Fillings, Crowns & Bridges

When Would I Need a Tooth Filling?

Tooth filling procedures treat cavities caused by decay. The decay eats a hole, or cavity, in the tooth enamel. Your dentist will remove the decay and use either a metal or composite material to fill the cavity and restore the tooth. If you believe you have a cavity, please call our office and schedule an appointment.

Is There a Difference Between Tooth Crowns and Dental Bridges?

Dental caps, or crowns, completely cover a broken, damaged or discolored tooth. The crown fits over your tooth, which your dentist has to reduce slightly to create space for the crown. After having a root canal, a tooth will need a crown because the tooth is weaker and may shatter without a crown. Crowns are also used on each end of a dental bridge, which replaces one or two missing teeth, to give the teeth holding the bridge extra strength.

What Type of Dentist Offers Restorations?

General dentists offer restorations, such as fillings, bridges and crowns to restore your tooth’s health, function and appearance. If you have a damaged tooth or you need to replace missing teeth, contact our office and request an appointment.

What Will My Filling, Crown, Or Dental Bridge Cost?

Your individual tooth filling cost will depend on the tooth’s condition and the filling material you select. Your dental crown cost depends on the material you select, just like your cost for a tooth bridge. The number of teeth the bridge contains will also affect your cost. After performing an examination and determining your preferences, your dentist can tell you what each procedure will cost. If you have dental insurance, please bring your information with you so we can adjust your fee accordingly.

What Materials Can I Select for Dental Fillings?

You can still get amalgam (silver-colored) fillings. They are strong, long-lasting and safe, although not aesthetically pleasing. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, so they are an ideal choice for fillings which would be visible in the mouth. Composite resin fillings don’t last as long as amalgam fillings. You can also speak to your dentist about porcelain or gold fillings. He or she will help you decide which filling material is best in your situation.

Which Tooth Crown Material Is Strongest?

A gold alloy crown is the strongest, and most expensive, option. If a gold crown fits in your budget, it is ideal for withstanding the chewing force put on molars. If you want strength and durability, but a natural look, ask your dentist about a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown. Porcelain crowns for teeth are the most aesthetically pleasing; patients often select all porcelain crowns for front teeth. If you need a crown, one of our dentists will go over your options in detail with you.

What Types of Bridges Are Available to Replace Missing Teeth?

There are traditional and cantilever bridges, plus implant-supported bridges. A traditional bridge consists of one or two pontics (artificial teeth) with a crown on each end, which fit over the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge if you only have one tooth to hold the bridge. Implant-supported bridges don’t rely on adjacent for support, so there are no crowns on either end of the bridge.

What Are the Steps Involved in Getting a Tooth Crown?

There are only a few steps involved in getting a crown, although the process takes two appointments. First, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth so the laboratory can fabricate a crown which blends in well. Your dentist numbs the tooth and files it down slightly so the crown can fit over it. You’ll receive a temporary crown to wear until your permanent one is ready. You’ll return and your dentist will make certain the crown fits well before permanently adhering it to your tooth.

What Are the Steps Involved in Getting a Tooth Bridge?

It takes two dental appointments to get a conventional fixed bridge. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth for the lab crafting your custom bridge. You’ll also choose the tooth shade at this time. Next, your dentist numbs the area and shapes the two teeth on either side of the gap, the abutment teeth. You may have a temporary bridge to wear until your custom bridge is ready. In about two weeks, you’ll return and your dentist will permanently place your custom-made bridge.