Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Chesapeake, VA

What Are Tooth Fillings?

A tooth filling is a restoration that returns the tooth to its original shape and functionality. Usually a special material is used to fill a hole left by a cavity; however, a dentist can also fill a crack in a tooth with filling material.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

When faced with a decayed or broken tooth, you may wonder about the different restorative options available. While many of our patients are familiar with dental crowns and fillings, many of them aren’t aware of dental inlays and onlays. Dental inlays and onlays are ideal for patients who require replacement fillings or those whose teeth are not damaged enough for crowns. Inlays and onlays are often selected for the rear teeth when they have mild decay.

Several materials are used to create inlays and onlays, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin. Dentists utilize inlays to fill small spaces, including the inside of the cusp tips. Onlays are used to cover larger areas of the tooth, including areas that extend beyond the cusp tips.

Our dentists match porcelain inlays and onlays to your natural teeth, making them a great choice for those desiring a discreet restoration. However, you may require a gold onlay if significant durability is needed. Your dentist will help you determine what type of inlay or onlay meets your needs.

What to Expect When Getting Dental Inlays and Onlays

Patients usually require two appointments when receiving inlays and onlays. During the first appointment, your dentist will assess the damaged tooth and determine whether an inlay or onlay is needed. Then, an impression is taken of the tooth, which serves as the outline for your customized appliance. The tooth will be sealed temporarily until your next dental appointment. Once the inlay or onlay is fabricated, the dentist will place it inside the tooth and ensure it fits correctly. The inlay or onlay will then be bonded to the tooth using resin. Contact our office if you have questions about the dental inlays-onlays procedure.

Why Should I Get an Inlay or Onlay Instead of a Filling?

While fillings are an effective treatment for many cavities, they can reduce the tooth’s strength by 50 percent or more. The opposite is true for inlays and onlays – these appliances give the tooth increased resiliency. Inlays and onlays are securely bonded to the tooth using resin, and they can last for decades with good oral hygiene. This bonding also keeps decay and other debris from entering vulnerable areas of the tooth. To find out more about our high-quality inlays and onlays, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

What Are Crowns and Dental Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are both fixed prosthetic devices that replace damaged or missing teeth. A tooth crown is a cap that goes over a badly damaged tooth, while a tooth bridge can replace one or several adjacent missing teeth. Bridges are affixed to the adjacent teeth or to an implant and they are never removed, except by a qualified dentist.

Which Type of Dentist Offers Dental Fillings, Bridges and Dental Caps?

A family dentist is qualified to fill teeth and place fixed prosthetic devices. If you need a filling or you are interested in learning more about a crown or a bridge to replace a missing tooth, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

How Much Will a Tooth Filling, Tooth Bridge or Dental Crown Cost?

Your tooth filling cost hinges on the filling material, as does the cost for a tooth crown. Your dental bridge cost will depend on the type of bridge and the number of teeth the bridge is replacing. Porcelain and ceramic bridges, while having the benefit of looking just like the surrounding teeth, are more expensive than a metal alloy bridge. After you have made your restoration material selection, our dentist can provide you with an estimated cost.

What Are the Different Types of Fillings?

Fillings are amalgam, composite resin, porcelain or gold. Amalgam is the traditional silver color filling that contains mercury, tin and zinc, in addition to silver. Composite fillings will match your natural tooth color.

White Composite Fillings

Do you have old, blackened amalgam fillings that are visible when you speak or smile? If so, you may be wondering if you can replace them with a more natural-looking material. Fortunately, today’s white composite fillings make it possible to restore decayed teeth while creating a natural, healthy appearance. These fillings are fabricated using glass and acrylic material, and they can be shaded to match your natural teeth. To the untrained eye, composite fillings are virtually invisible. You can elect to replace current amalgam fillings with composite, or select this material when undergoing the tooth filling procedure.

While composite fillings are not as hard as amalgam fillings, they are still quite durable. Dentists often use composite material for fillings along the smile line, and they also choose them for teeth that receive only moderate pressure from eating. Our dentist will assess your damaged tooth and determine which option meets your needs.

Keep in mind that no matter what the material, fillings will not last a lifetime. Regular jaw movement, eating and drinking will eventually cause the filling to fail. Most composite fillings will need to be replaced in approximately five years. If you’re ready to learn more about our affordable composite tooth fillings, contact our practice today to book an appointment.

What Are the Different Types of Crowns?

There are four basic types of crowns:

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

Gold and metal crowns are very durable, while ceramic is the most like a natural tooth. Porcelain-fused to metal crowns also appear life-like. Our dentist will help you select the best crown material for your tooth based on the tooth’s location in your mouth, appearance and cost.

How Are Crowns Placed?

First, your dentist will prepare your tooth, noting its size and color and then he or she will place a temporary crown over the remaining piece of your tooth. After a week or two, the lab should have fabricated your permanent crown and you return to our office to have the temporary crown replaced by the permanent one.

What Are the Different Types of Bridges?

There are traditional bridges cemented to adjacent teeth that have crowns on them and cantilever bridges that our dentist uses when there is only one adjacent tooth. A front bridge usually requires two crowns on each side because of the biting pressure. Implant supported bridges do not have to attach to neighboring teeth; instead, an implant supports the bridge, making it more durable than other types of bridges.

How Does a Dentist Place a Bridge?

With a traditional bridge, our dentist would shape the adjacent teeth for crowns, and take an impression for the dental lab to fabricate the artificial tooth and crowns. You’ll have a temporary bridge to wear in the meantime. On your next visit, the permanent bridge replaces the temporary one and our dentist adjusts it until your bite is correct.

If you are looking for affordable fillings, crowns, bridges or other dental work, call our office to schedule your appointment today.