Fillings, crowns, & bridges in Florida

How Does a Tooth Filling Work?

When you get a filling, it is because a dentist has removed decay from your tooth and needs to make the tooth whole again. Without a filling, bacteria will accumulate in the cavity and cause decay to form once again and cause further damage.

What Are Dental Bridges and Crowns?

Bridges replace missing teeth with artificial teeth held between two crowns. The appliance attaches to healthy teeth on either side of the span left by a missing tooth. Crowns are caps which cover a tooth’s front sides and back, providing strength for the tooth. Crowns are also ideal for broken teeth in order to support a tooth after a root canal or to provide structural integrity for a tooth with a large cavity.

Which Type of Dentist Can Provide a Tooth Filling, Tooth Bridge or Crown?

General and family dentists offer restorative dental care such as fillings for cavities, crowns and bridges. If you have a damaged or diseased tooth or you need to replace a missing tooth, contact our office to request an appointment.

What’s the Average Cost for a Filling, Crown or Dental Bridge Cost?

Your tooth filling cost depends on the filling material selected and the condition of your tooth. Your dental crown cost will depend on the type of crown selected and whether your dentist has to build the tooth up before placing the crown. Your cost for a bridge depends on the material and the number of artificial teeth in the dental appliance. If you have dental insurance, we can help you determine your co-pay. Call our office for an appointment so one of our dentists can determine your unique needs and explain your anticipated costs.

What Filling Materials Can I Choose From?

Traditional amalgam (metal) fillings are still popular because they are strong, long-lasting and affordable. Composite resin fillings are popular because your dentist can match the color of the composite to your tooth. Composite fillings are suitable for small and medium-size cavities. Porcelain inlays and onlays are a form of filling your dentist may recommend. There are indirect fillings because a lab makes them and then your dentist places them. You can also choose gold as your filling material.

What Are the Different Materials Can I Choose From for Dental Caps?

Your dentist will go over your options for materials for crowns for teeth as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Many of our patients choose porcelain crowns for their front teeth since they are the most natural-looking as porcelain’s translucency mimics tooth enamel. There are also durable and strong porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and gold alloy crowns. Gold is the ideal crown material for molars since it is very strong and long-lasting.

Are There Different Types of Bridges?

A conventional bridge will consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) and two crowns, one for of the anchoring teeth on each side of the gap. Dentists use cantilever bridges when there is only one tooth to use as an anchor tooth. There are also implant-supported bridges which do not require crowns for anchor teeth.

What Should I Expect During a Tooth Crown Placement Procedure?

The tooth crown procedure is simple, although it involves two visits. When you come in for your first visit, you’ll receive a local anesthetic so your dentist can painlessly remove just enough of the tooth so the crown fits. Your dentist will also create an impression of your tooth for your custom crown. When you go home after your first visit, you’ll have a temporary crown to protect your tooth. In about two weeks, you will come back to have the temporary crown removed and then your dentist will cement the permanent crown in place.

What Should I Expect During a Tooth Bridge Placement Procedure?

During your first visit, your dentist will capture an impression of your teeth to send to the dental lab which will create your custom bridge and you’ll go over shades of teeth to help the lab create a bridge that looks just like your natural teeth. Your dentist will also trim and then shape the teeth which will have crowns. You have temporary crowns to wear until your dentist receives our custom bridge in about two weeks. You’ll return to have your dentist cement your bridge in place.

If you want to replace missing teeth, contact our office to speak with one of our dentists about getting a dental bridge to restore your smile.