Restore damaged teeth and replace missing ones — in as few as two visits
Crowns cap and protect individual teeth that are cracked, decayed, or heavily restored. Bridges permanently replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the healthy teeth on either side. Both are custom-fabricated to match your natural tooth color and bite.
- Crowns protect weakened teeth from splitting or fracturing further
- Bridges fill gaps permanently without the need for implant surgery
- Available in all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and full-metal options
What happens when damaged or missing teeth go untreated
A cracked or heavily decayed tooth without a crown will continue to break down. Left long enough, the tooth splits completely — requiring extraction — or develops an infection that spreads to the nerve and surrounding bone.
Missing teeth cause a different kind of damage: the teeth on either side drift and rotate into the open space over time, shifting your bite and creating misalignment that becomes increasingly difficult to correct. A bridge fills the gap immediately, holds surrounding teeth in place, and restores full chewing function before that drift begins.
Crowns, bridges, and what you need to know
Everything from when a crown is needed to how long your restoration will last — answered clearly.
Dr. Patel recommends a crown when a tooth is cracked, broken, or worn down; when decay is too large for a filling to support; when a tooth needs to anchor a bridge; or when an implant needs a final restoration. Crowns are also used to correct severely misshapen or discolored teeth that cannot be improved with veneers alone.
Full-metal crowns (gold or other alloys) are the most durable and require the least tooth removal — ideal for back molars where appearance is less critical. Porcelain-fused-to-metal offers a tooth-colored surface with a metal substructure, though a thin dark line may appear at the gumline over time. All-ceramic crowns provide the best color match and are the right choice for patients with metal sensitivities or front teeth that demand a natural appearance.
A bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The teeth on either side of the gap — called abutment teeth — are prepared and fitted with crowns. An artificial tooth (pontic) is suspended between them, filling the space permanently. The entire structure is cemented in place, restoring both appearance and full chewing function.
At the first appointment, Dr. Patel prepares the abutment teeth and takes a precise impression, which is sent to the dental lab. A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth while your permanent restoration is being fabricated. At the second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed, the permanent bridge is checked for fit and bite, then cemented permanently in place.
With proper home care — brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily — crowns and bridges can last well over a decade. Regular check-ups allow Dr. Patel to monitor the fit and integrity of your restorations and catch any early signs of wear before they require re-treatment.
Ready to protect or restore your tooth?
Book a consultation with Dr. Bhargav Patel today.
