Dental Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Burleson

What Does a Tooth Filling Do?

A tooth filling is a customized treatment that restores function to a damaged tooth. The filling is shaped to match the affected area. First, your provider numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, the dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth. The cavity is filled with porcelain, resin, or another material of your choice. Once the filling is installed, your tooth will be protected from further damage.

How Can Crowns and Bridges Protect My Teeth?

Tooth crowns and bridges are permanently secured to your teeth with a special cement. Your dentist will customize your crowns or bridges to fit your mouth. Tooth crowns are covers that completely encase damaged teeth. For this reason, you’ll often hear them referred to as dental caps.

If you’re coping with missing teeth, your dental team may recommend using a bridge. This dental restoration features a row of artificial teeth. Your dentist secures it to the teeth on either side of the treatment area. For more support, your provider may add dental implants.

Which Types of Dentists Do Tooth Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges?

General dentists are trained to provide fillings, crowns, and bridges. After examining your teeth, your dentist will let you know if you need any restorative treatment. You’ll be told what the restoration involves, and you’ll have time to discuss the options that meet your needs. Our team members are happy to help with any payment or insurance questions you may have.

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

The price of restorative treatment varies significantly. Each restoration is customized for the individual patient, and each patient has unique needs. For example, if you’re being treated with a crown, your dental crown cost will depend on the materials that are used for your crown, the time it takes to install and the degree of restoration that is needed. Your insurance coverage is an additional factor in the final cost.

Your bridge or tooth filling cost is also unique to you. In addition to the factors listed above, your dental bridge cost depends on the type of bridge you choose. You’ll receive cost estimates for your treatment during your initial consultation.

Which Materials Can I Choose for Fillings?

Composite resin, porcelain, gold and silver amalgam are a few of the materials you can choose for fillings. If you select composite resin or porcelain for your fillings, they will be the same color as your natural teeth. Gold fillings are known for their durability, and you can expect them to last for several decades.

Although they’re used less frequently than they once were, silver amalgam fillings may be appropriate for back teeth. They will usually last 15 to 20 years. If you need fillings, our dental team will help you select the best materials for your needs.

Which Materials Should I Consider for Crowns?

Crowns for teeth are created with a variety of materials, including gold, zirconia, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. For a molar, your dentist may recommend a tooth crown that is crafted from gold or zirconia. Ceramic crowns are typically used for front teeth, and porcelain-fused-to-metal can be used for front teeth, molars, and dental bridges.

What Are Some Common Types of Bridges?

At our dental practice, we offer several types of bridges to fit our patients’ needs. Traditional bridges are created with a row of artificial teeth. Dental crowns are used at both ends, and they’re attached to natural teeth on each side. The crowns have to be secured to healthy teeth.

A cantilever bridge may be appropriate if you only have natural teeth on one side of the treatment site. Like a traditional bridge, this type of tooth bridge is made from a row of artificial teeth but it only uses a crown on one side. Cantilever bridges may be considered if you need to replace front teeth, but they’re not recommended for replacing back teeth.

What Happens When I Get a Dental Crown?

It usually takes two appointments to install a traditional crown. During your first visit, your provider will shape your tooth and prepare it for treatment. Your dental team will also take an impression of the tooth. It will serve as a model for your permanent crown. To finish up, your dentist will install a temporary crown over the tooth.

At your next visit, your dentist will start by removing your temporary crown. Then, your permanent crown will be installed. In general, your first visit will take 45 to 90 minutes, and your second appointment will last 30 to 60 minutes.

What Should I Expect During My Dental Bridge Appointments?

In most cases, you’ll need two visits to complete your tooth bridge procedure. During your first appointment, you’ll be given a local anesthetic, and your dentist will remove a tiny portion of the tooth enamel on each side of the treatment site. Next, your provider will take impressions of your teeth. These will be used to make a model for your permanent bridge and crowns. Finally, your dentist will install a temporary bridge.

At your second visit, your dentist will remove your temporary bridge and install your final bridge. Your provider will adjust the bridge to ensure a comfortable fit. Our dentists are here to answer any questions you have about your dental bridge choices.

Get in touch with us today to learn more.