Dental Crowns in Chicago
Precision-crafted crowns and bridges at Big City Dental — no putty trays, no guesswork, just results that look and feel natural.
CROWNS & BRIDGEWORK
If you have a tooth that is cracked, severely decayed, or missing altogether, the right restorative solution can make a significant difference in your daily life. At Big City Dental in Lakeview, Chicago, Dr. Nilay uses advanced digital impressions and high-quality materials to create crowns and bridges that restore full function and blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
What Are Crowns and Bridges: A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge uses two crowns anchored to adjacent teeth to replace one or more missing teeth in between. Both are permanent, fixed restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Why Patients Choose Crowns and Bridges
Restore Full Chewing Function
A damaged or missing tooth affects the way you eat, speak, and distribute bite pressure across your jaw. A crown or bridge restores normal function so you can chew comfortably and confidently.
Protect Weakened Teeth
A tooth with a large cavity, a crack, or a failed filling is at serious risk of fracture. A crown covers and reinforces the entire tooth, preventing the kind of damage that leads to extraction.
Natural-Looking Results
Modern crown materials are designed to match the color, translucency, and texture of your surrounding teeth. Most patients cannot tell the difference between their crown and their natural teeth.
No Uncomfortable Impressions
Big City Dental uses Trios 3D digital impressions instead of traditional putty trays. The process is faster, more comfortable, and more precise — which means a better-fitting restoration on the first try.
Prevent Bone Loss and Shifting
Missing teeth left untreated cause the surrounding teeth to shift and the underlying bone to deteriorate over time. A bridge fills the gap and helps maintain the structure of your bite.
The Crown and Bridge Process
Step 1 — Exam and Treatment Planning
Dr. Nilay will examine the tooth, take digital X-rays, and review your CBCT imaging if needed to assess the health of the surrounding bone and tissue. He will explain your options clearly and answer any questions before moving forward.
Step 2 — Tooth Preparation
For a crown, Dr. Nilay will reshape the tooth to create a secure foundation. For a bridge, the two anchor teeth on either side of the gap are prepared in the same way. Local anesthetic ensures the procedure is comfortable throughout.
Step 3 — Digital Impressions
Using Trios 3D digital scanning, Dr. Nilay captures a precise model of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. No messy putty, no gagging, no waiting for impressions to set.
Step 4 — Temporary Restoration
A temporary crown or bridge is placed while your permanent restoration is being fabricated by our dental lab. Most patients wear their temporary comfortably for two to three weeks.
Step 5 — Placement and Final Fitting
Once your permanent crown or bridge arrives, Dr. Nilay will check the fit, color, and bite before cementing it in place. Minor adjustments are made at the appointment to ensure a perfect result.
Common Questions
FAQ's
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Bridges have a similar lifespan. Regular cleanings, good home hygiene, and avoiding habits like grinding help extend the life of any restoration.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity around the tooth is normal for a few days afterward and resolves on its own.
Is a crown better than a filling for a damaged tooth?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Large cavities or cracked teeth that involve more than half the tooth structure are generally better served by a crown. Dr. Nilay will give you an honest recommendation based on what he finds during your exam.
Can I use a dental implant instead of a bridge?
In many cases, yes. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root as well as the visible crown, making it the most durable long-term solution for a missing tooth. Dr. Nilay will walk you through both options so you can make the best decision for your specific situation.
Happy Patients
What Our Patients Say
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
4.8 out of 5 on Google160+ reviews
I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
Tom T.Google review · I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
Elli B.Google review · Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
Megan L.Google review · Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
Patrick L.Google review · I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.
mark D.Google review · Big City Dental is by far the best Dental Office that l have ever been to. The front office staff is very friendly and efficient. Ashley, the hygienist was excellent! The cleaning that I received was very thorough and comprehensive. Ashley took time to answer all my questions and reassured me regarding all my dental concerns. Ashley was the best hygienist that I have ever seen!
Amy D.Google review · I’m always nervous going to the dentist because I don’t always take good care of myself. Serena and Racquel helped me feel welcome, Will be coming back soon for another visit!
amazinggurl4lifeGoogle review · I highly recommend, Racquel & Sarina made me feel welcomed! They explained everything I needed to know with kindness & compassion. They were both so patient and helped easy my anxiety.The office was nice & very clean. I highly recommend this office.
Venus R.Google review · I highly recommend Big City Dental! The office is very clean & lovely. The staff is professional and kind. Racquel & Sarina made my experience pleasant. They set the energy of the office with quality care & compassion. Thank You!
Sophia R.Google review · I had such a wonderful experience with Raquel and Serena. They were incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. Their calming personalities and friendly attitudes made the entire visit so much more comfortable. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt at ease throughout the appointment. You can truly tell they care about their patients. Thank you, Raquel and Serena, for providing such exceptional care—your teamwork and positivity make all the difference! 🌟🦷
Jeanine P.Google review · Amazing establishment shout out Raquel for the amazing service
Bridget W.Google review · It feels good to come to a dental establishment that you can trust, Raquel went above and beyond to make my experience great. Thank you 🙏🏻
Kyle W.Google review ·
A selection of recent 4 and 5 star Google reviews. The rating reflects all reviews.
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Big City Dental on Southport Ave is accepting new patients. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or ready to transform your smile, Dr. Nilay and the team are here to make it easy!