We will always start by making sure there is a good foundation for the crown by ensuring that all of the cavity is removed under and around an old filling. Then we will work with the best possible materials for your particular situation. 1) Bonded porcelain restorations are the most conservative and esthetic option for the front areas of the mouth. They contain no metal and are very life like. 2) Porcelain fused to metal crowns are an esthetic option for back teeth under heavier stress. We often recommend porcelain margins on the crown so you do not see any ugly black lines at the gum line. 3) We still use gold in some areas of the mouth, especially where it doesn't show. Gold alloy is more biocompatible than some other metals and is very strong in a thin layer so minimal drilling of the tooth is required. Gold is the metal of choice for partial crowns because we are able to do small intricate designs and it is the longest lasting restoration available. Many of these restorations last more than 20 years.

A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. The bridge is attached to the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth using crowns and the space is filled with a prosthetic tooth. A bridge can also be made over two implants. It is important to replace missing teeth, as any gaps will cause the remaining teeth to shift. Dental implants are the restoration of choice for missing teeth, but a bridge is a good alternative when an implant cannot be used.

Dr. Parker has done thousands of crowns and bridges over the years and takes pride in the attention to detail.