Dental Crowns and Bridges

Were it possible to help our patients maintain their healthiest smiles without having to provide restorative dental care, we would love that. We understand, however, that there will be individuals who come to our practice in need of some level of repair. Using tooth-colored, biocompatible materials for tooth restorations like crowns and bridges, we attend to both the aesthetic and oral health needs of the individual patient.

Dental crowns are restorations that may be warranted if more than half of a tooth’s structure has sustained damage. This damage may be in the form of a fracture, break, or wear and tear. The placement of a dental crown allows your dentist to preserve the natural structure that remains after a tooth has been damaged. This preservation takes place through the crown’s ability to absorb much of the force that is applied in chewing.

A crown is different from a filling, inlay, or onlay in that it is not placed inside of a tooth, but over a tooth. For years, dental crowns have been largely fabricated to have a metal base. Metal restorations are thought by many to be exceptionally strong. Though metal is a durable substance, we do not find that metal makes a suitable material for dental restorations due to its impact on oral tissues and the body as a whole. In our Clinton, MO dental office, we offer patients metal free dental crowns that restore full strength and a lovely aesthetic at the same time.

Treatment with a dental bridge differs from dental crown treatment in that a bridge is intended to replace a missing tooth rather than save a natural tooth that has been damaged. Most often, bridges are designed to be fixed, which means the appliance remains in place at all times. A fixed bridge is stabilized by the teeth on each side of the empty space. In between these two crowns lies a pontic, or artificial tooth.

Dr. Robert Sexauer and Dr. Krystal Gillis have several years of experience helping patients achieve better oral health with individualized care tailored to their needs. If you need a dental crown or wish to replace a missing tooth with a metal free dental bridge, we offer an excellent standard of care.

Contact our office at to schedule your appointment.