What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a damaged tooth, down to the gumline, so you can chew on it normally again. Crowns are used for cracked teeth, teeth with large fillings, and back teeth after a root canal. Dr. Chang takes a digital iTero scan of the tooth instead of using impression putty.

How much does a dental crown cost?

The cost of a dental crown depends on the material, which tooth it's for, and whether the tooth needs other work first, such as a root canal. A bridge costs more, since it involves several crowns. Many dental plans cover part of a crown or bridge as a major procedure, and we're in network with Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier. Membership plan members get 15% off, and CareCredit can spread out the cost.

How long does a dental crown last?

Many crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer. Grinding, chewing ice or hard candy, and decay at the edge of the crown are the most common reasons they need replacing. Regular cleanings let us catch problems at the edges early.

Should I get a bridge or an implant?

If the teeth next to the gap are healthy, an implant leaves them alone and helps preserve the jawbone. A bridge is usually faster, often costs less up front, and can make sense when the neighboring teeth already need crowns. Dr. Chang will walk you through both.

Is a dental bridge permanent?

A dental bridge is fixed, meaning it's cemented in place and you don't take it out, but it won't last forever. Many bridges last 10 years or longer with good care. Because a bridge relies on the teeth on each side, keeping those teeth and your gums healthy matters most, including cleaning under the false tooth every day.

Crowns & Bridges in San Jose

Request an Appointment

Call (408) 224-2000

QUICK OVERVIEW

Need a crown or a bridge in San Jose?

A dental crown covers and protects a tooth that's cracked, badly decayed, worn down, or weakened by a large filling or root canal. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the teeth on either side of the gap. Dr. Dillon Chang does both here in our office, using a digital scan instead of impression putty. Call (408) 224-2000 to schedule an exam.

iTero digital scanner at South San Jose Family Dentistry in San Jose

WHAT IT IS

What are crowns and bridges?

One covers a tooth. The other fills a gap.

A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth, down to the gumline. It holds a damaged tooth together so you can chew on it normally again. Crowns can be made from porcelain, zirconia, or metal alloys; the right material depends on where the tooth is and how hard you bite.

How a bridge works

A traditional bridge uses crowns on the teeth on each side of a gap to hold a false tooth in between. Those neighboring teeth have to be reshaped to hold the crowns, so a bridge makes the most sense when they already need crowns or have large fillings.

Root canal, then crown?

Back teeth often need a crown after a root canal.

Filling or crown?

A small cavity usually just needs a filling. When too little healthy tooth is left to hold a filling, or the tooth is cracked, a crown is the safer choice.

Bridge or implant?

If the teeth beside a gap are healthy, a dental implant is worth comparing, since it doe