Strong, natural-looking restorations from dentists who still have patients looking great decades later.
Crowns and Bridges That Last
When a crown is the right call
A crown also called a cap covers a tooth that is too compromised for a filling to hold. That includes teeth with large fractures, deep decay, or teeth that have already had a root canal.
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Both restore strength and shape, and both should disappear when you smile.
What the appointment is actually like
We numb the tooth, isolate it with a rubber dam to keep the field clean and dry, and shape it carefully. Then we capture the impression with a digital scanner no gagging trays, no goop.
You get a temporary that day, and your final crown or bridge is bonded in at a follow-up visit. Most patients tell us it was easier than they expected.
Built right and watched over for years
We use all-ceramic, zirconia, gold, or porcelain-fused-to-metal depending on which tooth, your bite, and how you grind. Whatever we place, we look at it again every cleaning.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cover that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth and restores its shape, size, and strength. At Tatum Dentistry, we use all-digital scanning instead of impressions, isolate the tooth with a rubber dam during preparation, and choose materials based on your bite and your tooth so the crown looks natural and holds up.
How much does a crown cost in Charleston, SC?
Crown cost depends on the material, the tooth, and your case. We will give you a clear price before treatment starts and send paperwork to your insurance company as a courtesy.
Do crowns hurt?
The crown appointment uses local anesthesia, and we offer nitrous oxide in every room if it helps you settle in. Most patients describe the prep visit as easier than a filling.
You may feel some sensitivity in the days after; that fades as the tooth settles. If anything feels off, call us we will see you and make it right.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Plan on two visits, usually two to three weeks apart. The first visit is the prep and a temporary crown.
The second visit is when we bond your final crown in and fine-tune the bite. The whole process takes less time than most people expect.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good home care and regular cleanings, crowns and bridges commonly last 15 to 20 years or longer. We have placed crowns here that have held up for more than 25 years. The lifespan depends on materials, your bite, and how well the gums around them are cared for.What is a bridge and how is it different from an implant?
A bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching crowns to the teeth on either side. An implant replaces the missing tooth with a titanium root and a crown. Both have their place. We do not place implants here, but we do restore them — see Implant Restoration.
Why do you use a rubber dam?
A rubber dam is a thin sheet that isolates the tooth we are working on, keeping it clean and dry. It improves the bond, protects the rest of your mouth, and is one of the small standards that separates careful restorative work from rushed work. We use one on every crown prep here.
Will my crown match my other teeth?
Yes. We choose shade, shape, and translucency to match the teeth around it. If you are also planning whitening, we usually whiten first so the crown can be matched to your brighter shade. Otherwise, your crown blends right in.
Discover Fun Dental Tips & Tricks!
From Our Blog We write about smile makeovers we have done, what to expect from veneers, why whitening should come first, and how to know which option fits your goals.
