Dental Crowns & Bridges in McKinney, TX

A filling may be enough for a small or moderate cavity. A crown is usually recommended when the tooth has lost too much structure, has a crack, has had root canal treatment, or needs full coverage to handle normal biting forces.

A bridge can be a good fit when the teeth next to the gap already need crowns or when a patient prefers a non-surgical replacement. If the neighboring teeth are healthy, an implant may be discussed because it replaces the missing tooth without reshaping adjacent teeth.

Yes. If a crown breaks, feels loose, or comes off, MDRN can evaluate the tooth, check for decay or fracture, and determine whether the crown can be recemented, repaired, or replaced.

The right choice depends on the health of the tooth or gap, the condition of nearby teeth, bone support, timeline, budget, and long-term maintenance. Dr. Steven walks through those tradeoffs before recommending a plan.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, zirconia and porcelain crowns typically last 15 years or more. The longevity depends on the material selected, the bite forces the crown is subjected to, and how consistently you maintain your hygiene and monitoring appointments.

Yes. Zirconia and porcelain crowns are shaded to match the adjacent teeth. Dr. Steven uses digital shade matching and reviews the result against your natural enamel before permanent placement. The goal is a crown that no one can identify at normal conversational distance.

A crown covers and protects a single existing tooth. A bridge spans a gap where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge is anchored by crowns placed over the teeth on either side of the gap, with a suspended pontic (artificial tooth) in between.

A bridge is a non-surgical option that works well when the adjacent teeth already need crowns or restorations. An implant replaces the tooth root independently, preserving the bone beneath the missing tooth and leaving adjacent teeth untouched. Implants are generally the preferred long-term solution when adjacent teeth are healthy, but bridges remain an excellent option in the right clinical situation.

Typically, yes. The first appointment prepares the tooth, takes digital impressions, and places a temporary. The permanent crown is placed at the second appointment, usually two to three weeks later once fabrication is complete.

The preparation is done under local anesthesia, so you feel pressure but not pain. Some sensitivity when the anesthetic wears off is normal and temporary, typically resolving within a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new crown.

It depends on how far the crack extends. If the crack is confined to the crown portion of the tooth, a crown typically holds it together and prevents further propagation. If the crack extends into or below the root, extraction and replacement may be necessary. Early evaluation gives the best chance of saving the tooth.

Brush and floss normally. For bridges, a floss threader or water flosser is helpful for cleaning under the pontic. Avoid biting hard objects (ice, hard candy, fingernails) that could chip the ceramic. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard significantly extends the lifespan of crowns and bridges.