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When you crack a tooth on your favorite snack or notice a growing gap in your smile, it’s more than just a cosmetic concern; it’s a sign your mouth is asking for help. Fortunately, Dr. Joseph Akhikar and the team at Glance Dental specialize in restorative dentistry, including dental crowns and bridges, to restore your smile’s strength, beauty, and confidence.
At Glance Dental, Dr. Joseph Akhikar and his team specialize in transforming damaged or missing teeth through advanced dental crowns, bridges, and implant solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, extensive decay, or gaps from missing teeth, modern restorative dentistry can help you smile beautifully again.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dental crowns and bridges, from how they work to what you can expect during treatment, so that you can make informed decisions about your smile restoration journey.
fA dental crown is essentially a custom-made “cap” that fits over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth, one that looks completely natural and functions just like your original tooth.
Dental crowns serve multiple purposes in restorative dentistry. You might need a crown if you’re experiencing:
Severe tooth decay that’s too extensive for a regular filling. When a cavity compromises more than half of your tooth structure, a crown provides the comprehensive protection and support needed to prevent further damage.
Cracked or broken teeth from injury or biting on complex objects. Crowns hold the remaining tooth structure together while restoring full chewing function.
Root canal treatment is required when the tooth needs reinforcement. After removing infected pulp, teeth become more brittle and vulnerable to fracture. Crowns provide essential protection.
Worn-down teeth from grinding or acid erosion. Over time, severe wear can compromise your bite and cause pain; crowns rebuild the lost tooth structure.
Cosmetic concerns like severe discoloration or misshapen teeth that can’t be corrected with veneers or whitening alone.
Modern dentistry offers several crown materials, each with distinct advantages. At Glance Dental, Dr. Akhikar helps patients choose the best option based on their specific needs, budget, and aesthetic goals.
Porcelain crowns are the gold standard for front teeth. These all-ceramic restorations offer unmatched natural appearance, translucency that mimics real enamel, and excellent biocompatibility for patients with metal sensitivities.
Zirconia crowns combine strength with beauty. This newer material is incredibly durable, perfect for back molars that withstand heavy chewing forces while still maintaining a tooth-colored appearance that blends seamlessly.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns provide a balance of strength and aesthetics. The metal substructure offers durability, while the porcelain exterior maintains a natural look, though it may show a dark line at the gumline over time.
Gold alloy crowns remain an excellent choice for back teeth, where appearance is less critical. They’re incredibly durable, gentle on opposing teeth, and require less tooth removal during preparation.
Understanding the crown procedure helps ease any anxiety about treatment. Here’s what typically happens during your visits to Glance Dental.
First Visit: Examination and Preparation
Dr. Akhikar begins with a thorough examination, often using advanced 3D imaging technology to assess your tooth’s condition and surrounding structures. After discussing your options, he’ll prepare the tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. This process is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout.
Next comes the impression phase, either with traditional molds or cutting-edge digital scanning for precision and comfort. These impressions serve as the blueprint for your custom crown. Before you leave, Dr. Akhikar places a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth and maintain your appearance.
Second Visit: Permanent Crown Placement
Once your custom crown returns from the dental laboratory (typically within two weeks), you’ll return for the final placement. Dr. Akhikar carefully removes the temporary crown, cleans the prepared tooth, and checks the fit and color of your permanent restoration. After ensuring everything looks and feels perfect, he permanently cements the crown in place.
Same-Day Crown Technology
For patients seeking immediate results, Glance Dental offers same-day crowns using advanced CEREC technology. This innovative system allows Dr. Akhikar to design, mill, and place your custom crown in a single appointment, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits.
When you’re missing one or more teeth, the consequences extend far beyond appearance. Adjacent teeth can shift into the space, your bite can become misaligned, and deterioration of the jawbone may occur over time. Dental bridges offer a practical, time-tested solution for tooth replacement.
A traditional dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by missing teeth. The restoration consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by dental crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth).
The result is a fixed, permanent restoration that restores your complete smile, proper chewing function, and facial structure, all while preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
Traditional bridges are the most common type, using crowns on adjacent teeth to support one or more artificial teeth. This option works well when you have healthy, natural teeth on both sides of the gap.
Cantilever bridges attach to teeth on only one side of the missing tooth. While less common, they’re helpful in situations where only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
Maryland bonded bridges (also called resin-bonded bridges) use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. This conservative option requires minimal alteration of neighboring teeth, though it’s typically only suitable for front teeth with lighter biting forces.
