Dental Crowns and Bridges in Bastrop, TX

Dental crowns and bridges serve different purposes at our Bastrop practice. A crown is a cap that covers a single damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are ideal for teeth with large fillings, after root canal treatment, or when a tooth is severely worn or cracked. A bridge, however, replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to crowns placed on the surrounding healthy teeth. Bridges literally “bridge” the gap left by missing teeth. While crowns restore existing teeth, bridges replace missing teeth. Both procedures can be completed at Spring Street Dental in Bastrop with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges from our Bastrop practice typically last 10-20 years or longer. Porcelain and zirconia crowns often last 15-20 years, while metal crowns can last over 20 years. Bridges generally last 10-15 years, depending on oral hygiene and the health of supporting teeth. Factors affecting longevity include teeth grinding, oral hygiene habits, regular dental checkups, and avoiding hard foods like ice or hard candy. At Spring Street Dental, we provide detailed care instructions and recommend protective night guards for patients who grind their teeth. Regular cleanings and checkups at our Bastrop office help ensure your crowns and bridges last as long as possible.

Most dental insurance plans cover crowns and bridges as major procedures, typically providing 50-80% coverage after meeting your deductible. Coverage depends on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary versus cosmetic. Insurance often covers crowns after root canals or for severely damaged teeth, and bridges for replacing missing teeth that affect function. As an out-of-network provider, Spring St. Dental works with all insurance companies to maximize your available benefits by filing claims on your behalf, verifying your benefits before treatment, and providing detailed estimates of your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Many insurance plans offer significant coverage for out-of-network providers, and our patients consistently tell us that the exceptional care they receive is well worth any difference in insurance coverage. For patients without insurance or for additional costs, we offer financing options through CareCredit, Alpheon, and Cherry, plus our Plan for Health membership program that provides 20% off all treatments. We’re happy to discuss your specific insurance situation during your visit.

The crown and bridge procedure at our Bastrop practice typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, we prepare the tooth by removing damaged portions and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. We take detailed impressions of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth, then place a temporary crown or bridge for protection. Your impressions are sent to our trusted dental laboratory where skilled technicians create your custom restoration. At the second appointment, usually 2-3 weeks later, we remove the temporary restoration and carefully fit and cement your permanent crown or bridge. With same-day CEREC crowns, this entire process can be completed in one appointment.

The crown and bridge procedures at Spring Street Dental in Bastrop are performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Most patients report minimal discomfort afterward, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication for 1-2 days. Some temporary sensitivity to hot and cold is normal as your tooth adjusts to the new crown or bridge. Any discomfort typically subsides within a few days to a week. We provide detailed post-treatment instructions and are always available to address any concerns during your recovery. For anxious patients, we also offer sedation options to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.

Crowns and bridges cannot be whitened with traditional whitening treatments since they’re made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal materials that don’t respond to bleaching agents. At our Bastrop practice, we carefully match your crown or bridge color to your natural teeth during fabrication. If you’re planning teeth whitening, we recommend completing whitening treatment first, then matching your new crown or bridge to your whitened teeth. If you have existing crowns or bridges that no longer match your natural teeth due to staining or whitening, replacement may be necessary to achieve uniform color. Our Bastrop dentists can evaluate your situation and recommend the best approach for a harmonious, bright smile.

While crowns and bridges are very durable, occasional issues can occur. Common problems include loose or dislodged restorations, chips, cracks, or decay around the margins. If your crown or bridge fails, contact Spring Street Dental in Bastrop immediately for evaluation and treatment. In many cases, we can re-cement a loose crown or make minor repairs. More significant damage may require replacement of the restoration. We stand behind our work and will address any issues promptly to restore your comfort and function. Regular checkups help us identify potential problems early and extend the life of your crowns and bridges through preventive care.

Yes, once your permanent crowns and bridges are placed and you’ve adjusted to them, you can eat most foods normally. However, we recommend avoiding very hard foods like ice, hard candy, or nuts that could damage your restorations. Also avoid sticky foods that might pull off crowns or bridges. With bridges, it’s especially important to clean underneath the pontic (false tooth) daily with floss threaders or water flossers. During the first few days after placement, stick to softer foods while your mouth adjusts. Our Bastrop team provides detailed dietary guidelines and oral hygiene instructions to help you maintain your crowns and bridges for years to come.