Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges in VA

What Does a Tooth Filling Do?

When decay attacks a tooth, it leaves a hole in it. Left alone, the hole will get larger, weaken the tooth, and become more painful. When filling a tooth, your dentist will remove the decay and then fill the cavity with a material, most commonly composite or amalgam, so your tooth is strong again. The material also keeps food particles and bacteria from being trapped in the cavity.

What Are Bridges and Crowns?

Tooth crowns are dental caps for teeth, covering them on all sides. They cover misshapen, discolored, or damaged teeth. They also serve as a support for bridges. Dental bridges are one or more teeth that replace lost teeth. The bridge is made from artificial teeth anchored to adjoining teeth that have a crown on them. Sometimes implants support bridges.

What Types of Dentists Provide These Restorative Services?

Your neighborhood dentist in VA is the ideal person to see if you are unhappy with your smile or your teeth. You can ask all the questions you want, and learn more about how we can help you. Your being happy with your smile and having good dental health is always our goal. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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

You’ll receive an estimate from our dentist in VA first. Your cost will depend on the materials you choose for your restoration, how much work is involved, and whether you have dental insurance that will cover part of the cost. Your dental bridge cost also depends on how many missing teeth you need to replace.

What Material Does a Dental Filling Come In?

There are white composite materials that are not obvious. While they are not as strong and long-lasting as a metal filling, many people choose them for teeth that are visible when they smile. If aesthetics are important, you can choose porcelain dental fillings or even gold ones. Gold alloy crowns are also ideal for molars as they are very strong and durable. Your dentist in VA can help you make your choice. Call today to make an appointment to learn more.

What Are the Different Types of Crowns for Teeth?

Crowns come in a range of materials. There are porcelain ones that look very natural. However, they are not as strong as other materials, but they are ideal for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are stronger, and ideal for teeth that receive more chewing pressure. You can also get stainless steel or gold crowns, which are very strong, for molars. Some individuals like a gold tooth crown for a front tooth as a fashion statement.

What Are the Different Types of Bridges?

A traditional tooth bridge consists of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) held in your mouth by the adjacent teeth that have crowns on them. There is also a cantilever bridge that only needs one tooth to attach to. A cantilever bridge only works on front teeth. Bridges are permanent restorations and can only be removed by a dentist. Your dental bridge cost will depend on the type of bridge you select. Talk to your dentist about removable partial dentures if you want an alternative to a bridge, which is permanent.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Tooth Crown?

First, your dentist will prepare your tooth for a crown. This may involve putting in a tooth filling if the tooth has a large cavity. Next, your dentist will file the tooth down, so the crown will fit over it and not stand out from your other teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and nearby teeth so your crown will look natural. You may receive a temporary crown to wear. Finally, the crown will come back from the lab. After taking off the temporary crown, your dentist will insure the custom one fits perfectly before cementing it into place. When talking to your dentist, make sure your total dental crown cost includes these steps.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Bridge?

First, your dentist will have to prepare the tooth or teeth that will anchor the bridge. The teeth will have crowns on them, so the procedure is the same as above. Next, a custom bridge will have to be manufactured by a dental lab. You may be able to get a temporary bridge to wear. Once the permeant bridge is complete, your dentist will install it and you’ll be good to go. The permanent bridge isn't removable.

Don’t let missing or damaged teeth ruin your smile or quality of life. Also, see your dentist for regular exams. It's often your general dentist who notices you need dental fillings. Call our dentist in VA today for an appointment to learn more about your options.