Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Deptford

What Is a Tooth Filling?

A dental filling is a substance that is used to repair a decayed tooth. Fillings bring the tooth back to its normal function and shape. The process for having a filling placed starts off with the dentist taking the decayed material out of the tooth. The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned before the dentist places the filling inside of it. Tooth fillings are most often made out of porcelain, gold or other kinds of materials. The filling serves the purpose of protecting your tooth from becoming further damaged or decayed.

What Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Do?

Dental bridges and crowns are prosthetic devices that are utilized within dentistry. These devices are attached permanently to your teeth via the use of high-bond cement and may only be taken off by your dentist. Crowns are placed over the entire tooth. This is why they are also called “dental caps.” Bridges are typically used in cases when a patient is missing one or more teeth. They are comprised of a row of pontic teeth, which are then attached to abutment teeth on each side. Tooth bridges sometimes utilize dental implants to help support the bridge itself.

Do I Need to See a Special Kind of Dentist for a Filling, Crown or Bridge?

Any local dentist can perform the procedures required for a tooth filling, dental bridge or tooth crown. Before any procedure is performed, your dentist will need to thoroughly examine your mouth so that he or she can determine what the best treatment option is for you and your unique dental health needs. You will be provided with an estimate of your costs. You will also be able to ask questions about dental insurance or how to pay for your treatment.

How Much Does a Filling, Dental Bridge or Dental Crown Cost?

Fillings, bridges and crowns are customized dental treatments and appliances. Due to this, the amount that you will pay will vary depending on the materials used to restore your tooth, the number of teeth needing to be treated, the location of the device and your dental insurance. If you have questions about the tooth filling cost, dental bridge cost or dental cap cost, contact our office today.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Fillings?

Did you know that fillings come in a variety of materials? Many types of tooth fillings are made to look just like your natural teeth. Some of the materials used to fill cavities in the teeth include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam and tooth-colored composite. Our dentists will be able to assist you in figuring out which type will best meet your needs.

What Types of Crowns Are Available?

Dental crowns are also available in several different kinds of materials. The most commonly utilized materials are ceramic, gold alloys and porcelain fused to metal. Front teeth that are in need of restoration are often given ceramic crowns, while back teeth are often given gold crowns.

What Are the Different Kinds of Bridges?

We provide our patients with several different types of tooth bridges to choose from. A traditional tooth bridge usually involves making a crown for an implant or tooth on either side of the impacted area, and then putting pontics in between. Cantilever bridges are another type of bridge that are most often utilized when there are neighboring teeth on only one side of the affected area. Our dentists do not recommend that cantilever bridges be used in the back of the mouth.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Tooth Crown?

The process for receiving a dental crown consists of three steps. During your initial visit, your dentist will work to shape and prepare the affected tooth for the placement of the crown. An impression of your tooth will be taken so that a custom-fitted crown can be made. You will then be given a temporary crown that you will wear until you come in for your next visit. This second visit is when the permanent crown is placed. Each portion of your procedure should take between 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

What Will Happen During My Tooth Bridge Procedure?

The dental bridge procedure typically consists of two separate appointments at our office. Your first visit will be comprised of our dentist preparing the abutment teeth by taking out a small part of the enamel of your teeth. A mold will then be taken of your teeth so that your bridge will be custom-fitted. A temporary bridge will be placed. Once your custom-fitted bridge has been made, you will return to the dentist a second time. This is when your final bridge will be placed and fitted. Contact our office for more information about what the bridge procedure consists of.