Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Lake Katrine

What Are Tooth Fillings?

A tooth filling is a restorative procedure used to repair a decayed tooth with a cavity. Our dentist can remove the decay and fill the cavity with a filling material to restore the tooth’s shape and strength. The filling also keeps cavity-causing bacteria from accumulating in the cavity.

What Are Dental Bridges and Crowns for Teeth?

A tooth crown is a prosthetic device which resembles your natural teeth. A dentist cements it onto an existing tooth to give the tooth strength or to cover a cosmetic flaw. A tooth bridge is also a prosthetic device which replaces one or more adjacent missing teeth. Traditional bridges have an artificial tooth with a crown on each end. The crowns go over the teeth on either side of the gap to hold the bridge in place.

Which Dentists Fill Cavities and Place Crowns and Bridges?

Your family dentist most likely has experience filling cavities and placing crowns and bridges. If you’re looking for a family dentist who can provide these services, please call our office to book your appointment.

How Much Does a Tooth Filling, Crown or Dental Bridge Cost?

We customize these restorations to meet your unique needs and preferences so the cost varies from patient to patient. The filling material you select usually determines your tooth filling cost. Your dental crown cost depends on the type of crown and its placement. We determine our fee for a bridge on the material used and how many teeth the bridge replaces. If you call us to schedule an appointment, your dentist can explain your cost after reviewing your needs and explaining your options. If you are covered by dental insurance, we can assist you with determining your out-of-pocket expenses.

What Are the Different Kinds of Dental Fillings?

Affordable amalgam fillings contain silver, tin, copper, zinc and mercury. They are popular because of their extreme durability. Composite resin fillings are a popular choice as well since they are tooth-colored. You can also choose a gold or porcelain filling, both of which are indirect fillings. With indirect fillings, it will take two appointments since the fillings are custom made in a special dental lab. If you have a cavity, please contact us to set up an appointment. Our dentist will review your options with you.

What Are the Different Kinds of Dental Caps?

Porcelain-fused-to-metal caps, or crowns, are an excellent choice for any tooth in your mouth. They are almost as natural in appearance as an all-porcelain crown, but they are stronger because of the metal base. All porcelain crowns have the most natural appearance; they are ideal for front teeth. The strongest and longest lasting option is a gold alloy crown. Patients usually choose gold alloy crowns for molars.

What Are the Different Kinds of Tooth Bridges?

We primarily use traditional bridges to replace our patients’ missing teeth and restore their smiles. A traditional bridge has a crown on each end and one or two artificial teeth in between. The crowns go over the healthy teeth next to the gap and give the teeth extra strength to hold the bridge in place. Your dentist may recommend a cantilever bridge if there is only one tooth next to the space left by the missing tooth. We don’t recommend cantilever bridges for back teeth.

How Will a Dentist Put a Tooth Crown On?

Receiving a crown involves two appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will re-shape the affected tooth by removing a small portion of the enamel. Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic so it won’t hurt. He or she also makes a mold of your tooth and the neighboring teeth so the dental lab can fabricate a crown which blends in with your other teeth. Your dentist will give you a temporary crown which you’ll wear until your permanent crown is ready. Your second visit is where your dentist removes the temporary crown and makes certain your new crown fits properly before he or she cements in to your tooth.

How Will a Dentist Put a Tooth Bridge On?

To get a bridge put on, you must have two appointments with your dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth. The procedure is basically the same as when a patient gets a crown. The impression your dentist takes will go off to the dental lab so they can create your custom bridge. To protect the prepared teeth, your dentist will make you a temporary bridge. On your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary and ensure your new one fits correctly before cementing it onto the abutment teeth.