Crowns and Bridges in El Paso
A Natural-Looking Solution for Damaged and Missing Teeth
A tooth that's cracked, severely decayed, or missing creates a ripple effect across your entire mouth. Neighboring teeth shift to fill the gap. Your bite absorbs pressure unevenly. What starts as one problem becomes several. Crowns and bridges stop that process early, restoring the tooth, protecting the ones around it, and giving you back a smile that looks and functions the way it should.
They Restore Full Function
A damaged or missing tooth changes the way you bite and chew. Over time, neighboring teeth shift to compensate, which creates uneven pressure, wear, and new problems. A crown or bridge restores the natural mechanics of your bite so your whole mouth works the way it's supposed to.
They Protect What's Left
A tooth that's been cracked, weakened by decay, or treated with a root canal is vulnerable to further damage. A crown covers and reinforces the remaining tooth structure so it can hold up to normal daily use without the risk of fracturing further.
They Look and Feel Like Real Teeth
Modern dental crowns and bridges are made from tooth-colored materials designed to match the shade, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth. Most people won't be able to tell the difference, and neither will you once you're used to them.
We Take Your Insurance
When a Crown Is the Right Call
A crown is a full cap that fits over a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength. It's typically recommended when:
- A tooth has a cavity too large for a filling to support
- A tooth is cracked or fractured but the root is still healthy
- A tooth has been treated with a root canal and needs protection
- An existing crown has failed and needs to be replaced
- A tooth is severely worn down from grinding
When a Bridge Makes Sense
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth using the teeth on either side of the space as anchors. It's a fixed restoration, meaning it stays in place and functions like natural teeth. A bridge is worth considering when:
- You're missing one or more teeth in a row
- The teeth on either side of the gap are strong enough to support a bridge
- You want a permanent solution that doesn't involve surgery
- You need to restore your ability to chew and speak normally
What Happens When a Missing Tooth Goes Untreated
A gap in your smile isn't just a cosmetic issue. The effects of a missing tooth go deeper than most people realize, and they get worse the longer the tooth stays unreplaced.
What starts happening beneath the surface:
- Bone loss begins almost immediately. Your jawbone needs the stimulation of a tooth root to maintain its density. Without it, the bone in that area starts to shrink. Over time, this can change the shape of your face and make future restorations more complicated.
- Neighboring teeth drift toward the gap. Teeth are held in position partly by the pressure of the teeth next to them. When one is missing, the surrounding teeth gradually shift into the open space, throwing off your alignment.
The tooth above or below the gap can over-erupt. Without an opposing tooth to bite against, the tooth on the other side of the gap can grow longer than it should, which creates its own set of problems.
What you start to notice over time:
- Changes in how your bite feels when you chew
- Increased wear on teeth that are now absorbing more pressure than they should
- Food getting trapped in the gap, raising your risk of decay and gum irritation in the surrounding teeth
- Difficulty chewing on that side of your mouth
The longer a missing tooth goes unaddressed, the more complicated and costly the solution becomes. A bridge placed sooner protects the surrounding teeth, preserves the bone, and restores your bite before the damage has a chance to compound.
What to Expect When You Get a Crown or Bridge
Your Exam and Treatment Plan
Your dentist examines the tooth or gap and takes X-rays to evaluate the underlying bone and surrounding teeth. If a crown or bridge is the right fit, your dentist walks you through exactly what the process involves, how long it takes, and what it will cost. You leave your consultation with a clear plan and no unanswered questions.
Preparing the Tooth
For a crown, your dentist reshapes the existing tooth so the crown fits over it properly. For a bridge, the anchor teeth on either side of the gap are prepared the same way. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout this step.
Your Digital Impression
Once the tooth is prepared, we use our iTero digital scanner to capture a precise 3D model of your teeth. No putty trays, no gagging, no mess. The digital file is sent directly to the lab so your restoration can be fabricated with accuracy.
Your Temporary Restoration
While your permanent crown or bridge is being made, we place a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth and keep your bite intact. You'll wear this for a short period while the lab completes your custom restoration.
Placing Your Permanent Restoration
When your crown or bridge is ready, you come back for a short appointment. Your dentist removes the temporary, checks the fit and color of the permanent restoration, makes any minor adjustments needed, and bonds it securely in place.
Final Check and Care Instructions
Before you leave, your dentist checks your bite to make sure everything feels comfortable and natural. You'll get clear instructions on how to care for your new restoration so it lasts as long as possible.
Dental Care That Puts Your Family First
Compassionate, Honest Dentistry
We treat every patient with respect and integrity, never rushing care and always recommending what’s truly best for your health.
Flexible Financing & Insurance Help
We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing options like Cherry to help families stay within budget.
Complete Family Dentistry
Most treatments are performed right here in our office, and when specialty care is needed, we coordinate within our network for a smooth experience.
We’re Here to Help, Not Judge
Life happens. We meet you where you are with compassionate care, honest recommendations, and clear answers, always.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I wait to get a crown on a damaged tooth?
A tooth that needs a crown but doesn't get one is at real risk of fracturing further. A crack that extends into the root can turn a restorable tooth into one that needs extraction. In most cases, the sooner a damaged tooth is protected, the more straightforward and affordable the solution.
Does insurance cover crowns and bridges?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown and bridge treatment, particularly when it's placed for functional rather than purely cosmetic reasons. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect. Cherry Financing is also available if you need to spread the cost over time.
Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
Yes. Once your permanent restoration is placed and your bite feels comfortable, you can eat normally. We generally recommend avoiding extremely hard or sticky foods that put excessive pressure on any dental work, but day-to-day eating, including most foods you enjoy, isn't a problem.
Will my crown or bridge look natural?
Yes. Tooth-colored crowns and bridges are custom-made to match the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth. Most patients find that after a short adjustment period, their restoration feels and looks completely natural.
What's a crown made of?
Crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, or zirconia. The material recommended depends on the location of the tooth, how much force it takes when you bite, and your cosmetic goals. Your dentist will explain the options and recommend the best fit for your specific case.
Is a bridge better than an implant?
They're different solutions with different considerations. A bridge is a faster, non-surgical option that works well when the adjacent teeth are healthy and strong. An implant replaces the root of the missing tooth and doesn't require the neighboring teeth to be altered, but it involves a more involved process and longer timeline. Your dentist will walk you through both options so you can make the decision that fits your situation.
Can a crown fall off?
It's uncommon, but it can happen, usually because of a weakened tooth underneath or normal wear on the dental cement over time. If your crown or bridge feels loose, comes off, or doesn't feel right, call our office. We'll get you in quickly to assess the situation.
How many appointments does it take?
Most crown and bridge treatments involve two appointments. The first is for preparing the tooth and taking impressions. The second is for placing the permanent restoration. There's typically a one to two week wait between appointments while the lab fabricates your custom restoration.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during the appointment. Some sensitivity and soreness in the days following is normal, especially around the gum tissue. Over-the-counter pain relief handles it for most patients.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges typically last between 10 and 15 years, and often longer. How long yours lasts depends on the material used, where it's located in your mouth, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene and keep up with regular checkups.
Located in El Paso
Find us at 201 S. Americas Ave, Ste 206, El Paso, TX 79907. We’re next to Academy with free parking, and we offer Saturday appointments and family scheduling to make care easy.
Free on-site parking available. If you need help finding us, call and we’ll guide you in.
Coming from Socorro, San Elizario, Fabens, or Clint? We’re a quick drive and easy to reach.