Crown & Bridge

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most common and reliable procedures in dentistry.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges restore your ability to chew properly and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.

When You Might Need a Crown or Bridge

Your dentist may recommend a crown if you have:

• A cracked, fractured, or severely worn tooth.
• A large cavity that is too big for a filling.
• A tooth that has had root canal therapy and needs protection.
• A dental implant that requires a restoration on top.

A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, non-removable solution. Bridges are also an alternative for patients who are not candidates for dental implants. We are happy to review all options for missing teeth with patients to find the best solution for both their health and financial goals.

The Crown and Bridge Process

Getting a crown or bridge at Mesolella Dental typically involves two comfortable appointments:

• Visit 1 — Preparation: We reshape the tooth, take a precise digital impression, and place a temporary crown or bridge. You leave the office after a 90 minute appointment with a functional, comfortable temporary restoration.
• Visit 2 — Placement: Once your custom restoration arrives from our dental lab, we check the fit, adjust as needed, and permanently bond it in place during a 30 minute delivery appointment. The result looks and feels like a natural tooth.

Why Choose Mesolella Dental for Crowns and Bridges

• Premium materials: We work with high-quality, local dental labs that use advanced porcelain and ceramic materials for lifelike results.
• Precision fit: Digital impressions eliminate the discomfort of traditional molds and improve accuracy. No more goopy impressions!
• Nearly 60 years of expertise: The Mesolella family has been restoring smiles in Rochester since 1966. Restorative dentistry is one of our core strengths.

If you’re also considering dental implants as an alternative to a bridge, we can discuss both options and help you choose the best path for your situation and budget.

Insurance & Financing: Dental crowns and bridges are typically covered by dental insurance as a “major restorative procedure”. We will verify your benefits and do our best to help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental crown last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a well fabricated dental crown can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth (we can provide a night guard) helps extend its lifespan.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after the appointment, including gum soreness, which typically resolves within a few days.

What is a crown made of?

We primarily use porcelain and ceramic materials that are color-matched to your natural teeth. In some cases, porcelain-fused-to-metal or all gold restorations may be recommended for added strength, especially on back teeth.

Is a bridge better than an implant?

Both are excellent options. A bridge is typically faster and less invasive, while an implant preserves jawbone and doesn’t require altering adjacent teeth. Implants typically have a better long term prognosis, as they do not involve the health of other teeth to fill in the space. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation. Learn more on our implant dentistry page.

How do I care for a crown or bridge?

Care for your restoration just like your natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss carefully around the crown margins, and keep up with regular visits at our office. If a patient has a higher cavity risk, fluoride varnish treatments may be recommended at cleaning appointments to help protect the margins of their restorative work.