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Restore Your Smile's Strength, Beauty, and Confidence.

Dental Crowns & Bridges in Reno, NV — Futch Dental

A damaged, weakened, or missing tooth can affect far more than your appearance—it can change the way you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. At Futch Dental, we create custom dental crowns and bridges designed to restore your tooth's full strength, function, and natural beauty. With more than 35 years of experience and a reputation as Reno's Best Dentist, Dr. Futch and our team deliver lasting restorations you can trust.

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Sample case representation of porcelain crowns

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its original shape, strength, and appearance. Rather than removing the tooth entirely, a crown preserves the healthy root structure beneath it while replacing the compromised surface above the gumline. Think of it like repairing the roof without tearing down the foundation—a crown protects what's healthy beneath while restoring full function and appearance on top. Above, is a sample case representation of porcelain crowns.

Today's crowns are crafted from advanced, tooth-colored materials—including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and metal alloys—and are carefully matched to the shade, shape, and contour of your surrounding teeth. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and seamless a well-made crown truly is.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The anchor teeth—called abutments—are fitted with crowns, and a lifelike replacement tooth (or teeth), called a pontic, is suspended between them. The entire unit is cemented permanently in place, so it looks and functions like your natural teeth.

Bridges do more than fill a visible gap. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift out of position, leading to bite problems, jaw discomfort, and further tooth loss over time. A bridge holds everything in alignment, preserves your bite, and restores your ability to chew and speak comfortably. Dr. Futch evaluates each patient's unique situation to determine whether a bridge is the ideal solution and ensures a precise, comfortable fit that blends naturally with the rest of your smile.

Photo representative of a dental bridge

Signs You May Need a Dental Crown

If you're experiencing any of the following, a dental crown may be the right solution to protect your tooth and restore comfortable function:

If any of this sound familiar, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Dr. Futch will evaluate your tooth thoroughly and walk you through your options so you can make a confident, informed decision about your care.

The Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect

Getting a dental crown is a straightforward process, and Dr. Futch takes a careful, personalized approach at every stage to make sure your restoration fits beautifully and feels completely natural.

Step 1: Consultation & Examination

Your crown journey begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Futch will examine the affected tooth, take X-rays and digital scans as needed, and review your dental and medical history. Together, you'll discuss whether a crown is the best option, what materials are available, and what to expect throughout the process.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

Once you're ready to move forward, we'll gently numb the area for your comfort. Dr. Futch then carefully reshapes the tooth, removing just enough structure to allow the crown to fit securely over it. If the tooth has significant damage, he may build up a portion of the core to create a stable foundation for the crown.

Step 3: Digital Scan & Temporary Crown

Once the tooth is prepared, we take a precision scan with our iTero scanner that is then forwarded to our trusted dental laboratory partner where they create your custom-crafted permanent crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth, maintain your bite alignment, and keep you comfortable while the final restoration is being made.

Step 4: Final Crown Placement

When your permanent crown arrives, you'll return for a fitting appointment. Dr. Futch removes the temporary crown, carefully checks the fit, color, and shape of the new restoration, and makes any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable. Once everything is just right, the crown is permanently cemented in place—and you'll leave with a fully restored, confident smile.

Treatment examples for crowns

How Is the Right Crown Material Selected?

Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including ceramic, zirconia, porcelain, and metal-based options. Dr. Futch selects the material best suited to each tooth based on its location, strength requirements, bite forces, remaining tooth structure, and cosmetic needs.

Using decades of clinical experience, he recommends the option most likely to provide the best combination of durability, function, and appearance.

Will Getting a Crown Hurt? What About Recovery?

We understand that dental procedures can feel a little intimidating, and we want you to know that patient comfort is a genuine priority at Futch Dental. The crown procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so the treatment area is completely numb and you should feel no pain during the appointment.

After the anesthesia wears off, it's normal to experience mild sensitivity or tenderness around the treated tooth for a few days—this is temporary and typically resolves on its own. Your temporary crown will protect the tooth comfortably during the period between appointments while your permanent crown is being fabricated. Most patients return to normal eating and daily activities the same day, and by the time your final crown is placed, the tooth should feel just like any other tooth in your mouth.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

With proper care, a well-made dental crown typically lasts between 5 and 15 years—and many patients enjoy their crowns well beyond the 10-year mark. The lifespan of your crown depends on the material used, where it's located in your mouth, and how well you care for it at home.

To help your crown last as long as possible:

A dental crown is an investment in your long-term oral health, and with consistent care, that investment pays dividends for years to come.

Why Choose Futch Dental for Crowns & Bridges in Reno?

35+ Years of Trusted Experience

Dr. Futch has been restoring smiles in the Reno community for more than 35 years. That depth of experience means he has seen virtually every clinical situation and knows how to deliver a restoration that fits precisely, functions comfortably, and lasts.

Voted Best Dentist in Northern Nevada

Our patients' trust speaks for itself. Dr. Futch has been recognized as Best Dentist in Northern Nevada—a reflection of the care, quality, and personal attention that define every visit to our office.

Precision Fit and Bite Alignment

A crown that doesn't fit properly can cause discomfort, bite problems, and premature wear. Dr. Futch is meticulous about fit and alignment, taking the time to ensure every restoration feels natural from the moment it's placed.

State-of-the-Art Technology

From digital scanning and advanced imaging to the highest-quality lab materials, Futch Dental uses modern technology to deliver more accurate, more comfortable, and more predictable results.

A Warm, Welcoming Environment

We know that dental work can feel stressful, and our team goes out of its way to make you feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for at every appointment. You're never just a number here—you're a neighbor.

Dental Crown & Bridge FAQs

Does getting a dental crown hurt?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the area is completely numb during treatment. You may experience mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days afterward, but this is temporary and manageable. Most patients describe the process as far more comfortable than they expected.

How many visits does a crown take?

A traditional crown typically requires two visits. At the first appointment, Dr. Futch prepares the tooth, takes impressions, and places a temporary crown. At the second visit—usually about two weeks later—your custom permanent crown is fitted and cemented in place.

Will my crown look natural?

Absolutely. Modern crown materials like porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia are carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Dr. Futch pays close attention to shade, shape, and contour so your crown looks completely natural.

How do I care for my dental crown?

Care for it the same way you care for your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular dental checkups. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or hard candy, and if you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about a nightguard to protect both your crown and your natural teeth.

Does dental insurance cover crowns?

Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost of a dental crown when it's deemed medically necessary—such as for severe decay, a fracture, or following a root canal. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider for specific details. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and navigate the process.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown restores a single damaged tooth by capping it with a custom-made restoration. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a prosthetic tooth (pontic) to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Dr. Futch will evaluate your situation and recommend the option that best fits your needs.

How long does a dental bridge last?

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a well-made dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Keeping the supporting anchor teeth healthy is essential to the longevity of the bridge.

Ready to Restore Your Smile? Let's Talk.

Whether you need a crown to protect a damaged tooth or a bridge to replace a missing one, the experienced team at Futch Dental is here to guide you through the process with care, precision, and a personal touch. Most patients are surprised by how simple and comfortable the experience really is—and by how good their smile looks and feels afterward. Call our Reno office today at (775) 746-1177 or click below to schedule your consultation with Dr. Futch.

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