Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Alpharetta

What’s the Purpose of a Tooth Filling?

Dentists use dental fillings to repair teeth damaged by decay. Once your dentist removes the decayed material, you can select a tooth filling material to return the tooth’s functionality, prevent further damage, and restore the tooth’s appearance. Dentists also use composite resin fillings to repair small cracks and chips.

What Do Crowns for Teeth and Dental Bridges Do?

A tooth crown is a covering for a tooth that hides cosmetic flaws or provides structural support. Bridges are an affordable solution for a missing tooth with an artificial tooth held in place by crowns. Crowns and bridges are indirect restorations made by dental labs from impressions your dentist supplies.

What Type of Dentist Should I Look for If I Need a Crown or Bridge?

General dentists routinely fill cavities and provide their patients with crowns or bridges. We would like to help you restore your oral health and your smile; please call our office to schedule an appointment.

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

We base your tooth filling cost on the tooth’s location and the filling material your dentist uses. Your crown and dental bridge cost will vary as these are custom-made restorations. Your dental insurance coverage will affect your final cost. Please call our office for an appointment. Once your dentist determines your needs and goes over your options, he or she can estimate your fee. If you have concerns about your payment options, call our office and talk to a member of our staff.

What Material Do Dentists Use to Fill Teeth?

Dentists still use safe, long-lasting amalgam fillings, although patients usually prefer tooth-colored composite fillings if they have a cavity in a front tooth. Your dentist can also order gold and porcelain fillings from a dental lab; these indirect fillings are significantly more expensive than amalgam or composite resin fillings.

What Is the Best Material for Dental Caps?

There’s no best material for everyone. Your dentist will make suggestions, such as a gold alloy crown for a molar exerting heavy chewing force. Your dentist will consider your cosmetic concerns, budget and the tooth’s location before recommending a metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal or all-porcelain crown. Call our office if you need a crown and one of our dentists can help you choose the right crown in your case.

Are There Different Types of Tooth Bridges?

Most people who get a tooth bridge get a conventional bridge with a crown on each end for the abutment teeth and one or two artificial teeth to replace missing teeth. If you only have one tooth to use as an abutment tooth, your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge. A cantilever can only replace one tooth, and not a molar. Your dentist may also talk to you about an implant-supported bridge, which does not use neighboring teeth to support the appliance.

What’s the Process for Getting a Tooth Crown?

You’ll arrive for your first appoint and your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. You’ll select a shade for your crown, unless you are getting a gold crown. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and remove some enamel from your tooth so your crown can fit over it. Your dentist will take another impression and fit you with a temporary crown. In about two weeks, you’ll return and your dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place.

What’s the Process for Getting a Tooth Bridge?

The process for getting a bridge is the same as the process for getting a crown, except your dentist will prepare two teeth for crowns, instead of one. The impressions and getting a temporary appliance to wear are also the same as with a crown procedure. When you return for your permanent bridge, your dentist may suggest you wear the bridge for a week or so to ensure it fits well before swapping the temporary cement for permanent cement. If you’re considering a bridge, please call our office and request a consultation.