A damaged tooth doesn’t have to mean living with pain or avoiding certain foods. And a missing tooth doesn’t have to stay missing. Dental crowns and bridges are reliable, time-tested solutions, and Dr. Craig Stout places them regularly at Family First Dental in Rexburg. The goal is always the same: a result that looks natural and holds up for years.
A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over your entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Once it’s in place, the tooth functions completely normally. You eat, speak, and smile the same way you always did.
You’re probably looking at a crown if:
A dental bridge closes the gap where a tooth is missing. It works by using the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, with a custom replacement tooth — called a pontic — suspended between them. The result is a full row of teeth, with no implant surgery involved.
A bridge might be the right call if:
Both typically take two appointments, and most patients are surprised by how manageable the process is.
Dr. Stout prepares the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel so the crown fits correctly. He takes a precise digital impression of your teeth. A temporary crown or bridge goes in while your permanent restoration is being custom-made — usually about one to two weeks.
The temporary comes off. Dr. Stout checks the fit, bite alignment, and color match of your permanent restoration. When everything looks right, it’s permanently bonded in place. And you’re done.
We use high-quality porcelain and ceramic materials matched to the natural shade of your surrounding teeth. Today’s crowns don’t have the giveaway metal edge at the gumline that older versions had. Most people who get a crown tell us nobody notices it’s there.
With proper care, crowns and bridges typically last 10 to 15 years, and often longer. A few things help maximize their lifespan:
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown and bridge costs — typically 50% after your deductible. A single crown at Family First Dental generally runs $1,000 to $1,700 depending on the material and complexity. A three-unit bridge typically falls in the $2,500 to $5,000 range. We offer payment plans through WellCredit and Cherry for whatever the insurance doesn’t cover.
Not sure what your plan covers? Call (208) 400-9946 and we’ll go over it with you before you ever book an appointment.
Our friendly team at Family First Dental is here to help! Contact our office in Rexburg today and let us take care of your dental health.