Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Northeast Philadelphia

What Are Dental Fillings?

A dental filling is a type of treatment for decayed teeth. It consists of a dentist using a material like gold, porcelain or some other substance to return the tooth back to its proper shape and function. During the process of filling the tooth, your dentist will first take out the decaying material, then clean the tooth. Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, the filling will be placed. The purpose of a filling is to protect the tooth from further decay.

What Is a Dental Crown and Bridge?

Both dental bridges and crowns for teeth are prosthetic devices used frequently in dentistry. A dental bridge is utilized in cases where a person is missing one or more teeth. Bridges are designed with a row of pontic teeth that are attached in between abutment teeth. They are often supported with the use of dental implants. Crowns, also known as “dental caps,” are placed entirely over a damaged tooth. Both of these prosthetic dental devices are attached firmly to the teeth with high-bond cement.

What Kind of Dentist Does Tooth Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

If you are in need of a filling, crown or bridge, all you have to do is make an appointment with a regular dentist. Your local dentist will perform an initial exam on your mouth. From there, he or she will determine what kind of restorative treatment option is the best option for you. At our practice, you will always have the chance to ask about payment methods and dental insurance coverage.

How Much Does a Filling, Bridge or Crown Cost?

You’re probably wondering how much your treatment will cost. Your bill will be totaled according to your dental insurance coverage, the type of materials used, the location of the tooth and many other factors. Before you have any dental work done, our office will provide you with an estimate of your tooth filling cost, dental bridge cost or dental crown cost.

Are There Different Materials for Fillings?

If you are in need of a tooth filling, you are probably wondering what kind of materials may be used to complete your procedure. There are several different types of fillings available. Many of them are able to blend in naturally with your teeth. The most commonly used kinds of materials for fillings include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam and tooth-colored composite. A dentist will be able to help you in determining what the best kind of filling is for you and your teeth.

What Types of Crowns Are There?

Crowns are also available in several different materials. Ceramic is a material commonly utilized in the restoration of front teeth. Due to its strength, gold is frequently used when back teeth need to be restored. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are another popular material.

How Many Types of Bridges Are Available?

Our dentists provide our patients with many types of different bridges to meet just about anyone’s dental health needs. If you have adjacent teeth on only one side of the affected area, your dentist may recommend that you receive a cantilever bridge. These are typically not used in the back of the mouth. A traditional bridge will require the dentist to fabricate a crown for either an implant or a tooth on both sides of the affected area. Pontics are then placed in between that area.

What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?

Most patients are able to receive a tooth crown in just two visits to their dentist. At your first visit, your tooth will be shaped and prepared for the crown. An impression of your tooth will be made so that the crown will fit over it perfectly. You will then be given a temporary crown to wear until the permanent one is made. At your second visit, your dentist will put the permanent crown on your tooth. Each part of the procedure for a crown takes 30 minutes to an hour for your dentist to complete.

What Will Happen During My Procedure for a Bridge?

Just like the procedure for a crown placement, your tooth bridge will most likely only take two visits to complete. The first visit will be when the dentist prepares the adjoining teeth by removing just a small portion of the enamel of the teeth. Impressions will then be made of your teeth. These impressions will be used as a model for your bridge and crowns. You will wear a temporary bridge until the permanent one has been made. The second visit will be when the permanent bridge is placed.

Call our office for more information about how you can make an appointment for a crown, filling or bridge today.