Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Media

What Are Tooth Fillings?

A tooth filling is usually made out of porcelain, gold or some other sort of material. They are a commonly performed dental procedure that repairs a decayed tooth by returning it to its regular shape and function. In order to place your filling, your dentist will remove the decayed material from your tooth. Your tooth will then be cleaned. Afterwards, the dentist will fill the cavity with one of the above materials to ensure that your tooth is fully protected against any further damage or decay.

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and dental bridges are both attached to the teeth using a form of high-bond cement. Due to this, only your dentist can remove prosthetic dental devices. Crowns for teeth are also known as dental caps. They are called this because they fit over the entire tooth like a cap. Bridges are usually utilized when a patient has one or more missing teeth. They are made by using a row of pontic teeth that are attached to abutment teeth on either side. Tooth bridges are commonly supported by dental implants.

Who Can I See for Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

Your regular dentist can provide you with tooth filling, tooth crown and tooth bridge services. Before these procedures are performed, your dentist will give you an initial examination to determine exactly what needs to be done. Once a treatment plan has been decided on, you will have the opportunity to speak with our team about the types of dental insurance we accept, as well as how you can afford to pay for your treatment.

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

If you are like many of our patients, you are most likely concerned over what your crown, bridge or tooth filling cost will be. It is important that you understand that these are custom treatments. This means that the amount you will pay will be determined by factors such as your dental insurance, the type of treatment needed, the materials utilized in the treatment process and the location where the device will be placed. Our practice always provides our patients with a full estimate of costs. If you have any further questions about what your filling, crown or dental crown cost will be, give us a call.

Are There Different Types of Dental Fillings?

There is an array of different materials used to create tooth fillings. The most commonly utilized substances include tooth-colored composite, gold, porcelain or silver amalgam. Many of the substances used in the filling process are made to look just like your natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell that you have a filling in your tooth. No matter what type of substance is chosen to fill your cavity, you can rest assured that our dentists will be there with you to help you make the right decision for your needs.

What Kinds of Crowns Are Available?

Our patients are often surprised to learn that there are a number of materials for them to choose from when it comes to getting a tooth crown. The most commonly used materials are gold alloys, ceramic and porcelain-fused-to-metal. If you are in need of a front tooth restoration, your dentist will probably recommend a substance like ceramic. If you need a back tooth restoration, he or she will most likely suggest that you use a gold crown.

Are There Different Kinds of Bridges?

Just as there are different types of fillings and crowns available, there are also different tooth bridges to choose from. A traditional bridge involves the dentist making a crown for an implant or tooth on either side of the area impacted with pontics placed in between. A cantilever bridge is used when adjacent teeth are present on one side of the area that is impacted. In most cases, cantilever bridges aren’t recommended for the back of the mouth.

What Is the Procedure for Getting a Crown?

Having a crown placed is a relatively simple procedure that consists of three steps. The first step is when your dentist works to re-shape and prepare the tooth. The second step consists of your dentist preparing a mold of your tooth so that your final crown will be a perfect fit. While your final crown is being made, you will need to wear a temporary crown on the tooth. The third step is when you go back to the dentist and have your permanent crown placed over the tooth. Each portion of the process takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Getting a Tooth Bridge: What to Expect

It will probably take two visits to the dentist for your tooth bridge to be placed. The first visit will be when your dentist takes a mold of your teeth to ensure that the new bridge will fit properly. During this visit, the dentist will also prepare the abutment teeth by taking off a thin layer of enamel from them. You will then have to wait for your permanent bridge to be made. During this time period, you will wear a temporary bridge. Your second visit will be when your dentist places your final bridge and adjusts it so that it comfortable.