Fillings, Crowns & Bridges

What Is a Filling for a Tooth?

When you don’t remove plaque accumulation from your teeth regularly, the bacteria causes decay and a cavity forms. To make the tooth healthy again, your dentist will remove the decay and will fill the cavity with a metal or composite resin tooth filling to prevent further damage to the tooth.

What Is a Tooth Crown and a Tooth Bridge?

A crown is a restoration which completely covers a tooth damaged by an injury or decay, or weakened by a root canal. Crowns can also cover a severely discolored tooth. A bridge fills in the gap left by missing teeth. Dental bridges use crowns on each end to cover the teeth which will anchor the bridge. If restoring a damaged tooth or replacing a missing one interests you, please call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

What Type of Dentist Should I See for a Filling, Tooth Crown, or Bridge?

General dentists, who are usually a patient’s primary dental care provider, usually offer all types of restorations because they can offer timely treatment. If you feel you may have a cavity, or you want to speak with a dentist about other types of restorations, please call us to schedule an appointment.

What Can I Expect to Pay for a Filling, Crown, or Bridge?

Crowns and bridges are custom restorations; your dental crown cost and your dental bridge cost will depend on the material selected. You cost for a bridge will also depend on the number of artificial teeth in the bridge. We base your tooth filling cost on the filling material selected and the tooth’s condition. If you have dental insurance coverage, this will affect your total cost. If you call us to make an appointment, your dentist can explain the cost of your restoration after examining your mouth and discussing your options with you.

What Factors Determine the Best Tooth Filling Material for Me?

The size of the cavity, the tooth’s location, your cosmetic concerns and your budget affect the filling material your dentist recommends. For example, composite resin fillings are aesthetically pleasing; however, they are not suitable for large cavities. Metal fillings are the most economical option, but most patients don’t want a metal filling in a front tooth.

What Types of Crowns Are the Strongest?

If strength is your only criteria, gold alloy crowns are the strongest and most durable. They are made up of about 60 percent gold; the rest is other metals. Most patients would prefer to have a different material if they need a front tooth restored. Full porcelain dental caps are the most beautiful, many patients request all porcelain crowns for front teeth, but they are not as durable and are not suitable for molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are nearly as durable as gold and almost as lifelike as full porcelain crowns. Their only disadvantage is that the metal may show if your gums recede. As dentistry constantly changes, there may be newer options, which your dentist will explain during your consultation.

What Are Types of Bridges Are Available for Replacing Missing Teeth?

A fixed, conventional tooth bridge has a crown on each end and one or two artificial teeth in between the crowns. The crowns are for the abutment teeth, which will hold the crown. If you only have one healthy tooth to use as an abutment tooth, your dentist will suggest a cantilever bridge, which is ideal for front teeth, but not back teeth. You can also have an implant-supported bridge. If you are missing a tooth, call our office and request a consultation. Your dentist will help you select the best tooth replacement option in your situation.

How Many Visits Will It Take to Get a Crown Placed?

Crowns for teeth are a two-visit procedure. During your first appointment, your dentist will create a mold for your teeth for the dental lab and then prepare your tooth for the crown by shaping it. Next, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to protect the tooth. On your next visit, your dentist will replace the temporary crown with your custom crown.

How Many Visits Will it Take to Get a Bridge Placed?

You’ll need two appointments to have a bridge placed. On your first visit, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth for the dental lab and shape the adjoining teeth for crowns. You’ll have a temporary bridge to wear until your next appointment, where you will get your permanent bridge.