Cracked teeth, worn-down molars, and gaps from missing teeth are problems that affect more than just your appearance. They make eating uncomfortable, change how you speak, and can lead to bigger dental issues down the road. Dr. Jin Song Yom, DDS, has spent over 16 years helping patients in San Diego reclaim full, functional smiles through honest, personalized care. At Smile Roots Dental, crowns and bridges are placed with precision and a genuine understanding of what each patient actually needs. No unnecessary add-ons, no guesswork, just reliable restorations done right.
Crowns and Bridges
The Oral Health Risks of Leaving a Damaged Tooth Untreated
A damaged or missing tooth rarely stays a contained problem. When a tooth is cracked, decayed beyond a basic filling, or gone entirely, the surrounding teeth begin to shift to fill the gap. Over time, this misalignment changes your bite, puts uneven pressure on healthy teeth, and can lead to jaw pain, gum disease, and additional tooth loss.
Crowns and bridges directly address these risks before they compound. A crown seals and strengthens a compromised tooth, stopping decay from spreading and protecting the root underneath. A bridge holds the space left by a missing tooth, keeping neighboring teeth in their correct positions. Together, they are not just cosmetic solutions. They are protective measures that preserve the structure and function of your entire mouth.
Restorations We Offer at Smile Roots Dental
Every patient’s situation is different, which is why the team at Smile Roots Dental offers a comprehensive range of crown and bridge solutions. Here is a closer look at each restoration and what it is designed to do.
Crowns
A dental crown covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth from all sides, restoring both its function and its look. Crowns are often recommended after a root canal, to repair a cracked tooth, or to protect a tooth with a large filling that can no longer hold on its own. Each crown is custom-made to match the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth for a natural, seamless result.
Bridges
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using crowns on the neighboring teeth as anchors to support an artificial tooth in the gap. Bridges restore your ability to chew comfortably, keep surrounding teeth from shifting, and help maintain the natural shape of your face. They are a reliable, non-surgical option for patients who want to address tooth loss without implants.
Implant Crowns
An implant crown is placed on top of a dental implant post that has been surgically inserted into the jawbone, creating a permanent, root-to-crown restoration. This option closely mimics the feel and function of a natural tooth and does not rely on adjacent teeth for support. Implant crowns are an excellent long-term solution for single missing teeth, especially when surrounding teeth are healthy.
Build-Ups
A build-up is used to reconstruct a tooth that has too much damage or decay to support a crown on its own. During this process, composite material is added to strengthen what remains of the tooth structure, creating a stable foundation for the crown that will be placed on top. Build-ups are a necessary step in many crown procedures and help ensure the restoration fits correctly and lasts as long as possible.
Temporary Restorations
Temporary restorations protect your prepared tooth while your permanent crown or bridge is being crafted at the lab. They keep the area comfortable, prevent sensitivity, and maintain the aesthetics of your smile between appointments. Though they are not meant to be permanent, temporary restorations are an important part of the process and are placed with the same attention to detail as your final restoration.
A Closer Look at How Crowns and Bridges Are Done Here
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first visit is a thorough evaluation with no assumptions and no rushing straight to treatment. Dr. Jin Song Yom reviews your dental history, examines the affected tooth, and takes X-rays to get a complete picture of what is going on beneath the surface. You will leave this appointment with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and honest answers to every question you bring in.
Building a Plan Around Your Specific Needs
Once the evaluation is complete, your treatment plan is built around your tooth’s condition, your bite, and what you want out of the restoration. Dr. Yom walks you through every recommendation and explains why each step is necessary, not just what will be done, but why it makes sense for your specific situation. Nothing moves forward until you are fully informed and comfortable with the plan.
The Day Your Crown or Bridge Gets Placed
On the day of your procedure, the tooth is carefully shaped to prepare it for the restoration, and precise impressions are taken to ensure an accurate fit. A temporary restoration is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown or bridge is being crafted at the dental lab. Dr. Yom works with efficiency and a careful hand throughout, keeping discomfort to a minimum at every stage.
How to Care for Your Crown or Bridge After Your Appointment
Once your permanent restoration is in place, you will get clear, practical guidance on how to care for it, including how to floss around a bridge, what foods to be mindful of in the first few days, and how to spot early signs that something needs attention. Good habits after the procedure directly affect how long your crown or bridge holds up. The team is always available if questions come up between visits.
Checking In After Your Restoration Is Placed
A follow-up visit is scheduled to confirm that your crown or bridge is fitting correctly, your bite feels balanced, and the surrounding tissue has healed well. This appointment also gives you the chance to flag any lingering sensitivity or discomfort before it becomes a bigger issue. Small adjustments made early make a real difference in the long-term comfort and performance of your restoration.
Why Choose Us
What sets Smile Roots Dental apart is not just the quality of the restorations. It is the way care is delivered. Dr. Yom has spent over 16 years building a reputation on honesty, precision, and genuine respect for every patient who sits in her chair. She will always tell you what you actually need, never what generates the highest bill. She also routinely encourages patients to seek second opinions because she is that confident in her diagnoses, and patients consistently come back.
The team that Dr. Yom has built around her shares that same philosophy. Every staff member is genuinely invested in both the practice and the patients, creating an environment that feels supportive and unhurried from the moment you walk in. When you choose Smile Roots Dental for your crowns and bridges, you are choosing a practice where your long-term oral health matters more than any single procedure, and where you will always leave knowing exactly what was done and why.
FAQs
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth completely, restoring its shape, strength, and function. It is one of the most common restorations in dentistry, used after root canals, to repair cracked teeth, and to protect teeth that can no longer support large fillings. Crowns are permanently cemented in place and function just like a natural tooth.
How much does a dental crown cost?
Dental crown costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,800 per tooth without insurance, depending on the material used and the complexity of the case. Dental insurance plans often cover a portion of the cost when the crown is deemed medically necessary. During your consultation, you will receive a clear, itemized breakdown of what your treatment involves so there are no surprises when it comes to cost.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and many hold up well beyond that. Their longevity depends on the material, your oral hygiene routine, and habits like grinding your teeth at night. Regular dental checkups and consistent brushing and flossing are the most reliable ways to extend the life of your crown.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth between crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. It restores your ability to chew comfortably, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the gap, and supports the natural shape of your face. Bridges are a proven, non-surgical alternative to implants for patients dealing with tooth loss.
How much does a dental bridge cost?
A traditional three-unit dental bridge generally ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 without insurance, depending on the materials used and how many teeth are being replaced. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of bridge treatment when it is considered medically necessary. Your dentist will walk you through a full cost estimate before any treatment begins, so you know exactly what to expect.
Is a dental bridge permanent?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is cemented in place and is not removed like dentures. With proper care, most bridges last between 10 and 15 years before needing replacement. Cleaning underneath the bridge regularly with a floss threader or water flosser is the single most important habit for keeping it in good condition long-term.
The Right Restoration Changes More Than Your Teeth!
Damaged and missing teeth affect more than just how your mouth feels. They change what you eat, how you speak, and how comfortable you are in your own skin. Dr. Jin Song Yom, DDS, approaches every crown and bridge case with the same precision and honesty she has built her entire career on. At Smile Roots Dental, you get a restoration that is made for your mouth, explained every step of the way, and built to hold up for years. If you are ready to take the next step, the number to get started is 619.304.5000.
