Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Chesapeake, VA

What is a Tooth Filling?

The most common use for a filling is to fill a cavity in order to prevent bacteria from getting in the hole and causing further decay. Fillings also repair teeth with cracks in them.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

When facing a damaged tooth, you probably know that fillings and crowns can help you restore your smile. But did you know that there are other options? Dental inlays and onlays are used when old fillings need to be removed or when the tooth isn’t damaged enough to receive a crown. Dentists typically recommend inlays and onlays for the back teeth when they have a mild to moderate amount of decay.

Inlays and onlays are created using several materials, including porcelain, gold, or composite resin. While inlays are smaller and are typically used to fill the inside of the cusp tips, an onlay is a larger restoration. Onlays extend out over one or more of the affected cusps.

Porcelain inlays and onlays can be colored to match your natural teeth. However, gold inlays and onlays are used when considerable durability is necessary. Inlays and onlays are a popular option among patients due to their strength and durability. These appliances can last for several decades with proper care.

What Are the Inlays-Onlays Procedure Steps?

Getting new inlays or onlays usually takes two appointments. During your first appointment, the dentist will prepare the tooth for inlays or onlays by removing the old filling or decay. An impression of the tooth is made, which serves as a guideline for the new inlay or onlay. Then, a temporary sealant is placed on the tooth, which will remain in place until the next visit. When you return to our office, the dentist will remove the temporary sealant and position the new inlay or onlay. After ensuring a comfortable fit, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth using resin and polished for smoothness.

Are Dental Inlays and Onlays Right for Me?

While many dentists recommend tooth fillings for cavities, fillings can sometimes weaken your natural teeth by 50 percent or more. On the other hand, inlays and onlays can strengthen the tooth by up to 75 percent. Inlays and onlays are bonded using resin, making them extremely durable and long-lasting. During your appointment, our dentist will thoroughly examine the affected tooth and determine if inlays-onlays treatment is best for you. If you’re looking for an affordable way to restore your smile, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

What Are Crowns for Teeth and Bridges?

Crowns are dental caps that cover broken or damaged teeth; they are also used to strengthen a tooth that will support a fixed bridge. A bridge will replace one or more missing teeth by having an artificial tooth bonded to the adjacent teeth or held in place by an implant.

Does a General Dentist Offer Dental Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

Yes, our dentists are experienced in restorative work. If you are worried about pain, the cost of the work, or any other concern, our dentist can put your mind at ease. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Are Fillings and Crowns Reasonable, and What About the Tooth Bridge Cost?

Are you missing a tooth? Don’t let the dental bridge cost deter you from replacing the tooth. Our crown, bridge or tooth filling cost is reasonable, but ignoring dental problems is not. A filling or bridge can help prevent work that would be more expensive and invasive later. Call us for an appointment and our dentist will provide you with an estimate after discussing your options with you.

What Are Common Dental Filling Materials?

Amalgam fillings, made from various metals including silver and mercury, are the most economical filling material. The small amount of mercury included in the material is safe, and it is added to make the tooth filling pliable. Natural tooth color composite fillings are gaining in popularity, for both their aesthetic value and the fact that there is no hot or cold sensitivity, like that found with metal fillings.

White Composite Fillings

Do you require a tooth filling, but don’t want a material that will be visible when you smile? You’ll be happy to know that there is an option other than dark, metallic fillings that are obvious in the mouth. Today’s white composite fillings restore damaged teeth while creating a natural appearance. Our dentists can match these fillings to the color of your teeth, making composite fillings a popular option among our patients. Whether you require a new filling or wish to replace existing fillings to achieve a more natural look, our dentists can help.

While composite fillings aren’t as hard as amalgam fillings, they can still last for several years. Composite fillings are ideal for teeth that require small fillings and are recommended for teeth that receive mild pressure from chewing. Our dentists will assess the damaged tooth and determine whether a composite filling meets your needs.

Regardless of the material, tooth fillings are not designed to last a lifetime. Regular drinking, chewing, and moving the jaw all cause wear and tear on dental fillings. Most composite fillings will need to be replaced in approximately five years. If you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for white composite fillings, contact Konikoff Dental to schedule an appointment.

What the Options for a Tooth Crown?

There are porcelain-fused-to-metal and ceramic tooth crown materials that will blend in with your natural teeth. Gold alloy and metal alloy crowns are very strong; they are ideal for molars that are not visible when you smile. Our dentist will recommend an option for you after discussing your aesthetic and cost concerns. Gold alloy has the highest dental crown cost, but a gold crown will usually last forever.

What is the Dental Crown Procedure?

On your initial visit, our dentist will shape your tooth to hold the crown and them make an impression so the lab can fabricate a custom crown that will look perfectly natural. You will leave our office with a temporary crown. On your second visit, our dentist places your custom crown and makes sure it fits properly.

What the Available Options for Dental Bridges?

There is the traditional fixed bridge, containing a prosthetic tooth attached to two crowns on either side of the gap, and the cantilever bridge, used when there is only one adjacent tooth. An implant-supported bridge is the same as a traditional bridge, except the implant supports the bridge and it also prevents your jawbone from deteriorating.

What is the Dental Crown Procedure?

Since the most popular bridge, the traditional fixed bridge, has a crown on each side, the bridge procedure is almost the same as the procedure for a crown, done in just two visits. The implant-supported bridge procedure requires two surgeries and the process can take up to six months, with healing time.

We endeavor to provide the affordable and quality dental care, and our dentist is ready to answer all of your questions about restorations. Give us a call to arrange an appointment.