Dental Crowns & Bridges in Chickasaw, AL
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Worried a crown will look fake? It shouldn’t. At North Bay Dental, Dr. Jeremy Hardy replaces damaged enamel with beautiful, durable porcelain, so you still look like yourself, just better. And if you are missing a tooth, a dental bridge can fill the gap with a natural-looking replacement.
Maybe a tooth cracked, an old filling gave out, or another dentist said you need a crown and you want a second opinion. You are welcome here. We will explain what we see and let you decide.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers the visible part of a damaged tooth. Dr. Hardy explains it simply: we remove the damaged enamel and replace it with beautiful, durable porcelain. The crown holds the tooth together so you can chew with confidence again.
Porcelain crowns are Dr. Hardy’s favorite work: “Restoring a beautiful, healthy smile to someone who has been embarrassed by their teeth is a game changer.”
When Does a Tooth Need a Crown?
A crown is often the right choice when:
- A tooth is cracked or a piece has broken off
- A large old filling has failed and there is not enough healthy tooth left to hold a new one
- A back tooth has had a root canal and needs protection
- A tooth is badly worn down
Sometimes a crown is not the answer, and if a filling will do the job, we will tell you. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Our job is to lay out what we see and what your options are, then let you decide what makes sense for you and your family.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a natural-looking replacement held in place by crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Once bonded, it stays put.
A bridge is not the only option. Depending on your situation, an implant or a partial denture may make more sense, and we will walk you through the trade-offs of each.
Will My Crown Look Natural?
Many patients worry a new crown will look “fake.” Dr. Hardy matches each crown to the teeth around it, so you still look like yourself, just better. Your friends and family should be able to tell something is different, but not put their finger on exactly what changed.
What Getting a Crown or Bridge Looks Like at North Bay Dental
Good dentistry can take more than one visit, and we will be upfront about your timeline.
At your first visit, we numb the area, gently shape the tooth (or the teeth beside the gap, for a bridge), and take a digital scan instead of goopy impressions. You leave with a temporary that protects the tooth.
At your second visit, we check the fit, color, and bite, then bond your crown or bridge in place.
The scanner gives us a better fit and a shorter turnaround, which means less time in a temporary. As Dr. Hardy puts it, everyone loves that part.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
With good care, crowns and bridges commonly last many years. Brush twice a day, floss around your crown and under your bridge, keep up with checkups, and avoid chewing ice. If you grind at night, ask us whether a night guard could help.
Crown and Bridge Cost, Insurance & Financing
Cost depends on the tooth, the number of teeth involved, and whether extra work is needed first. We go over your plan and costs before anything begins, so there are no surprises.
We accept most insurance plans and are happy to help you check your benefits. No insurance? Ask about our membership plan, or use Sunbit to split your bill into monthly payments.
Meet Dr. Jeremy Hardy
Patients tell us Dr. Hardy’s calm, laid-back manner helps them relax, even if they have always been nervous. He earned his biology degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, his DMD at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry, and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in 2006. He has cared for patients in Mobile and Baldwin counties since 2010 and lives in Fairhope with his family.
His approach in the chair is simple: everyone wants to be heard and made to feel valued.
Dental Crown & Bridge FAQs
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
We fully numb the tooth first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity for a short time afterward is normal. If you are nervous, tell us. We will go at your pace, and you can ask about nitrous oxide.
Do I really need a crown, or would a filling work?
It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. If a filling can do the job, Dr. Hardy will tell you. A crown makes sense when a tooth is cracked, badly broken down, or too weak to hold a filling. Second opinions are always welcome here.
Will my crown look fake?
It should not. Dr. Hardy matches your crown to the teeth around it so you still look like yourself, just better. Your friends and family should be able to tell something is different, but not be able to put their finger on exactly what changed.
How many visits does a crown or bridge take?
Most crowns and bridges take two visits: one to prepare the tooth, scan it, and place a temporary, and one to check the fit and bond your permanent restoration. Our digital scanner helps shorten the wait in between.
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown covers and protects a damaged tooth you still have. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching a natural-looking replacement to crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap.
Does insurance cover crowns and bridges?
Many dental plans include some coverage for crowns and bridges. We accept most insurance plans, can help you check your benefits, and also offer a membership plan and Sunbit.
Have Questions About a Tooth? Come Talk With Us.
Whether you need a crown, want to replace a missing tooth, or just want an honest second opinion, we will walk you through your options. We are in the people business, not the tooth business, and we care for patients from Chickasaw, Mobile, Saraland, and Prichard.
North Bay Dental · 457 N Craft Hwy, Chickasaw, AL 36611 · Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.