Dental crowns repair broken, decayed, or damaged teeth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth.

We Warmly Welcome New Patients to Our Practice

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are restorations that we use to strengthen and protect damaged or broken teeth.

Crowns are custom-made to cover a tooth completely, so they are often referred to as caps or tooth caps. A crown restores the comfortable chewing function of the tooth and provides strength and support. Dental bridges replace missing teeth to restore function and complete your smile.

We usually create crowns and bridges out of porcelain because of its natural appearance and durability.

Everyone wants a healthy, beautiful smile, and we can help you reach that goal with dental crowns and bridges. Updated techniques and treatments have made placing crowns and bridges easier than ever before.

When Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Used?

Dental crowns are very versatile, and we use them to correct many dental issues, including:

Severely decayed teeth
Teeth weakened by root canal treatment
Fractured or broken teeth
Broken or cracked fillings
Large silver fillings

A dental bridge is designed to fill the space left by a missing tooth. The bridge is usually made as a single unit held in place by crowns attached to teeth on either side of the gap. A dental bridge not only improves your appearance but also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place and moving into the gap left by a missing tooth.

What Does Placing a Crown or Bridge Involve?

We can typically place a dental crown or bridge in two or three visits. First, we prepare your natural tooth to receive the restoration and take an impression of your teeth. The impression accurately represents the position of your natural teeth so that your restoration fits perfectly.

Next, we send the impressions to a custom dental lab, where skilled technicians use them to create your permanent restoration, which usually takes about two weeks. Before you leave our office, we fit you with a temporary bridge or crown to wear while the lab fabricates your final crown or bridge.

Once we receive your final restoration, we schedule an appointment for you to return to our office to check the finished restoration for comfortable and make any necessary adjustments. The final step is to cement the custom restoration securely in place.

We will also provide instructions for caring for your crown or bridge properly. The restoration is strong and durable under normal conditions, but it requires special care to prevent damage and the possible need for replacement.

If you practice proper oral hygiene and schedule regular dental cleanings, your new restoration will last for many years.

Call to Schedule an Evaluation

Are you troubled by a damaged or missing tooth? Please call our dental office today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about your options!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do about a fractured tooth?

A fractured tooth is a tooth at risk. You may not even know a tooth is cracked or fractured, or you may feel pain or sensitivity when biting down or exposing the tooth to hot or cold temperatures. An endodontist specialist can diagnose and treat fractures in a tooth and damage to its inner pulp.

Treating fractured teeth is critical. With continuous pressure from chewing, the interior tissues of a tooth may be unable to heal, leading to irritation and even infection. These inner tissues, or pulp, include a tooth’s interior nerves, tissues, and blood vessels.

An endodontist specialist will treat a tooth fracture depending on its location and severity. A dental crown can usually protect teeth with small fractures above the gum line, and you can see your dentist for this type of restoration.

However, if the tooth has a crack below the gum line, you may need a root canal to treat the damaged pulp. Endodontists specialize in root canal treatment, preventing the fracture from spreading or even causing tooth loss. A dental crown completes the restoration.

If the tooth is severely damaged, an endodontist specialist may recommend endodontic surgery to save part of the tooth or an extraction. If the tooth needs extraction, your endodontist can discuss options for replacing the tooth, such as a dental implant.

Meet Our Dentist:

Dr. Christopher Yoo

Dr. Christopher Yoo received his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Irvine, and his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Yoo has worked as an associate dentist since 2017. In 2024, he purchased the Whittier dental office, now known as Karis Family Dental, which has served the community for over 30 years.

Dr. Yoo is committed to carrying on the tradition of excellence started by his predecessor and loves getting to know his patients on a personal basis. He also believes in providing patients with the highest ...

Dental Crowns and Bridges Technology

iTero Scanner Technology

With iTero scanners, we no longer need to take goopy impressions of your teeth in order to create customized appliances or aligners. We can perform a quick scan and then send your scans directly to the dental laboratory. Advanced iTero scanners also allow dentists to identify dental issues, track the progress of treatments, and more. This fantastic new technology makes your dental experiences faster, more comfortable, and more convenient.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Are You Ready to Book Your Next Dental Visit?