Dental Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Alvarado

What Should I Know About Getting a Tooth Filling?

A tooth filling is used to fill a hole (cavity) in a tooth. You may need a filling if you have tooth decay. To install your filling, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic. Then, a drill will be used to remove the decayed area of your tooth. To complete the procedure, the cavity will be filled with gold, porcelain, resin, or another suitable material. The filling protects your tooth from additional damage.

How Can Crowns and Bridges Restore My Smile?

Tooth crowns and bridges are fully customized to fit the unique shape of your teeth. Your dentist uses special cement to permanently secure them in place. Tooth crowns are made to completely cover damaged teeth. You might hear them referred to as dental caps.

Your dentist may recommend using a bridge to replace missing teeth. Created with a row of artificial teeth, your bridge will be attached to the teeth on either side of the treatment site. If your bridge needs extra support, your dentist may suggest adding dental implants.

Which Dentists Can I See for Tooth Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges?

General dentists have the training and experience to install fillings, crowns, and bridges. During your routine exam, your dentist will tell you if you need any of these treatments. The clinical team will explain what the recommended treatment involves and how it can improve your oral health. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss the best options for your needs. If you have questions about pricing or insurance coverage, our staff members are here to help.

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

Since dental restorations are fully customized to each patient's needs, there is significant variation in pricing. If you’re having a crown installed, your dental crown cost will depend on your individual insurance coverage, the degree of restoration your tooth needs, the materials used to make your crown and the amount of time it takes to install.

Your bridge or tooth filling cost is also based on your unique needs. In addition to the factors listed above, your dental bridge cost is determined by the style of bridge you select. We’ll give you cost estimates for any proposed treatments during your initial appointment with us.

Which Materials Can I Select for My Dental Fillings?

Gold, composite resin, porcelain and silver amalgam are some of the materials you can consider for your fillings. If you need an especially durable filling, you may want to opt for a gold one. Most gold fillings will last for several decades. For a natural-looking color that matches your teeth, composite resin and porcelain are particularly effective.

While silver amalgam is less popular than it once was, you may still want to consider it for molar fillings. If fillings are necessary, our dentist will help you choose the most appropriate materials for your needs.

Which Materials Can I Choose for My Crowns?

Ceramic, gold, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal are a few of the materials that are used to make crowns for teeth. Ceramic crowns are usually recommended for front teeth, and a tooth crown made from gold or zirconia may be suggested for a molar. Porcelain fused to metal is a versatile option that can be used for front teeth, back teeth, and bridges.

What Are the Major Types of Dental Bridges?

When you visit our dental practice, you can choose from several types of bridges. If you have healthy teeth on both sides of the treatment site, you may want to consider a traditional bridge. This type of bridge is made with a row of artificial teeth, and dental crowns are placed at both ends. Your dentist attaches the crowns to your adjacent teeth.

If you don’t have healthy teeth on both sides of the treatment area, a cantilever bridge may be appropriate. While this type of tooth bridge also has a row of artificial teeth, it only requires a crown on one side. Cantilever bridges are often recommended for replacing front teeth, but they’re not used for replacing molars.

What Should I Know About Getting a Dental Crown?

If you choose a traditional crown, your treatment will normally require two appointments. At the first visit, your dentist will start by shaping and preparing your tooth for treatment. The dental team will take an impression of the tooth, and this will be used to design your permanent crown. Finally, your provider will place a temporary crown over your tooth.

During your second visit, your dentist will remove your temporary crown. Then, your permanent crown will be secured in place. You’ll need 45 to 90 minutes for your first visit, and your second visit will take 30 to 60 minutes.

What Will Happen During My Dental Bridge Appointments?

Your tooth bridge procedure will typically be completed in two appointments. During your first visit, you’ll receive a local anesthetic. Then, your provider will remove a small portion of tooth enamel from areas on both sides of the treatment site. The dental team will take impressions of your teeth in order to customize your permanent bridge. At the end of the visit, you’ll have a temporary bridge installed.

During your second visit, your provider will remove your temporary bridge and replace it with your permanent bridge. The dentist will adjust the bridge to make sure it is comfortable for you. Our team members are happy to answer any questions you may have about bridges. Connect with us today to discuss your options.