Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Johns Creek

What Is a Tooth Filling?

If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decay, but your dentist also needs to fill the hole in your tooth to prevent further decay and to restore your tooth’s shape and function. Your dentist will help you choose between your dental fillings options after taking into account your unique needs.

What Do Dental Caps and Dental Bridges Do?

Caps, or crowns for teeth, fit over an existing tooth which is severely discolored, cracked, or too fragile to stand on its own. Your dentist will shape your tooth by removing some enamel to accommodate the crown. Bridges contain an artificial tooth and crowns on each side. The crowns slip over filed down teeth on either side of the gap left by a missing tooth. The teeth with crowns on them support the bridge.

Where Can I Find a Dentist Near Me Offering Filling and Other Restorative Options?

To find a nearby general dentist offering a broad range of restorative dental care, call our friendly office and request an appointment. Your dentist will explain your options and give you the opportunity to ask questions.

What’s the Typical Filling, Crown, and Dental Bridge Cost?

Your dentist will go over your tooth filling cost when you are selecting a filling material. Your dental crown cost depends on the amount of preparation your dentist needs to do and the type of crown you select. Your cost for a bridge also depends on the material you choose and the number of artificial teeth in the bridge. Let us know when you come in if you have dental insurance, so we can help you estimate your co-pay. One of our dentists would be happy to go over the expected costs with you after examining your teeth and talking to you about your options.

How Do I Know Which Tooth Filling Material to Select?

Your dentist will explain your options, taking into account the material costs, location of the tooth, and the extent of the damage. Typically, an amalgam or silver-colored filling is the least expensive option and it can fill any size cavity because of its strength. Composite resin is a tooth-colored material which is not as long-lasting, but it is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. You can also select porcelain or gold fillings. These will require an extra visit as they are custom-made in a dental lab and then placed by your dentist.

What Are My Tooth Crown Options?

In the past, all crowns were made of a gold alloy because of its strength. Today, you don’t have to have a gold front tooth; you can get a beautiful all porcelain crown that looks just like a natural tooth. Since all porcelain crowns are not strong enough to use for back teeth, you can have porcelain-fused to-metal-crowns, which are suitable for covering any tooth in your mouth. Some patients still get gold crowns on molars because of their superior strength.

What Are My Tooth Bridge Options?

With conventional bridges, you can easily replace one or two missing teeth with an appliance containing artificial teeth and a crown on each end for the teeth which are on either side of the gap. If there’s only one tooth to hold the bridge, your dentist might suggest a cantilever bridge. Unfortunately, cantilever bridges can only replace front teeth. Ask your dentist about an implant-supported bridge, which does not rely on teeth for support.

How Will a Dentist Place My Tooth Crown?

Getting a crown isn’t painful. Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth so the dental lab can make a crown which looks just like your other teeth in size and shape. Your dentist will numb the tooth getting a crown and shape it. Afterward, you’ll have a temporary crown to wear. In about two weeks, you’ll return for your permanent crown.

How Will a Dentist Place My Tooth Bridge?

The procedure for getting a bridge is very similar to getting a crown since bridges have crowns on at least one end. Your dentist will create an impression and shape the teeth getting crowns and you’ll wear a temporary bridge until your permanent one is ready. On your second appointment, your dentist will check your bite before permanently cementing your bridge in place. If you are interested in replacing a missing tooth with a bridge, please call our office and request a consultation. You’ll learn how to clean your bridge and the surrounding teeth.