Fillings, crowns, & bridges in Florida

What Are Fillings for Cavities?

Dental fillings are restorations for teeth with cavities. The filling material, typically metal, composite or gold, reinforces the tooth and keeps bacteria from accumulating in the hole where a toothbrush can’t reach. If you have tooth pain or sensitivity, you may have a cavity. Please call our office to schedule an exam.

What Are Crowns and Bridges for Teeth?

Crowns cap a tooth which is why some individuals refer to them as dental caps. Crowns cover teeth with very large fillings or teeth which have undergone a root canal to provide strength. Dentists also use crowns for cosmetic purposes. Bridges replace missing teeth with a fixed appliance supported by adjacent teeth or implants.

Where Can I Find a Dentist Near Me Offering Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

One of our general dentists can help you if you have a cavity and need a tooth filling, you need a crown for a fragile or broken tooth, or if you want to replace a missing tooth with a bridge. Please call our dental office to arrange an appointment.

What’s the Typical Tooth Filling Cost or Cost for a Crown or Bridge?

We base your cost for a filling on the filling material you choose. An amalgam filling will cost less than a tooth-colored composite filling. We base your dental crown cost on the crown type you select and whether your dentist has to prepare the tooth for the crown. We base your dental bridge cost on the number of artificial teeth the crown contains and the crown material. Please call our office to make an appointment with one of our dentists, who can review your needs and then explain your expected costs. If you have dental insurance coverage, this will also affect your cost.

What Is the Best Type of Tooth Filling?

Amalgam, or silver-colored fillings, are still popular because they are strong and long-lasting. They are also your most affordable option. Composite fillings are also popular because your dentist can match the composite to the color of your tooth. Composite fillings work best in small to moderately sized cavities. Gold and porcelain fillings are also available. Your dentist will go over the advantages and disadvantages of each material before filling your cavity so you can make an informed choice.

What Kinds of Crowns for Teeth Will a Dentist Recommend?

Your dentist will help you select a tooth crown for your unique needs. All porcelain crowns are a realistic option; they are ideal for front teeth, but too fragile for molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns perfectly combine strength and attractiveness. Gold crowns are the strongest; your dentist may suggest a gold crown for a molar as it will last the longest of any crown.

What Types of Dental Bridges Can a Dentist Place?

Conventional bridges have one or more artificial teeth and a crown on each end for the teeth which will hold the bridge. Your dentist will recommend a conventional bridge if you have a healthy tooth on each side of the gap where you are missing a tooth. If you only have one healthy tooth to support a bridge, your dentist will recommend a cantilever bridge or an implant-supported bridge, which does not use adjoining teeth for support. There are also Maryland bridges, which are bonded to the back of adjoining teeth, although a maryland bridge isn’t as strong as other types of bridges. Your dentist will only recommend a maryland bridge only for front teeth.

Is Getting a Crown Painful?

During your first appointment, your dentist will make an impression for the lab so they can create a custom crown. When your dentist reduces your tooth to accommodate the crown, you’ll have local anesthesia, so the procedure is not painful. Afterward, your dentist will provide a temporary crown. When you go home, you may feel slight discomfort, but this will pass quickly. On your second visit, there is no discomfort at all. Your dentist removes the temporary crown and places your permanent tooth crown to check the fit. Once he or she verifies the permanent crown fits correctly, your dentist will permanently bond it to the tooth.

Is Getting a Bridge Painful?

During your initial visit, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth which will get crowns so you won’t feel any pain. He or she will trim and reshape the teeth so the crowns will fit over them and cover the teeth with temporary crowns. Next, your dentist will take an impression for the dental lab which will fabricate your crown. On your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and place your dental bridge. He or she will check your bite and make sure the bridge fits well before permanently cementing the bridge in place.

If you’re considering replacing missing teeth with a tooth bridge, contact us to request an appointment with one of our dentists. He or she will explain how you can smile confidently once again in as few as two appointments.