If you have a broken tooth, missing tooth or old dental work that no longer feels right, our team can help restore your smile with dental crowns and bridges in Bakersfield, California. At Capital Dental Group, we provide custom restorations designed to improve comfort, function and appearance while helping protect your long-term oral health.
Dental crowns can protect and strengthen damaged teeth, while dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. During your consultation, our team will evaluate your smile and explain whether a crown, bridge, dental implant or another restorative option is right for your needs.
To learn more about dental crowns and bridges in Bakersfield, California, contact us today or call 661-861-8000 to schedule a visit with our dentists and dental specialists.
Restoring Damaged or Missing Teeth
Dental crowns and bridges are custom restorations designed to bring strength, function and appearance back to your smile. A crown is used to cover and protect a damaged tooth, while a bridge is used to replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth in place.
These restorations may be recommended if you have:
- A broken, cracked or worn-down tooth
- A tooth with a large cavity or old filling
- A tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy
- One or more missing teeth
- An older crown or bridge that needs to be replaced
- Difficulty chewing because of damaged or missing teeth
Across the practice, documented restorative experience includes more than 46,000 crowns, more than 11,000 bridges and more than 156,000 fillings and restorative cases.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made restorations that fit over damaged or weakened teeth. They are sometimes called caps because they cover the visible portion of the tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance.
A dental crown may be recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a simple dental filling. Crowns can also be used to protect a tooth after root canal therapy, repair a cracked or worn tooth, improve the appearance of a misshapen tooth or complete a dental implant restoration.
The goal of a crown is to help you keep your natural tooth whenever possible while restoring comfortable function and a natural-looking smile.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Traditional bridges are supported by crowns placed on the teeth on either side of the gap. These crowns hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place, helping restore your bite and fill the space in your smile.
A dental bridge may be a good option if you are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed restoration that does not need to be removed. Bridges can help improve chewing, speech and appearance while also helping prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of position.
Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges can restore both the health and appearance of your smile. Depending on your needs, treatment may help:
- Strengthen a damaged or weakened tooth
- Protect a tooth after root canal therapy
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Restore chewing comfort and bite support
- Improve the shape, color or appearance of a tooth
- Help prevent nearby teeth from shifting
- Replace an older, worn or failing restoration
Our team will design your restoration to fit your bite, support your oral health and blend naturally with your smile.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Implant
If you are missing a tooth, you may have more than one replacement option. A dental bridge uses nearby teeth for support, while a dental implant is placed in the jawbone and supports a crown, bridge or other restoration.
A bridge may be recommended if the neighboring teeth already need crowns or if an implant is not the best fit for your needs. A dental implant may be recommended if you want a standalone replacement that helps support the jawbone where the tooth is missing.
If you are missing one tooth, our team may discuss a single-tooth implant. If you are missing several teeth, we may review an implant-supported bridge or another restorative option.
When Should a Crown or Bridge Be Replaced?
Crowns and bridges are designed for long-term use, but they may need to be repaired or replaced over time. Normal wear, bite pressure, decay around the restoration or changes in your mouth can affect how well an older crown or bridge fits.
You may need an evaluation if you notice:
- Pain or sensitivity around a crown or bridge
- A loose crown or bridge
- Chipping, cracking or visible wear
- Food getting trapped around the restoration
- A change in your bite
- Dark lines, decay or irritation near the gumline
If something feels wrong, it is best to have our team check the restoration before the problem gets worse.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your treatment begins with an exam and consultation. Our team will evaluate your tooth, gums, bite and overall oral health before recommending a crown, bridge or another treatment option.
For a dental crown, the tooth is prepared and shaped so the restoration can fit securely. For a dental bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared for crowns that will hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place. Impressions or digital scans may be taken so your restoration can be custom made.
Once your final crown or bridge is ready, our team will check the fit, appearance and bite before securing it in place.
Caring for Dental Crowns and Bridges
Good home care and regular dental visits help protect your restoration and the teeth around it. Brush twice a day, floss daily and clean carefully around the edges of crowns and under bridges as instructed by our team.
Routine dental cleanings and exams allow us to check your crown or bridge, monitor your gum health and identify small issues before they become larger problems.
Schedule Your Restorative Consultation
If you have a damaged tooth, missing tooth or older restoration that no longer feels right, our team can help you understand your options. Capital Dental Group provides dental crowns and bridges in Bakersfield, California, to restore comfort, function and confidence.
Call 661-861-8000 today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns and Bridges
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A dental crown covers and protects one damaged tooth. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring replacement teeth to supporting teeth or implants.
When do I need a dental crown?
A dental crown may be recommended if a tooth is cracked, broken, worn down, weakened by decay or has been treated with root canal therapy. A crown can also be used to complete a dental implant restoration.
When do I need a dental bridge?
A dental bridge may be recommended when one or more teeth are missing and you want a fixed replacement. It can help restore chewing function, improve appearance and prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
Is a dental bridge better than a dental implant?
It depends on your oral health, goals and the condition of the surrounding teeth. A bridge may be a good option when nearby teeth already need crowns. A dental implant may be better when you want a standalone tooth replacement that does not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Crowns and bridges are designed for long-term use, but their lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, bite, diet and regular dental care. Routine exams help our team monitor your restoration and recommend repair or replacement when needed.
How do I care for a dental crown or bridge?
Brush twice a day, floss daily and follow our team’s instructions for cleaning around your crown or bridge. Regular dental cleanings and exams are important for protecting the teeth, gums and restorations.