A crown (or cap) is a covering made to restore a tooth back to health & function.  When teeth are damaged from decay, weak from large old fillings, worn or broken down, crowns can be used to give you back healthy functional teeth.

Crowns can be made out of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or full gold.   An examination will determine which option will be the best for you.

The most common way to replace missing teeth is to have a bridge placed.  A false tooth is made and attached to two porcelain crowns made for the natural teeth that are on either side of the space where the tooth is missing.  These crowns and the false tooth are one piece and are fixed over the natural teeth ~ unlike a denture, bridges are not removable.  A bridge will not only help with appearance and function but can also allow other teeth to last longer by reducing the stress put on them when a tooth or teeth are missing.

Bridges can be used to replace teeth that are missing from any place in your mouth as long as the teeth that would be used to anchor the bridge are healthy and strong.  Dr. Dean will recommend the type of bridge best suited for your individual need.