Fillings, Crowns & Bridges

What Are Dental Fillings?

When you have a cavity, it is because decay has eaten a hole in your tooth. After administering a local anesthetic, your dentist will remove the decay and fill the cavity with the material of your choice.

What Are Dental Bridges and Dental Caps?

Bridges replace one or more adjacent missing teeth and contain crowns on each end with artificial teeth in between. The two surrounding teeth support the bridge, which is why the teeth will have crowns on them to provide additional strength. Crowns, which look like natural teeth, completely cover a tooth needing support. People call crowns caps because they fit over a tooth like a cap.

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

People usually see their family or general dentist for restorations. A general dentist performs routine exams and will find cavities when they are small. Catching cavities early can help eliminate needing crowns or bridges in the future. Call our office if you don’t already have a general dentist and we’ll help you maintain your oral health by catching problems early on or get your dental health back on track with restorations.

How Much Will a Bridge, Tooth Crown, or Tooth Filling Cost?

We calculate your dental bridge cost by the materials used and the number of artificial teeth in the bridge. We also figure your dental crown cost on the type of crown you choose. The cost for your filling depends primarily on the filling material. Please call us for an appointment and your dentist will discuss your predicted costs beforehand. If you are getting a gold crown or filling, gold’s fluctuating price will affect your cost. If you have dental insurance coverage, we can help you estimate your out-of-pocket expense.

Which Tooth Filling Material Do Dentists Recommend?

Dentists don’t recommend the same filling material for everyone. Our dentist will consider your cosmetic concerns, your budget and the tooth’ location and condition. The two most popular filling materials are amalgam and composite resin. Amalgam fillings are made from various metals; they are strong, long-lasting and suitable for any size cavity. Composite resin fillings are tooth-colored, but they are not as long lasting. Gold and porcelain tooth filling materials are also options. If you call for an appointment, your dentist will help you with your selection.

Why Crown Materials Look the Most Lifelike?

If you’re looking for the most beautiful, lifelike crowns for your front teeth, all porcelain crowns are ideal for you. If you’ll chew with the teeth with crowns on them, consider porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Crowns made from a gold alloy (pure gold is too soft) are the most durable and long-lasting. They are ideal for molars and they don’t cause wear on the opposing teeth. Resin crowns are also an economical option, although they are not as strong as other crowns. If you call our office and request a consultation, your dentist will go over your options in detail. Let your dentist know if you have any metal allergies.

What Is the Most Common Type of Bridge?

Traditional fixed bridges are the most common solution for missing teeth. There are two crowns which go over the adjacent teeth to the gap left by one or more missing teeth and pontics, or artificial teeth, in between the crowns. If you only have one tooth to hold the bridge, your dentist will suggest a cantilever bridge or an implant-supported bridge.

How Does Getting a Crown Work?

Getting a tooth crown put on requires two office visits. During your first visit, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth for the lab crafting your crown. This way, the crown will look like your natural tooth. He or she will then remove some of your tooth enamel so the crown will fit over your tooth. You’ll have a temporary crown to wear until your permanent crown is ready. Once you return, your dentist will take off the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place.

How Does Getting a Bridge Work?

Having a tooth bridge put on also requires two visits to our office. You’ll come in for your first visit and your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so the lab can craft a realistic-looking bridge. He or she will also prepare the teeth for crowns and send you home with a temporary appliance. In about two weeks, you’ll return to receive your permanent bridge. Your dentist will explain how to clean under your bridge with a dental floss threader.