Teeth don’t always break at a convenient time, and waiting to address a cracked, decayed, or missing tooth usually makes the situation worse. Dr. Andrew Truong, DDS has built our practice around handling exactly these situations, with the technology to assess damage accurately, the skill to restore teeth precisely, and a team that makes the whole process feel a lot less daunting than most people expect. At Oil Hill Dental, getting a crown or bridge placed means working with people who take the outcome just as seriously as you do.
Crowns/Bridges
Understanding Crowns and Bridges
A dental crown is exactly what it sounds like, a cover that fits over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Decay, a crack, or a fracture can compromise a tooth to the point where the affected area needs to be removed and the remaining structure reshaped to support the crown on top. The crown protects what’s left of the tooth while restoring full function. It’s matched to the color and contour of your surrounding teeth, so the result looks seamless. Most patients are surprised to learn their original tooth is still there underneath, and the crown simply gives it a new, protected surface to work with.
Bridges solve a different problem. A tooth that’s been lost entirely leaves a space that a bridge fills by anchoring an artificial tooth to the healthy teeth on either side. Those neighboring teeth are fitted with crowns, which hold the replacement tooth, called a pontic, firmly in place. The result is a fixed, stable restoration that functions like a real tooth and keeps the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position. Neither a crown nor a bridge requires surgery, and both are designed to last for many years with proper care.
Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Your Bite Works the Way It Should
A damaged or missing tooth throws off the balance of your entire bite. The surrounding teeth compensate, often unevenly, which leads to wear, soreness, and sometimes jaw discomfort over time. Crowns and bridges correct that imbalance by restoring the tooth to its proper size and position, so every part of your mouth is doing its fair share of the work again.
Decay and Damage Stop Progressing
A tooth that’s cracked, heavily filled, or had a root canal is structurally vulnerable. Without coverage, that damage tends to worsen, sometimes to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved. A crown seals off the compromised structure completely, cutting off the conditions that allow further breakdown and giving the tooth a stable, fortified surface that holds up under daily use.
Gaps Don't Turn Into Bigger Problems
A missing tooth rarely stays a simple gap. The teeth beside it begin to tilt, the tooth above or below starts to over-erupt, and your bite gradually shifts in ways that create new issues. A bridge addresses the loss immediately, keeping everything in its correct position and preventing the kind of gradual misalignment that becomes much harder to correct later.
The Result Looks Completely Natural
Crowns and bridges are made to match your existing teeth in color, shape, and proportion. Digital scanning captures the precise details of your surrounding teeth, and the final restoration is crafted to blend in without any obvious line or mismatched shade. The finished result looks whole and functions normally.
One Solution Covers a Range of Problems
Crowns serve more purposes than most people realize, protecting a weak tooth, anchoring a bridge, completing an implant, or improving the appearance of a misshapen tooth. That versatility means a single, well-placed restoration can address multiple concerns at once, reducing the need for additional treatments and keeping your overall care plan straightforward.
How We Deliver Crowns and Bridges That Last
Why Choose Us for Crowns and Bridges
The fit, the materials, the accuracy of the preparation, these details directly affect how long your restoration lasts and how comfortable it feels. Dr. Andrew Truong, DDS approaches every crown and bridge case with the same level of care he’d want for his own teeth, thorough, exacting, and built to last. The technology at our practice plays a real role in the quality of your results. Digital scanners capture detailed impressions of your teeth without the mess of traditional trays, and CBCT 3D imaging provides a complete picture of your tooth structure before a single preparation begins.
Our in-house 3D printing supports the fabrication process, and dental lasers allow for gentler soft tissue work during placement. These aren’t extras, they’re tools that make your restoration fit better, feel better, and hold up longer. At every step, you’ll have a team that explains what’s happening, respects your pace, and never pushes you toward a decision before you’re ready.
Get the Crown or Bridge Your Tooth Needs With Care Built Around You
A cracked, weakened, or missing tooth affects more than just appearance. It changes how you eat, how your bite functions, and over time, the health of the teeth around it. Crowns and bridges are among the most dependable restorations in dentistry, and placed with accuracy and care, they hold up for years. Curious about our team and how we operate? Our Instagram and Facebook pages have it all in plain sight.
Dr. Andrew Truong, DDS and our team at Oil Hill Dental are ready to take a close look at what’s going on and help you determine the best path forward. Getting it right the first time is always the goal, and that starts with a thorough assessment of what your tooth actually needs. Give us a call at 316-251-3565 to get your appointment on the books.
FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap placed over a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline and is designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. Crowns are commonly used after root canals, to support a dental bridge, or to protect a tooth that lacks sufficient remaining structure.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighboring teeth are fitted with crowns that hold the replacement tooth, called a pontic, securely in place. Bridges restore the appearance and function of your smile while also keeping surrounding teeth from migrating over time.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
The cost of a dental bridge depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, and the complexity of your situation. We recommend scheduling a consultation so we can evaluate your needs and provide a clear, personalized estimate. Our team is happy to walk you through your options before any decisions are made.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Dental crown costs vary based on the tooth being treated, the type of crown used, and your individual treatment needs. The best way to get an accurate number is to come in for an evaluation so we can assess the tooth and give you a straightforward breakdown. Our team will make sure you know what to expect well before treatment begins.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years, and many last significantly longer depending on the materials used and how well they are maintained. Brushing, flossing, avoiding habits like grinding or chewing on hard objects, and keeping up with regular checkups all contribute to a longer-lasting crown. If your crown ever chips, loosens, or causes discomfort, let us know promptly so we can address it before it develops into a bigger issue.
Is a dental bridge permanent?
A dental bridge is considered a permanent restoration in the sense that it is fixed in place and cannot be removed the way a denture can. It is cemented onto the supporting teeth and is not designed to be taken in and out. That said, bridges do have a lifespan and may eventually need to be replaced depending on wear, changes in the surrounding teeth, or the condition of the supporting structure over time.
