Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Woodstock

Are Dental Fillings Used to Fill Cavities?

A dental filling is a restoration for a tooth after your dentist removes decay. Decay can eat a hole in your tooth’s enamel, so your dentist will want to restore the tooth’s shape so you can chew normally once again.

What Are Dental Caps and Dental Bridges?

A crown, or cap, is a versatile restoration. It is custom-made to fit over a natural tooth. Crowns can hide discolored teeth, provide support for a bridge, or protect a weak tooth after a root canal procedure. A tooth bridge replaces one or two adjacent missing teeth with a fixed prosthesis attached to crowns which go over the teeth holding the bridge. Bridges improve your smile and keep your other teeth from shifting out of position.

Which Type of Dentist Offers Crowns and Bridges in Addition to Tooth Fillings?

Your family or general dentist, who knows your teeth better than anyone, is the person to see for restorative dental care. Call our office to schedule your exam today.

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

Your tooth filling cost typically depends on the filling material selected and your dental insurance coverage. Your crown and dental bridge cost also depend on the material used and other factors. If you call for an appointment, your dentist can determine your needs and go over your anticipated costs with you.

What Are the Most Common Tooth Filling Materials?

The most common filling with adults is composite resin, or white fillings. They are good for small or medium sized cavities. Silver-colored amalgam fillings are more noticeable; however, they are strong and long-lasting. You can also ask your dentist about porcelain and gold fillings.

What Are the Best Crowns for Teeth?

There is no best crown for everyone; your dentist will help you make the best choice for your unique needs. There are all porcelain crowns, which dentists often recommend for upper front teeth because of their beauty and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, which are appropriate for use anywhere in your mouth. You may be surprised to hear your dentist suggest a gold crown, but gold alloy is very strong and will last a long time. If the tooth isn’t very visible, gold is worth considering.

What Are the Types of Bridges?

There are conventional bridges which utilize a crown on each end for the abutment teeth. If there’s only one tooth to hold the bridge, your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge or an implant-supported bridge. If you call to schedule an appointment, your dentist can suggest the most appropriate tooth replacement option.

What’s the Process for Getting a Tooth Crown?

Getting a tooth crown only takes two appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic and prepare the tooth for a crown by reshaping it. Next, he or she will make an impression for the dental lab, so your crown will blend in with your natural teeth. To protect the tooth, you’ll wear a temporary crown. On your next visit, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and affix your permanent crown. If you have questions about the crown process, please call our office.

What’s the Process for Getting a Tooth Bridge?

It is not painful at all. When you come in for your first of two visits, your dentist will give you local anesthesia. He or she will have to reshape the teeth for crowns, but you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. Next, your dentist will create a mold to send to the dental lab which will create your bridge. Your dentist will send you home wearing a temporary bridge. Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to have your temporary bridge taken off. Your dentist won’t permanently cement your new bridge in place until you’re certain it is comfortable and it won’t affect your bite.