Implant-supported bridges represent the most advanced solution. Rather than relying on natural teeth for support, these bridges attach to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone, offering superior stability and preserving jawbone health.
Knowing when to seek restorative treatment can prevent more extensive dental problems down the road. Here are common signs that might indicate you’re a candidate for dental crowns or bridges.
Pay attention to these warning signals that your tooth may need crown protection:
Consider bridges if you’re experiencing:
Dr. Akhikar emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues promptly. “The longer you wait to replace a missing tooth or repair a damaged one, the more complex and costly treatment can become,” he explains. “Early intervention through restorative dentistry often leads to better outcomes and helps preserve your natural tooth structure.”
What sets Glance Dental apart is Dr. Joseph Akhikar’s comprehensive, patient-centered approach to smile restoration. Rather than simply fixing individual teeth, he considers your overall oral health, facial aesthetics, and long-term wellness goals.
Glance Dental combines state-of-the-art dental technology with genuine, compassionate patient care. The practice utilizes digital imaging and 3D scanning for precise treatment planning, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for same-day restorations, and advanced materials like zirconia and high-quality porcelain that offer both strength and natural beauty.
Dr. Akhikar’s philosophy centers on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Before recommending crowns or bridges, he thoroughly evaluates whether more conservative treatments might address your concerns. When restorative work is necessary, he uses minimally invasive techniques that protect healthy tooth structure while delivering outstanding aesthetic results.
Every patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their unique situation. During your consultation, Dr. Akhikar takes time to understand your concerns, explain all available options including their pros and cons, discuss timeline and investment for different approaches, and answer every question so you feel confident moving forward.
This thorough approach ensures you’re never pressured into treatment instead, you’re empowered to make informed decisions about your dental health.
Knowing exactly what happens during crown placement helps reduce anxiety and ensures you’re prepared for treatment. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the process at Glance Dental.
Initial consultation: During your first visit, Dr. Akhikar examines your tooth, takes X-rays or 3D scans, discusses your aesthetic preferences and functional needs, and explains the entire procedure and timeline.
Pre-treatment preparation: If you’re experiencing dental anxiety, discuss sedation options with the team. Arrange transportation if you’ll be receiving sedation, and plan to eat a regular meal beforehand since your mouth will be numb afterward.
Anesthesia administration: Dr. Akhikar begins by numbing the area with a local anesthetic so that you won’t feel any discomfort during tooth preparation. The office also offers additional sedation options for anxious patients.
Tooth preparation: Using precision instruments, he carefully removes any decay and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. The amount removed depends on the crown material, typically about 1-2 millimeters around the entire tooth surface.
Impression or digital scan: Next comes the most crucial step, capturing a replica of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. Glance Dental uses either traditional impression materials or advanced intraoral scanners for digital impressions that are more comfortable and incredibly accurate.
Temporary crown placement: Before you leave, Dr. Akhikar places a temporary crown made of acrylic or composite material. This protects your prepared tooth and maintains aesthetics while your permanent crown is being crafted. He’ll provide specific care instructions for your temporary restoration.
Color matching: Dr. Akhikar uses shade guides to match your new crown perfectly to your surrounding teeth, ensuring seamless integration with your natural smile.
Your impressions or digital scans are sent to a trusted dental laboratory where skilled technicians handcraft your custom crown. This process typically takes 2-3 weeks. It involves designing the crown to match your natural tooth anatomy, fabricating it from your chosen material, and adding custom shading and characterization for a lifelike appearance.
Temporary crown removal: Dr. Akhikar gently removes your temporary crown and thoroughly cleans the prepared tooth.
Fit and color check: He carefully tries in your permanent crown, checking for proper fit against adjacent and opposing teeth, correct bite alignment, and color match with surrounding teeth. You’ll have the opportunity to view your new crown and approve the appearance.
Permanent cementation: Once everything looks and feels perfect, Dr. Akhikar permanently bonds the crown using high-strength dental cement. After removing excess cement and polishing, he makes final bite adjustments to ensure comfort.
Post-placement care instructions: Before leaving, you’ll receive detailed guidance on caring for your new crown and what to expect during the adjustment period.
If you choose same-day crown technology, the process is streamlined into a single appointment. After tooth preparation, Dr. Akhikar uses an intraoral scanner to create a 3D digital model, designs your crown using specialized software, mills your crown from a solid block of ceramic or zirconia (typically taking about 15-20 minutes), and then places and cements your permanent crown all in about 2-3 hours.
