Restorative dentistry repairs or replaces damaged and missing teeth. A crown caps and protects a weakened tooth, a bridge fills a gap using neighboring teeth or implants, and dentures replace several or all teeth. Dr. Hap V. Nguyen also plans full mouth reconstructions that combine these treatments.
Dental crowns
A crown covers a tooth that is cracked, heavily filled, worn down or treated with a root canal. Modern all-ceramic crowns are strong and closely match the color of your natural teeth.
Dental bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth to crowns on the neighboring teeth — or to dental implants for a solution that doesn’t involve the adjacent teeth.
Full and partial dentures
Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance. Partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain; full dentures replace an entire arch. For more stability, dentures can snap onto dental implants.
Full mouth reconstruction
When many teeth are worn, broken or missing, a full mouth reconstruction brings together crowns, bridges, implants and other treatments in one coordinated plan to restore comfort, function and appearance.
| Option | Removable? | Affects nearby teeth? |
|---|---|---|
| Implant crown | No | No |
| Traditional bridge | No | Yes — neighbors are crowned |
| Partial denture | Yes | Clasps rest on neighbors |
| Implant-supported denture | Snap-on or fixed | No |
What to expect, step by step
- Exam and imaging to evaluate damaged or missing teeth.
- A treatment plan comparing your options, timelines and costs.
- Tooth preparation and impressions or digital scans; temporaries as needed.
- Placement and fine-tuning of your final restoration.
We accept most dental insurance, including many Medicare Advantage dental plans, and offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry plus in-office payment plans. See payment options →
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental crown last?
Crowns commonly last 10 to 15 years or longer with good hygiene, regular checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth.
Is a bridge or an implant better?
Implants don’t require altering neighboring teeth and help preserve jawbone, so they are often the preferred long-term option. Bridges can be quicker and may suit patients who aren’t implant candidates. Dr. Nguyen will compare both for your situation.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Most people adjust to new dentures within a few weeks. Some soreness and extra saliva at first is normal; we make adjustments to improve comfort.