Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Chesapeake, VA

What is a Dental Filling?

Filling cavities is one of the most common procedures that dentists perform. Dentists call fillings restorations because they restore a tooth weakened by a cavity and protect the tooth from further decay.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold or composite resin. When over half of the tooth’s biting surfaces are damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or an onlay on the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used to fill the inside of the cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps (surfaces) of the tooth.

Dental Inlays-Onlays have become increasingly popular due to their strength and the potential to more naturally match the color of your teeth. Previously, gold, instead of porcelain, had been the material of choice for inlays and onlays due to its strength. Your doctor will help you determine the best material to use for your teeth if you feel that an inlay/onlay is the best treatment option.

What make a dental inlays-onlays procedure?

Inlays and onlays usually require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is taken, and sent to a lab for fabrication. Your doctor will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment. At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed, and your doctor will check to see that the fabricated inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

What is the advantage of dental inlays-onlays over a traditional filling?

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50%. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, being bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.

What are Dental Bridges and Crowns?

Both are relatively inexpensive permanent restorations; a bridge replaces a missing tooth, while a crown covers a badly damaged or discolored tooth.

Do I Need to Visit a Specialist for a Crown or a Tooth Bridge?

When your search for a dentist offering fillings, you’ll note that our family dental practice offers comprehensive services, including fillings, crowns and bridges. Please call us to schedule an appointment. We would enjoy being your family dentist.

What’s the Average Cost for Crowns for Teeth, Fillings and Bridges?

Your tooth filling cost depends on many factors, including whether you choose an amalgam or a composite tooth filling. Your dental crown cost also depends on the crown material you select. Your dental bridge cost depends on whether you are replacing one or two teeth and the type of bridge that is best for your needs. Our dentist will advise you about your options and then give you an estimate of your total cost. Please advise us if you have dental insurance.

What is the Best Tooth Filling Material?

There are amalgam (metal) dental fillings and composite (tooth colored) fillings, which are the most common, and gold fillings. Amalgam is the most affordable tooth filling, and gold, which is very durable, is the most expensive.

White Composite Fillings

White Composite Fillings are tooth colored fillings that restore decayed teeth, they also provide a  natural looking smile. You no longer need to live with old, blackened amalgam fillings in your mouth.   You can elect to replace these with white composite fillings for cosmetic reasons.  Another benefit is that white composite fillings set quickly allowing patients to eat and drink after they leave their appointment.

You should know that fillings of any kind, whether they be amalgam, gold, or white composite, do not last a lifetime, and may need to be replaced because of normal wear and tear.  To determine if a white composite filling is right for you, speak to one of our Konikoff dentists.

What Material is Best for a Front Tooth Crown?

Ceramic is the ideal material for a front tooth crown. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown also works well as a crown for front teeth, however, the porcelain will eventually wear down and the metal will show through. Gold alloy crowns are typically used for molars, due to the crown’s durability.

How Does a Dentist Prepare a Tooth for a Crown?

Typically our dentist will file a tooth down to prepare it for a crown, however, if your tooth is badly broken, our dentist may need to fill it in on your first visit, so the tooth can support the crown. On your second visit, our dentist removes the temporary crown he or she placed on the tooth and replaces it with the custom crown made by the dental lab.

Are There Different Types of Bridges?

The traditional fixed bridge consists of a pontic, or artificial tooth, that attaches to two crowned teeth on either side of the gap. A cantilever bridges attaches to only one tooth. An implant-supported bridge does not need to attach to the adjacent teeth.

What is the Procedure to Get a Bridge?

The procedure for getting a traditional bridge is the same as for getting a crown, except the dental lab also creates an artificial tooth along with the crowns. It takes longer for a dentist to place an implant-supported bridge, due to the healing time for the implants, however many people feel that it is worth it to have a sturdier bridge that helps prevent the jawbone from deteriorating.

Our gentle dentists put our patients at ease. Call our office for an appointment and our dentist will explain the restorative procedure that will work best for your situation.