement: The permanent restoration is fitted, adjusted, and cemented. We check your bite thoroughly before you leave.
Most crown and bridge cases require two appointments about two weeks apart, unless same-day technology is used.
Caring for Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or significantly longer with proper care. The most important habits:
Brush twice daily and floss around crowned teeth, paying particular attention to the margin where the crown meets the gumline, this area is where most crown-related decay begins if hygiene is neglected. For bridges, use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean beneath the pontic. This is the area most patients miss and where problems develop over time.
If you grind your teeth, a night guard is worth considering, grinding generates enormous force over hours that accelerates wear on crowns and can eventually crack them.
Regular checkups allow us to monitor the condition of restorations and catch any early issues before they become larger ones.
Gum disease around crowned teeth is also worth watching for, treating any active gum disease before crown placement, and maintaining gum health afterward, directly affects how long a restoration lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns last?
Typically 10 to 15 years, though many last longer with good care. Zirconia crowns tend to have particularly good longevity. The gum and tooth health around the crown matters as much as the crown material itself.
What is dental crown cost in Scottsdale?
It varies by material and complexity. We provide itemized estimates before treatment so you know exactly what to expect. We also discuss payment options for patients who need flexibility.
Can a crown fall off?
It’s uncommon but can happen, usually from the cement washing out or decay developing at the margin. If it does, keep the crown safe, avoid chewing on that side, and call us promptly.
Do I need a crown after every root canal?
For back teeth, almost always yes. The tooth becomes brittle after treatment and is vulnerable to cracking without full coverage protection. We’ll tell you honestly based on your specific tooth.
Can gum disease affect my crown?
Yes. Untreated gum disease can cause gum recession around a crown, exposing the margin and creating a pathway for bacteria. We always address gum health as part of restorative planning.
Book a Consultation
If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you, a crown that needs replacing, or a gap you’ve been living with, we’re here to help with straightforward, honest advice about your options.
Scottsdale Family Dentistry provides dental crowns and bridges for patients throughout Scottsdale, AZ and surrounding communities including Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. Call us to schedule an appointment.
