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Dental Crowns & Bridges

Protect a weak tooth or replace a missing one with restorations that look and feel like your own teeth.

Dentist treating a patient in the dental chair

Restorative Dentistry

Strong teeth you can chew on again.

A crown is a custom cap that fits over your whole tooth. It holds a cracked tooth together, protects a tooth after a root canal, and restores teeth that are too worn or broken for a filling.

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the healthy teeth (or implants) on either side. It is fixed in place, so there is nothing to take out at night.

Dr. Patel matches the shade and shape of every crown and bridge to your smile, so they blend in with the teeth around them.

Dr. Nisha Patel, DDS University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry · 19+ years of practice

Book an Appointment Call (281) 240-1177

When You Need One

Common reasons for a crown or bridge.

If any of these apply to you, it is worth a conversation.

Dental Crowns

For cracked teeth, large old fillings, teeth treated with a root canal, worn-down teeth, or to cover a dental implant.

Dental Bridges

For one or more missing teeth next to healthy teeth. A bridge restores your bite and keeps neighboring teeth from shifting.

Implant-Supported Bridges

When several teeth are missing, implants can hold a bridge without touching your natural teeth.

Implant options →

What getting a crown is like

Exam and planning. We take X-rays and check the tooth to make sure a crown is the right call.
Preparing the tooth. After numbing, Dr. Patel shapes the tooth and takes an impression. You leave with a temporary crown.
Placing your crown. At your second visit we check the fit, color and bite, then cement the final crown in place.

Bridges follow a similar process. Most patients are back to eating normally within a day or two.

Taking care of crowns and bridges

Brush twice a day and floss once a day, just like natural teeth. Under a bridge, a floss threader or water flosser helps clean the space beneath the false tooth. If you grind your teeth at night, a night guard helps protect your new work. With good care, crowns and bridges often last many years.

Bridge or implant?

Both are good ways to replace a missing tooth. A bridge is usually faster and may cost less up front. An implant does not involve the neighboring teeth and helps keep the jawbone healthy. Dr. Patel will go through the pros and cons for your situation, including what your insurance covers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a dental crown last?

With good brushing, flossing and regular checkups, crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years, and often longer.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is fully numbed while we work. Some patients feel mild sensitivity for a few days afterward, which usually settles on its own.

Will my crown look natural?

Yes. We match the shade and shape to your surrounding teeth so it blends in.

Does insurance cover crowns and bridges?

Many plans cover part of the cost when a crown or bridge is needed for health reasons. We check your benefits and give you an estimate first.

Two offices, one dentist. Crowns & Bridges is available at our Sugar Land office (12921 West Bellfort Ave, (281) 240-1177) and our Houston office (12861 Gulf Freeway, (281) 922-1919). Walk-ins welcome, free parking at both.

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