Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Chesapeake, VA

Are Dental Fillings Used to Fix Decay?

A tooth filling fills a cavity in a tooth, preventing further decay and strengthening the tooth. Filling material can be used to repair a cracked tooth as well. More than 90 percent of adults have at least one filling in their mouth, so you are not alone if you have been looking for a qualified dentist to fill as cavity.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

When it comes to restoring a tooth, most patients are familiar with restorative options like fillings and crowns. However, dental inlays and onlays are another effective treatment option that you might not have considered. Dentists use inlays and onlays if more than half of the chewing surface is damaged.

Inlays and onlays are created using porcelain, gold, or composite resin. Inlays are used to fill the inside of the cusp tips of a tooth while an onlay is a larger reconstruction. Onlays are similar to inlays, but they extend out over one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Dentists often provide inlays and onlays if the rear teeth are decayed or broken.

Our patients choose inlays and onlays because of their durability and natural look. In the past, gold was the material of choice for inlays and onlays, but today’s modern porcelain appliances can be shaded to match your teeth. During your appointment, our dentist will determine which material best meets your needs.

What Happens During a Dental Inlays-Onlays Procedure?

In most cases, two appointments are required to complete an inlays or onlays procedure. During the first appointment, the dentist will remove the damaged or decaying area of the tooth or the filling that will be replaced. Then, an impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist then applies a temporary sealant on the tooth in preparation for the second visit. At your second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed and the new inlay or onlay is placed. When the fit is satisfactory, the dentist will bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth using resin. The dentist will also polish the inlay or onlay to create a smooth finish.

Why Should I Choose Dental Inlays-Onlays Instead of Fillings?

While dental fillings are an effective treatment for cavities, they can sometimes weaken the structure of a natural tooth. Inlays and onlays are bonded directly to the tooth using resin, making them very durable. In fact, inlays and onlays often increase the tooth’s strength by up to 75 percent. With proper care, inlays and onlays can last between 10-30 years. If you have a damaged tooth that doesn’t require a crown but needs other repair, contact us to learn more about inlays and onlays. We’ll help you find an affordable solution that restores your brilliant smile.

What is the Difference Between a Tooth Crown and a Tooth Bridge?

A crown is a fixed restoration, typically resembling a natural tooth, that caps a damaged or discolored tooth. A bridge is one or more prosthetic teeth that are supported by the neighboring teeth or by an implant.

Do Family Dentists Place Crowns for Teeth and Dental Bridges as Well as Fillings?

Our family dentist is experienced with all types of restorations. You can get a crown or a bridge in the comfort of our office all without having to visit a specialist dentist. Contact us to arrange an appointment today to learn more about your options.

How Much Will I Pay for a Tooth Filling, Crown or Bridge?

Your tooth filling cost and your dental crown cost will depend on the material that you choose, among other factors. Your dental bridge cost also depends on the tooth material and the type of bridge, as well as how many teeth the bridge replaces. Call us to schedule an appointment and after your examination, our dentist will be able to provide an estimate. If you have dental insurance, please let us know so we can check your coverage.

What Tooth Filling Material is Available?

The two most common types of fillings are traditional amalgam fillings made from mercury, zinc, copper, silver and tin, and tooth colored composite fillings. Amalgam is the most affordable of the two options.

White Composite Fillings

When you think of a tooth filling, you might imagine a dark, metallic material that is visible when you smile. However, today’s modern composite fillings allow you to restore decayed teeth while maintaining a natural appearance. Composite tooth fillings can be matched to the color of your existing teeth, so they are much less visible in the mouth than amalgam fillings. Our patients can elect to replace existing fillings with this material for cosmetic reasons, or they can choose a different material when undergoing the filling procedure.

White composite fillings are created using powdered glass and acrylic resin; because of this, some dentists do not consider them as durable as amalgam fillings. Composite material is ideal for small fillings and for teeth that receive only a moderate amount of pressure when chewing.

It’s also important to note that fillings aren’t designed to last a lifetime no matter what the material. Chewing on crunchy objects, drinking, and jaw clenching can all cause wear and tear on dental fillings. On average, composite fillings last approximately five years. To find out whether this natural-looking filling is right for you, contact our Konikoff dentists today.

What are the Different Types of Dental Caps?

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• Ceramic
• Gold alloy
• Base metal alloy

Base metal and gold alloy crowns are very strong; if you have a heavy bite, these are ideal crowns for molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and ceramic crowns have the advantage of matching the appearance of natural teeth. Our dentist will help you choose the crown material that is right for you.

What is the Dental Crown Procedure?

First, our dentist takes an impression of your tooth so the lab can fabricate a life-like tooth. The tooth is filed down and a temporary crown is put in place. You’ll come back when your permanent crown is ready.

What Type of Bridge Would Help Preserve My Jawbone?

The most common type of bridge is the traditional tooth bridge, which our dentist bonds to the adjacent crowned teeth. Our dentist will use a cantilever bridge when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap. Implant supported bridges do not attach to natural teeth, they are held in place by an implant, which helps preserve the jawbone.

What is the Dental Bridge Procedure?

The dental bridge procedure is very similar to the crown procedure, since traditional bridges are supported by crowns. You’ll have a temporary bridge to wear until the lab fabricates your permanent one. With an implant-supported bridge, you’ll need one implant for each missing tooth.

When you need a restoration, such as a filling, a tooth crown or a bridge, our dental office is here to serve you. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.