Crowns & Bridges


A crown is a custom-made covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials. Crowns may be needed if you have had endodontic treatment, weakened or fractured a tooth, need a dental implant restored, or have misshapen or discolored teeth.

The treatment plan for a patient receiving a crown involves:

  • Numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it.
  • Re-sculpturing the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown.

This process generally consists of two visits over a three- to four-week period. Once the procedure is completed, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums and crowns. This helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.


A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease. Bridges also safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

There are three main types of bridges, namely:


Getting bridges usually requires two to three office visits. Your teeth will be prepared to receive the bridge by removing some outer portion of the teeth, providing necessary space for the crown. Impressions will then be taken and a model created so that a custom bridge can be fabricated for your exact needs. Once the bridge is fabricated, another appointment may be needed to actually try the bridge in your mouth to see if any adjustments are needed. At the last appointment the bridge is cemented  in place, returning your smile to pristine form and function again.

Kandy S. Sayrs, D.D.S., P.C.

  • Kandy S. Sayrs, DDS - 1865 N. Henderson St., Suite 9, Galesburg, IL 61401 Phone: 309-342-4144 Fax: 309-344-1637
