Fillings, crowns, & bridges in Clearwater

What Are Tooth Fillings?

A tooth filling is a substance that is used to repair a tooth that has become decayed and needs to be returned to its natural function and shape. Before the filling is placed, the dentist will remove all of the decayed materials from the tooth, clean it out and then replace it with porcelain, gold, or another type of substance. This keeps the tooth from becoming further decayed and damaged.

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns for teeth and tooth bridges are prosthetic dental devices that are permanently attached to the teeth with a high-bond cement. Crowns are also known as dental caps. They are placed over a tooth that has become damaged by decay or injury. A tooth bridge is used in cases where a person is missing one or more of their teeth. A bridge is constructed with a row of pontic teeth that are attached to the teeth on either side of of a missing tooth.

What Sort of Dentist Do You Need to See for Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges?

In most cases, you can see your regular dentist to have dental fillings, crowns, or bridges placed. Before any type of restoration work can be completed, your dentist will need to conduct an examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Once this happened, he or she will recommend the type of treatment that will work best for you.

Are Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges Expensive?

Fillings, crowns and bridges are customized devices, which means that the overall cost you will incur depends on a number of factors unique to your particular case. Some of the factors that contribute to your cost are the location the work needs to be done in, the type of materials used and if you have dental insurance. Before you have your restoration work done, your dentist will provide you with an estimate of your dental bridge cost, dental crown cost, or tooth filling cost.

Are There Different Kinds of Fillings?

Did you know that there are many different materials that a tooth filling can be made from? Some of the materials are used to match the appearance of your teeth. The most common types of fillings are tooth-colored composite, porcelain, gold, and silver amalgam. Your dentist will be able to give you advice on what type of filling will work best for you.

Are There Different Types of Crowns?

A tooth crown can also be made from a variety of materials. The most popular choices for tooth crowns are ceramic, gold alloy, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Crowns that are placed over the front teeth are most often made from porcelain, while crowns that are placed over the back teeth tend to be made from gold.

Are There Different Kinds of Bridges?

There are also several different types of dental bridges that are commonly used in restorative dentistry. A traditional bridge is made up of a crown that is made for an implant or the abutting teeth, with pontics in between the two. 

What Happens When You Get a Tooth Crown?

The process for getting a dental crown begins when your dentist works to shape and prepare the tooth that will be crowned. An impression of the tooth will be taken so that it can be used to fabricate the final crown. You will wear a temporary crown until the customized one has been completed. Once the final crown has been finished, you will return to your dentist’s office to have it placed over the tooth. Each portion of the process takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

What Happens When You Get a Tooth Bridge?

To have a dental bridge placed, you will need to visit your dentist twice. At your first visit, the dentist will scrape off a small amount of enamel from the abutment teeth. He or she will then make an impression of the teeth that will be utilized in creating your bridge and crowns. A temporary bridge will be installed. At your second visit, the dentist will install the custom bridge and make sure that it fits comfortably.