Fillings, Crowns & Bridges

What Is a Tooth Filling?

Dentists use dental fillings to fill cavities caused by decay. After discussing filling materials, your dentist will remove decay from the cavity and then fill the hole with the material you chose. He or she will shape the material to match the tooth’s previous surface so the filling won’t affect your bite. Without fillings, decay would quickly form in the cavity again.

What Are Crowns for Teeth and Dental Bridges?

Crowns are caps which cover a broken, fractured or weakened tooth. Depending on the materials used, they often resemble natural teeth. Dental implants can also sit on top of an implant to replace a missing tooth. Traditional bridges replace missing teeth with artificial teeth held in place by crowns covering the adjoining teeth. Implants can also hold bridges in place. Both crowns and bridges are indirect restorations because they are fabricated in a dental lab and require two dental visits.

Where Can I Find a Dentist to Place a Filling, Crown, or Tooth Bridge?

General dentists usually place restorations. Call us for an appointment for an examination. Your general dentist will talk to you about any restorations you may need and answer your questions.

How Much Will a Dentist Charge for a Filling, Crown, or Bridge?

Your tooth filling cost depends on the tooth’s condition and the filling material you choose. Your dental crown cost depends on the type of crown you select and your dental bridge cost will also depend on the material, type of bridge, and the number of teeth you need to replace. If you call our office for an appointment, one of our dentists can assess your needs and go over your expected cost with you. Your dental insurance coverage will also affect your cost.

What’s the Difference Between Tooth Filling Materials?

Amalgam (silver fillings) and composite resin (white fillings) are the two most popular choices, although gold and porcelain fillings are also options. Your dentist will help you decide which filling material is best for you, considering the size of the cavity, the tooth’s location in your mouth, your budget and your cosmetic concerns.

What’s the Best Material for a Crown?

All porcelain dental caps look the most natural; they are ideal for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are long lasting and durable. They are nearly as aesthetically pleasing as all porcelain crowns. Gold and metal alloy crowns are the strongest crowns, but not as aesthetically pleasing for front teeth. They are ideal for molars because they can withstand strong chewing forces. If you need a tooth
crown, please call our office for a consultation. Your dentist will help you make the best choice in your case after considering the affected tooth’s location, your cosmetic concerns, and your budget.

Are There Different Types of Bridges?

Dentists suggest traditional bridges when there are two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth are abutment teeth and the bridge will contain crowns on either end for the abutment teeth. If there is only one healthy tooth, your dentist will suggest a cantilever bridge if your missing tooth is in the front of your mouth. Otherwise, your dentist will recommend an implant-supported bridge. If you would like to replace a missing tooth, or several teeth, with a bridge, please call our office to schedule a consultation.

What Happens When a Dentist Places a Tooth Crown?

It will take two appointments to get a crown. On the first appointment, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth for the dental lab that will fabricate your permanent crown. You’ll also choose a shade for your crown which matches your other teeth. Next, your dentist will have to reduce your tooth slightly to accommodate the crown. He or she will place a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until your next appointment when your dentist places your permanent crown. Then, you will be asked to bite down to make sure the crown won’t affect your bite.

What Happens When a Dentist Places a Tooth Bridge?

During your appointment, your dentist will create an impression of your existing teeth so the dental lab can fabricate a bridge that will blend in. Next, your dentist has to prepare the abutment teeth by filing them down to accommodate a crown. You’ll wear a temporary bridge until your second appointment, when you’ll receive your permanent bridge. After ensuring it fits comfortably, your dentist will cement your new bridge in place and show you how to keep it clean.