A cracked tooth does not always mean losing it forever. Discover how a dental crown could be the solution that restores your smile and keeps your tooth intact.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are custom-made restorations that repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones. Think of a crown as a cap that fits snugly over a weakened tooth, while a bridge spans a gap like a small bridge supported by pillars on each side.
Who Is This For?
You might benefit from a crown or bridge if you have:
- Cracked, worn, or heavily filled teeth
- Teeth that have had a root canal
- One or more missing teeth affecting your smile or chewing
What Are the Benefits?
- Restored chewing and clearer speech
- A natural-looking smile
- Protection for weakened teeth
- Prevention of neighboring teeth shifting
How Does It Work?
Treatment usually takes two to three visits. At your first appointment, we shape the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary restoration. A dental lab then creates your custom crown or bridge. At your follow-up visit, we fit and cement your permanent restoration securely in place.
How a Dental Crown Can Save Your Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can feel alarming, but it does not always mean extraction is on the cards. In many cases, a dental crown is exactly what your tooth needs to stay strong and functional.
What Does a Crown Actually Do?
A dental crown fits snugly over your damaged tooth, holding it together and protecting it from further stress. Think of it like a helmet for your tooth. It restores the shape, strength, and appearance of the tooth in one step.
When Is a Crown the Right Choice?
Not every crack is the same, so the right treatment depends on how deep and severe the damage is. A crown is often recommended when:
- The crack causes pain when chewing
- The tooth structure is weakened but the root is still healthy
- A large filling is no longer enough support
- You want to avoid losing the tooth altogether
| Feature | Dental Crown | Dental Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Covers and protects a damaged tooth | Fills the gap left by a missing tooth |
| Teeth Involved | Single tooth | Two or more teeth (including anchors) |
| Best For | Cracked, weakened, or heavily filled teeth | One or more missing teeth |
| Root Requirement | Healthy root must be present | No root needed for the missing tooth space |
| Number of Visits | Typically two to three visits | Typically two to three visits |
| Prevents Teeth Shifting | Indirectly, by preserving the tooth | Yes, by filling the gap directly |
Acting Quickly Makes a Difference
The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of saving the tooth. Left untreated, a crack can worsen and may eventually reach the root. We encourage you to book an assessment early so we can explore the best option for your smile.
Dental Crowns and Bridges at Cardinal Dental
At Cardinal Dental, we offer dental crowns and bridges to help restore your smile and protect your teeth. Whether you have a damaged tooth or a gap from a missing one, we have a solution to suit your needs.
Crowns fit over a damaged tooth to strengthen it and restore its natural appearance. Bridges fill the space left by missing teeth, helping you chew comfortably and keeping your remaining teeth in place.
We believe everyone deserves a smile they feel confident in. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, making sure you feel comfortable and informed.
What Our Patients Say
Cardinal Dental earns glowing praise from patients across San Diego. Reviewers highlight Dr. Michaels, Dr. Omadi, and the team for their honesty, skill, and compassion, with patients consistently recommending the practice for high-quality dental care.
One patient’s experience with a dental crown captures the quality of care provided perfectly. After receiving an incorrect diagnosis elsewhere, they turned to Dr. Michaels for a second opinion and received outstanding results.
Rating: 5/5 stars
“Dr. Michaels was fantastic, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. The staff was also friendly and made me feel comfortable throughout my visits. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for honest, high-quality dental care.”
Read their full story
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns and Bridges
Can a dental crown save a cracked tooth in San Diego?
Yes, in many cases a dental crown can save a cracked tooth without needing an extraction. At Cardinal Dental, we recommend a crown when the crack is causing pain while chewing, the tooth structure is weakened but the root is still healthy, or a large filling is no longer providing enough support. The crown fits snugly over your damaged tooth, holding it together and protecting it from further stress.
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?
A crown covers and protects a single damaged tooth, while a bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth using neighboring teeth as anchors. If your tooth is still present but weakened, a crown is likely the right choice. If you have a missing tooth, a bridge may be the better option for restoring your smile and preventing surrounding teeth from shifting. You can also read more about the differences between dental treatment options on our blog.
How many dental appointments do I need to get a crown or bridge?
Getting a crown or bridge at Cardinal Dental typically takes two to three visits. At your first appointment, we shape the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary restoration. A dental lab then creates your custom restoration, and at your follow-up visit we fit and cement it permanently in place.
What are the benefits of getting a dental crown or bridge?
Crowns and bridges offer several practical benefits. They restore your ability to chew comfortably and speak clearly, give you a natural-looking smile, protect weakened teeth from further damage, and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of place over time. MouthHealthy, run by the American Dental Association, offers additional guidance on how restorations like crowns and bridges support long-term oral health.
Who is a good candidate for a dental crown or bridge in San Diego?
You may be a good candidate if you have cracked, worn, or heavily filled teeth, a tooth that has had a root canal, or one or more missing teeth affecting your smile or chewing. At Cardinal Dental, we guide you through every step so you feel informed and confident about your treatment decision.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
At Cardinal Dental, we are here to help you protect your teeth and feel confident in your smile again. If you are ready to explore dental crowns or bridges, call us or schedule online to speak with our team about the right solution for you.
