Fillings, crowns, & bridges in Bradenton

Do I Need Dental Fillings?

Fillings fill a hole left in a tooth after a dentist removes decay, which eats holes in tooth enamel. Without amalgam (metal), composite, gold or other material in the cavity, further decay would form very quickly as a person couldn't brush or floss away food particles and plaque easily.

What Is a Tooth Bridge and a Crown?

Bridges are fixed dental devices which replace one or more adjacent missing teeth with artificial teeth called pontics. Bridges also have crowns on each end for the adjacent supporting teeth. Implants can also support bridges. Crowns entirely cover a tooth which needs additional strength to remain functional, such as a broken or fractured tooth. Dentists also use crowns to cover unsightly teeth or as the top for an implant to replace a missing tooth.

Which Type of Dentist Fills Cavities and Places Crowns for Teeth and Dental Bridges?

Our general dentists are skilled at filling cavities and placing crowns and bridges. If you need any type of preventative or restorative dentistry, contact our office for an appointment. Our dental team is friendly and compassionate and we enjoy meeting new patients.

What Does a Bridge, Crown or Tooth Filling Cost?

We calculate your dental bridge cost by the number of teeth the bridge replaces, and the materials used. Each bridge and each crown is custom-made; therefore, the costs vary considerably. Your dental crown cost is primarily influenced by the type of crown you select and filling fees depend on the material and your tooth's condition. If you call our office for an appointment, your dentist can quote a price after examining your tooth and helping you decide on various aspects of your treatment. Please inform us if you have dental insurance so we can adjust our fee accordingly.

What Are the Different Types of Tooth Filling Materials?

Silver amalgam is a popular filling material. While it is not aesthetically pleasing to many people, amalgam is exceptionally strong and affordable. Composite fillings are practically invisible, but they are not as durable and need replacing more often. You can also inquire about gold and porcelain filling materials. Your dentist can help you decide which material is best in your unique situation.

What Type of Dental Caps Can I Choose From?

There are porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, stainless steel and gold crowns. Most patients choose porcelain crowns for their front teeth as they are the most attractive option. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also attractive and strong. Gold crowns are very strong, they are ideal for molars as they won't chip or crack. Your dentist will talk to you about your specific situation and then recommend one or more crown types which will meet your needs.

What Types of Bridges Can I Choose From?

Most patients opt for a conventional bridge, which needs a tooth on each side of the gap to serve as an anchor. If only one tooth is available, your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge if the bridge is replacing a front tooth. Dentists generally do not recommend cantilever bridges for back teeth. You can also have an implant-supported bridge, which your dentist will explain as he or she goes over your options with you.

What Should I Expect During a Tooth Crown Procedure?

Getting a tooth crown is a straightforward process which requires two office visits. During the first visit, your dentist will shape your tooth so the crown fits over it. He or she will also create a mold of your teeth for the dental laboratory. You'll receive a temporary crown to wear. When you come in for your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and place your custom crown on the tooth. If it fits correctly, your dentist will cement it to your tooth.

What Should I Expect During the Tooth Bridge Procedure?

Getting a bridge is not a painful process. You will come in for your first visit and your dentist will give you a local anesthetic so you won't feel any pain. Next, your dentist will prepare your teeth for the crowns by reshaping them. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so the lab can fabricate a bridge that blends in with your natural teeth. When the lab returns your custom-made bridge, you'll return so your dentist can verify your bridge fits correctly after he or she removes the temporary bridge protecting your teeth. If everything is right, your dentist will cement the bridge in place and show you how to keep it clean with nylon floss threaders.

If you have a missing tooth you would like to replace, contact our office and request an appointment. One of our dentists will help you find a solution.