What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or severely decayed tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. It literally “bridges” the space left by missing teeth.

When Is a Crown Recommended?

• Tooth with extensive decay that cannot support a filling

• Cracked or fractured tooth at risk of splitting

• Tooth after root canal treatment (to protect the weakened tooth)

• Severely worn tooth from grinding

• Broken cusp or large failing filling

• Cosmetic improvement of a misshapen or discolored tooth

• As part of a dental implant restoration

When Is a Bridge Recommended?

• One or more missing teeth with healthy adjacent teeth

• Patient not a candidate for or not ready for implants

• Desire for a fixed (non-removable) tooth replacement

• Sufficient bone and gum support in the area

Crown Materials — Which Is Right for You?

Material Appearance Strength Best For

Full porcelain / ceramic Excellent Very high Front and back teeth

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) Good High Back teeth

Full zirconia (monolithic) Very good Highest Heavy grinders, back teeth

Gold alloy Gold colored Excellent Back teeth, minimal tooth removal

Dr. Kim will recommend the most appropriate material based on the tooth’s location, your bite, and aesthetic goals.

What to Expect — Crown Procedure

Appointment 1 — Preparation

1. Local anesthesia for comfort

2. Tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown

3. Impressions or digital scan taken

4. Shade selection for natural color match

5. Temporary crown placed to protect the tooth

6. Takes approximately 60–90 minutes

Lab Fabrication

• Crown is custom-made in a dental laboratory

• Ready in approximately 2 weeks

Appointment 2 — Delivery

1. Temporary crown removed

2. Permanent crown tried in for fit and appearance

3. Bite adjusted as needed

4. Crown cemented permanently

5. Takes approximately 30–45 minutes

What to Expect — Bridge Procedure

The process is similar to crowns:

• The teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth) are prepared

• Impressions taken for the entire bridge unit

• Temporary bridge placed

• Permanent bridge delivered and cemented at the second visit

How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?

With proper care, crowns and bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Dr. Kim’s prosthodontic training ensures every restoration is designed for optimal fit, function, and longevity.

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

• Brush normally twice daily

• Floss carefully under the bridge using floss threaders or a water flosser

• Avoid chewing very hard foods on the restoration

• Wear a night guard if you grind

• See Dr. Kim regularly so the margins and bite can be monitored

Why Prosthodontic Training Matters

Crowns and bridges are at the core of prosthodontic specialty training. Dr. Kim’s background means every restoration is planned with your entire bite, aesthetics, and long-term function in mind — not just the individual tooth.