At a glance
Who it is for
What happens
Visits and time
Cost
Learn what crowns and bridges are used for, how treatment is planned and what to ask about costs and follow-up.
Overview
A crown covers a prepared tooth to restore its shape and function. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using support from adjacent teeth or implants. The design depends on the condition of the mouth, not only the appearance of the gap.
At Tokyo Expat Dental, we assess the remaining tooth, gums and bite, and discuss ongoing care before recommending a crown or bridge. Digital tooth scans are available where suitable for the planned work.
Reasons to seek care
You may need an assessment for a fractured or heavily filled tooth, a worn restoration, a tooth requiring protection after root canal treatment, or a missing tooth affecting function or appearance.
An old crown does not always need replacement simply because of its age. We review its fit, supporting tooth and symptoms before discussing replacement.
What care involves
The examination looks at the supporting teeth and tissues, the available space and the forces on the restoration. We explain the material and design options that fit your situation, their limitations and the need for tooth preparation.
A scan or a mould of your teeth helps the dental laboratory make the crown or bridge. A temporary crown or bridge may be needed while it is being made. At the fitting appointment, your dentist checks the fit, bite and appearance before placing it.
Care process
Assess and plan
Your dentist explains the problem, the tooth’s outlook, material options and the cost of the complete restoration.
Prepare and record
Your dentist prepares the tooth or supporting teeth where required and takes the appropriate records.
Fit the crown or bridge
Your dentist checks the fit and bite and discusses the appearance with you before placing the crown or bridge.
Maintain and review
We explain how to clean around a crown or underneath a bridge and plan appropriate reviews with you.
A crown or bridge may require several visits, including time for the dental laboratory to make it. Please confirm the treatment schedule before making travel plans.
Why patients choose Tokyo Expat Dental
Explained in English
Care planned with you
Instrument hygiene
Easy to reach
Risks and limitations
Tooth preparation removes natural tissue and is generally irreversible. Possible problems include sensitivity, decay at restoration margins, gum irritation, loosening, chipping or fracture. A supporting tooth may later need root canal treatment or may not remain suitable for the restoration.
Colour matching and lifespan vary. Cleaning a bridge requires attention beneath the replacement tooth as well as around the supports.
Alternatives
Depending on the tooth, alternatives may include a filling, an inlay or onlay, monitoring or extraction. For a gap, options may include an implant, removable denture, bridge or no replacement after discussion of the consequences. We consider the least extensive suitable option alongside the alternatives.
Fees and treatment time
We will explain the suitable options and provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before treatment begins.
Monolithic zirconia crown: ¥179,900 per tooth
Multilayer zirconia crown: ¥229,900 per tooth
IPS e.max inlay: ¥109,900 per tooth
Zirconia inlay: ¥109,900 per tooth
Bridge fees are quoted for your individual treatment plan. Your estimate will explain the materials, stages and any other dental work needed.
Diagnostic imaging and other examinations may incur additional charges unless expressly included in a treatment package. Local anaesthesia, when used, is ¥9,900. Your estimate will confirm which items apply to your care.
All prices are in Japanese yen (JPY) and include 10% consumption tax. Fees may vary with case complexity and individual requirements.
In Tokyo for a short time?
Tell us your travel dates when you book so we can discuss what fits your stay and whether further appointments will be needed. We provide reports to support international insurance claims; cover depends on your policy.
After your visit
Follow the care and review instructions your dentist gives you. Please contact the clinic if you have a question or your symptoms change.
For difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 119 for an ambulance. Seek urgent care from a service that is open rather than waiting for an online reply.
Related treatments
Tooth-coloured fillings
Repair holes in teeth (cavities) and small areas of damage. We explain the filling material and other options.
Dental implants
Replacement teeth held by dental implants, including Osstem and Straumann options.
Dentures
Removable replacement teeth: fit, appearance, daily care and other options for missing teeth.