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether dental crowns represent a worthwhile investment. The answer depends on several factors, but for most people dealing with damaged or compromised teeth, crowns offer exceptional long-term value.
Crown longevity varies based on material, location in the mouth, your oral hygiene habits, and bite forces. On average, you can expect:
Porcelain crowns: 10-15 years with proper care, though many last significantly longer
Zirconia crowns: 15+ years due to exceptional strength and durability
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: 10-15 years, similar to all-porcelain options
Gold crowns: 15-30 years, representing the most durable option
Dr. Akhikar has seen well-maintained crowns last 20-25 years or more. “The key is treating your crown like a natural tooth, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and avoiding habits that could damage it,” he advises.
Several elements influence how long your crown will serve you:
Oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings prevent decay around crown margins and maintain gum health.
Bite forces: Grinding or clenching (bruxism) can crack crowns. A nightguard protects against this damage.
Diet choices: Avoiding hard foods, ice, and using teeth as tools prevents chips and fractures.
Regular dental visits: Professional examinations catch potential issues early, and cleanings remove plaque and tartar around crown margins.
Crown material: Some materials naturally resist wear and fracture better than others.
When considering whether crowns are worth the investment, look beyond simple lifespan. Dental crowns provide:
Tooth preservation: Crowns save teeth that would otherwise require extraction, avoiding the need for more extensive and costly tooth replacement.
Function restoration: You regain full chewing ability without pain or sensitivity, allowing you to enjoy all foods comfortably.
Aesthetic improvement: Natural-looking crowns restore your smile confidence, positively impacting personal and professional interactions.
Prevention of complications: Protecting damaged teeth prevents fractures that might extend below the gumline and helps avoid infection and abscess formation.
Long-term cost effectiveness: While the initial investment might seem significant, crowns often cost less over time than repeated repairs or eventual tooth loss requiring implants or bridges.
Proper care ensures your dental crown or bridge serves you well for many years. Follow these expert recommendations from Dr. Akhikar and the Glance Dental team.
Managing sensitivity: Some sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal for a few days after crown placement. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage any discomfort, and sensitivity should gradually decrease over 1-2 weeks.
Eating and drinking: Avoid very hot foods and beverages for the first 24 hours. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth initially, and stick to softer foods for the first few days while you adjust.
Temporary crown caution: If you have a temporary crown while awaiting your permanent restoration, avoid sticky foods like caramel or gum, hard foods that might dislodge the temporary, and flossing by pulling upward (instead, slide floss out from the side).
Daily oral hygiene: Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the crown-tooth margin where they meet. Floss daily around crowns and under bridges using regular floss, floss threaders for bridges, or water flossers for hard-to-reach areas.
Protect against grinding: If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a custom nightguard to protect both your crown and natural teeth from excessive forces.
Dietary considerations: While crowns are strong, avoid chewing ice or hard candies, opening packages with your teeth, biting directly into tough foods, and excessive consumption of staining beverages if you have porcelain crowns.
Regular dental visits: Schedule professional cleanings and examinations every six months to allow Dr. Akhikar to monitor your crown’s condition, catch issues early, remove plaque and tartar from around the margins, and ensure your bite remains properly aligned.
Contact Glance Dental if you experience:
“Most crown problems are easily addressed if caught early,” Dr. Akhikar emphasizes. “Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem; reach out to our team at the first sign of concern.”
At Glance Dental, restorative dentistry goes beyond simply fixing teeth; it’s about transforming lives. Dr. Joseph Akhikar and his team understand that damaged or missing teeth affect far more than oral health. They impact your confidence, relationships, career opportunities, and overall quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, extensive decay, or gaps from missing teeth, modern dental crowns and bridges offer robust solutions that restore both function and beauty. With advanced materials, cutting-edge technology, and Dr. Akhikar’s skilled, gentle touch, you can achieve the healthy, complete smile you deserve.
Don’t let damaged or missing teeth hold you back any longer. The team at Glance Dental is ready to help you explore your options and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, timeline, and budget.
Restore your confidence and smile beautifully again. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Joseph Akhikar at Glance Dental today!
During your visit, you’ll receive a comprehensive examination, clear explanations of all treatment options, a transparent discussion of timeline and investment, and answers to all your questions in a comfortable, pressure-free environment.
Your journey to a restored, confident smile begins with a single call. Contact Glance Dental now and discover how dental crowns, bridges, or implants can transform your life one beautiful smile at a time.