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Do you have teeth damaged by decay or trauma? Our dentist may suggest a filling or a crown to restore your tooth. He or she can also install a tooth bridge if you are missing a tooth. Contact our office to make an appointment if you would like to learn more about your options.
What Are Tooth Fillings?
When dentists treat cavities, they remove the decay and then fill the space with a material to return the tooth to its original shape. Fillings restore the tooth’s strength and prevent further damage by filling the hole to keep plaque out. Unfortunately, cavities are very common. Over 90 percent of individuals over the age of 20 have at least one filling in their mouth.
What Are Teeth Crowns and Dental Bridges?
A tooth crown covers a damaged tooth. People call crowns for teeth dental caps because they “cap” a tooth, covering it on all sides. Dentists also use crowns to strengthen teeth that will support a bridge and to top an implant. Bridges are made with artificial teeth that fill the gap where you are missing a tooth. There is a crown on each end of the bridge, which goes over the teeth at each side of the gap. Dentists cement both crowns and bridges in your mouth, so you cannot remove them. If you practice good dental hygiene, crowns and bridges will last a long time.
Where Can I Find a Dentist for Fillings, Crowns or Bridges?
We offer a wide range of restorative dental services, so our office today to schedule an examination. Your dentist will go over your options with you if you have a cavity, a damaged or unsightly tooth or you’ve lost a tooth.
What Does a Crown, Bridge or Tooth Filling Cost?
Your cost for a tooth filling depends on the material you select. Your dental crown cost depends on the crown material and the tooth preparation required. We will calculate your dental bridge cost based on the material selected, the type of bridge you need and the number of teeth the bridge replaces. After an examination, your dentist will talk to you about your options and will estimate your total cost. If you have a dental insurance plan, we can let you know your expected co-pay.
What Are the Materials I Can Choose from for a Tooth Filling?
Silver amalgam, which is a mixture of metals, is still popular because it’s strong, economical and long-lasting. Composite fillings, or white fillings, are not nearly as noticeable, since they can closely match the color of your tooth for a natural-looking smile. Your other options include porcelain fillings which are even more natural looking than composite resin, and gold, which is the most durable material. Both porcelain and gold fillings are made in a dental lab so they require two appointments.
What Kinds of Crowns Can I Choose from?
Porcelain crowns have the best natural color. They are ideal for front teeth, but not strong enough to cap molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are perfect for front or back teeth. They are nearly as lifelike as all-porcelain crowns. Gold alloy crowns are very durable; however, most patients only want a gold crown to cap a molar where it won’t show. Our dentist can help you choose the best crown for you.
What Types of Bridges Do Dentists Offer?
The most common type of bridge is the traditional fixed bridge with two crowns to fortify the anchoring teeth and a false tooth or teeth, called pontics, in between to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge if there is only one tooth available for support. We don’t recommend cantilever bridges to replace a back tooth. There are also implant-supported bridges which don’t need support from natural teeth. Call our office for an appointment if you’re considering a bridge and our dentist will go over your options with you.
What Happens When I Get a Tooth Crown?
Dental crowns cover a tooth, so the dentist will remove some of your tooth’s enamel to enable the crown to fit snugly. Your dentist will make an impression of your tooth so the lab can create your crown to match the size and shape of your tooth. Your dentist will give you a temporary crown to wear to protect the vulnerable tooth until your permanent crown is ready. When your crown is ready, you’ll return to our office and your dentist will take the temporary crown off and place your new, custom crown on your tooth.
What Happens When I Get a Tooth Bridge?
Traditional bridges rely on the support of the teeth on either side of the gap created by a missing tooth. These are the abutment teeth and your dentist will have to shape them because they will have crowns on them. Your bridge will have one or two artificial teeth and a crown on each end. Once your dentist prepares the abutment teeth, he or she will take an impression so the dental lab can create your bridge. You will receive a temporary bridge to wear to protect the abutment teeth. On your second visit, your dentist will take off the temporary bridge and replace it with your permanent bridge. Once your dentist is sure it fits properly, they will cement it in place.
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