RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY IN TACOMA & LAKEWOOD
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Restoring your smile with dental crowns and bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most reliable tools in restorative dentistry; crowns rebuild a tooth that’s been broken or badly decayed, and bridges replace one that’s already gone. At Plancich Dental, we’ve been serving families in Tacoma, WA, and Lakewood, WA, for over 30 years. Come in, and we’ll tell you exactly what you’re dealing with.
DENTAL CROWNS
A crown saves a tooth that a filling can’t
A dental crown is essentially a custom-fitted cap placed over a damaged tooth, covering it completely to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Imagine a tailor-made helmet protecting an athlete; the crown covers the visible portion of the tooth down to the gum line, reinforcing its structure and preventing further breakage.
The cap is made from porcelain and matched to your surrounding teeth in color, so it blends in. Most patients tell us you really can’t tell which tooth has it. When decay or a crack has taken enough of a tooth that a filling won’t hold, a crown covers the whole thing and protects what’s left. A crown can keep a tooth healthy for decades longer than it would have otherwise.
Signs a dental crown may be the best option
A crown is usually the right call when:
- A damaged tooth has a crack or fracture a filling can’t stabilize
- Decay or breakage has compromised more than half the tooth’s’ structure
- A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs long-term protection
- A large, failing filling is putting the remaining part of the tooth at risk
- Broken teeth need rebuilding from what remains
- The tooth is anchoring a dental bridge
DENTAL BRIDGES
A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth
A dental bridge uses two crowns on the teeth on either side of a gap to hold an artificial tooth, called a pontic, in the space where the missing tooth used to be. Unlike dentures, a bridge is fixed in place so it doesn’t come out; it functions more like a natural tooth that most people adapt to quickly.
The neighboring teeth get shaped to receive their crowns. Once everything is bonded in, the bridge becomes part of your bite. Traditional bridges have been the standard way to replace missing teeth without surgery for decades, and when the surrounding teeth are healthy, they still work very well.
Signs a dental bridge may be the best option
A bridge is worth considering when:
- You’re missing one or two teeth and the teeth on either side are in good shape
- A dental implant isn’t the right fit right now (medically, financially, or timing-wise)
- You want a permanent dental restoration without surgery
- You’re replacing an existing bridge that’s worn out
One more thing worth knowing
When a tooth goes missing and isn’t replaced, the surrounding teeth tend to shift. The tooth on the opposite side can drift, too. What starts as one missing tooth can become a bigger bite and oral hygiene problem over time. A bridge stops that from happening.
SEE YOUR RESULTS FIRST
Curious what a restored smile could look like?
Our SmileGen tool lets you upload a photo and see a transformation in about 10 seconds, with no commitment or special equipment. Try it before your consultation to get a sense of what’s possible!
What to expect at your appointment
The process of getting a crown or bridge is straightforward and focused on your comfort. Most patients find the experience much easier than they anticipated. Here’s how it goes:
Step 1: The initial consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough exam. Using advanced digital imaging, your dentist creates a 3D map of your mouth. This eliminates the need for messy, “goopy” impressions and ensures that your new restoration will fit with microscopic precision.
Step 2: Preparation and temporary placement
Next, the tooth is gently reshaped to allowso the crown or bridge can to sit flush with your gum line. You’ll be fitted with a temporary restoration that looks and feels natural, protecting your tooth while a specialized lab crafts your permanent piece.
Step 3: Final fitting and bonding
Once your custom restoration arrives, you’ll return for the final fitting. Your dentist will check the bite and color match before permanently bonding it into place. You’ll walk out of the office ready to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.
Choosing between a crown, bridge, or dental implant
There’s no single right answer, as it depends on the tooth, the condition of the teeth next to it, the bone underneath, and what matters most to you. Here’s a straightforward look at how the three options compare.
| Comparison | Dental Crown | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant |
|---|---|---|---|
| What does it do? | Caps and protects a tooth that's still there | Replaces a missing tooth using the neighboring teeth as anchors | Replaces a missing tooth with a new root and crown |
| Is surgery needed? | No | No | Yes |
| Does it affect neighboring teeth | No | Yes (two teeth get crowned) | No |
| Does it preserve the jawbone? | Yes | No (bone can shrink under the bridge over time) | Yes |
| Is it removeable? | No | No | No |
| How long does it last? | 10-15 years | 10-15 years | 20+ years with good care |
Questions we hear most about crowns and bridges
How do I know if I need a crown or just a filling?
A filling works when the damage is limited, and there’s enough healthy tooth left to hold it. A crown makes more sense when a crack can’t be fixed with a filling, when decay has taken most of the tooth, when a large old filling has failed, or when the tooth has had a root canal. If you’re not sure, come in, and we’ll give you a straight answer.
How many appointments does this take?
Usually two, about one to two weeks apart. At the first one, the tooth is prepared, and a temporary crown or temporary bridge is inserted. At the second, the permanent restoration is bonded in place, and the bite is checked. You’ll have a functional tooth after both visits.
Will the crown look like a real tooth?
Yes. Porcelain crowns look very much like real teeth because they share the same color and they catch light in a similar way. We match the shade to your surrounding teeth before anything gets made. Most people tell us nobody notices, which is exactly the point.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Most last 10–15 years with regular care. Some last longer. The most common reason one needs replacing earlier is new decay sneaking in at the gumline, or grinding that chips the porcelain over time. Brushing, flossing, and keeping up with your cleanings makes a real difference.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth prep is done while you’re numb, and most of our clients find it straightforward. It’s normal to have some sensitivity for a few days after. Once the permanent crown is in and settled, it shouldn’t give you any ongoing trouble. If you tend to get anxious about dental work, just tell us, and we can talk through options.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
The teeth around the gap start to shift toward it over time. The tooth directly above or below can drift too. That shifts your bite, makes it harder to keep teeth clean, and the jawbone under the gap starts to shrink without a root to stimulate it. A dental bridge or dental implant stops all of that from happening.
Does insurance cover dental crowns and bridges?
Most dental insurance plans cover some portion of crowns and bridges—often around 50% after your deductible. Coverage on bridges can vary a bit more depending on the plan. We’ll verify your benefits in advance and let you know what to expect before your appointment.
We want cost to be a conversation, not a surprise.
