Fillings, Crowns & Bridges

What Are Fillings?

When your dentist says you have a cavity, it means decay has eaten a hole in your tooth. Your dentist will remove the decay and fill the cavity with a tooth filling, which will restore the tooth’s shape, strength and appearance. If you are noticing intermittent pain and tooth sensitivity, or you see a brown or black spot on your tooth, call our office to schedule an exam. You may need a tooth filling to keep the decay from spreading and reaching the tooth’s root.

What Are Bridges and Crowns for Teeth?

A tooth bridge can replace a lost tooth. Bridges use crowns to reinforce the teeth that support the bridge. Crowns are prosthetic teeth custom made to resemble natural teeth. They cover a broken, damaged or weakened tooth to reinforce it or correct its appearance. Both are permanent restorations, meaning only a dentist can remove them. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

Which Type of Dentist Has Expertise in Dental Fillings, Crowns and Dental Bridges?
General dentists like ours have extensive experience with fillings, crowns and bridges. During your exam, our dentist may suggest that you need restorations to restore your oral health.

What Is the Typical Filling, Crown or Dental Bridge Cost?

Typically, your tooth filling cost depends mainly on the extent of the decay and the filling material you select. Your dental crown cost also depends on the type you choose and how much tooth preparation your dentist needs to do. We estimate the cost of your bridge on the type, the material used in its construction and the number of artificial teeth the bridge contains. During your exam, your dentist will give you an estimate of the cost of your restoration. If you have dental insurance, we can help you estimate your out-of-pocket costs.

Which Filling Material Will the Dentist Use for My Cavity?

Your dentist will ask you which type of filling you prefer and recommend the material that’s right for you. He or she may suggest a silver amalgam filling for a molar because of its strength. You can also choose a composite filling, also called a white filling. Your dentist can tint the composite material to match your tooth color. There are also gold alloy and porcelain fillings, also called onlays. Porcelain has the same transparency as tooth enamel, so it’s ideal if you don’t want people to know you have fillings. A gold alloy filling has great strength and will last a very long time so it’s often used for molars.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Caps?

An all-porcelain tooth crown is a popular choice for a front tooth restoration because of its beauty. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns also look natural, and the metal gives the crown extra strength so they can be used on any tooth. Gold crowns, which also contain other metals, are strong and durable; your dentist may suggest a gold crown for a back molar restoration. Call us for an appointment and our dentist will help you decide on the best crown for your unique situation.

What Are the Different Types of Bridges for Teeth?

The most common bridges are traditional bridges consisting of crowns for the two abutment teeth and one or more artificial teeth between them, called pontics. If there is only one tooth available to support the bridge, your dentist will likely recommend a cantilever bridge, which is the same as a traditional bridge except it only uses one tooth for support. He or she may also suggest an implant-supported bridge. Call us for an appointment and your dentist will go over your options with you, including the cost of each type of bridge.

What Happens During the Tooth Crown Procedure?

It takes two visits to get a crown. On the first visit to our office, your dentist will numb your tooth and gum and reduce the size of the tooth slightly to accommodate the crown. Next, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth so a lab can create a custom crown for you. You’ll also get a temporary crown to wear to protect the teeth getting crowns. On your subsequent visit, your dentist will take the temporary crown off and fit your permanent crown. Once your dentist is sure the crown fits properly, he or she will cement it in place.

What Happens During the Tooth Bridge Procedure?

To get a bridge, you’ll need to come in for at least two dental visits. If you get a traditional bridge, your dentist will prepare the adjoining, or abutment, teeth for crowns and then make an impression of your teeth for the lab that will be making your bridge. Since the abutment teeth are vulnerable, you’ll receive a temporary bridge to wear until your next appointment. When your bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary appliance and fit your new bridge. You’ll also learn how to take care of your new bridge so it will last as long as possible.