Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Suffolk, VA

What is a Filling?

Most people hear that they have a cavity and need a tooth filling at least once in their lifetime. Fillings last a long time, although, they do crack or fall out on occasion. Dentists sometimes use filling material to repair cracks in teeth.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

Most people are familiar with dental crowns and fillings as a way to restore decayed or damaged teeth. However, many patients are unaware of another effective and durable option that can restore your smile’s function. Dental inlays and onlays are natural-looking, long-lasting restorations that are recommended for decayed teeth that do not require a crown. Inlays and onlays can help your teeth remain strong and healthy for years to come.

Our dentists typically recommend inlays and onlays if more than 50 percent of a tooth’s surface is broken or decayed. The appliances are fabricated using composite resin, porcelain, or gold. While gold onlays offer significant strength, many patients choose porcelain because it can be matched to their natural teeth. Dentists use an inlay when only the smaller cusp tips of the tooth need to be filled. Onlays are larger than inlays and are used to fill over one or more of the tooth’s cusps.

Whether you have a large cavity or wish to replace existing fillings, an inlay or onlay may be right for you. If you’re wondering whether you can restore your smile with our affordable dental inlays and onlays, contact our practice to schedule an appointment.

What Should I Expect During the Dental Inlays-Onlays Procedure?

Getting dental inlays or onlays usually takes two appointments. During your initial visit, the dentist will prepare the affected tooth by removing decay or the existing filling. Impressions will also be taken of the tooth, which are sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will apply a temporary sealant to protect your tooth while the final inlay or onlay is created. Once the appliance arrives, the dentist will ensure it fits properly and seal it using resin. The inlay or onlay also will be polished to create a smooth look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Many of our patients choose dental inlays and onlays because they offer excellent durability while creating a natural, smooth look. While traditional fillings can make a tooth less resilient over time, inlays and onlays increase the tooth’s resilience – up to 75 percent in some cases. Dentists bond inlays and onlays directly to the teeth, creating a secure bond that can last for decades. If you’re ready to achieve a healthier smile with our dental inlays and onlays, call us now to get started.

What Are Crowns for Teeth and Dental Bridges?

A crown is an artificial tooth that covers a damaged tooth and a bridge is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing or extracted booth. The bridge is held in place by the one or two teeth surrounding the gap.

Can I Visit My Family Dentist for a Tooth Crown or a Tooth Bridge?

Yes, you can have these procedures performed by a family dentist at a general dental practice; simply call us to arrange an appointment.

Can You Tell Me in Advance What a Tooth Filling, Tooth Crown or Dental Bridge Will Cost?

Our patient’s tooth filling cost, dental crown cost or dental bridge cost is contingent upon many variables. Our dentist can supply you with an estimate after talking to you about your options. If you have dental insurance, please let us know so we can provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.

What Materials Are Fillings Made From?

There are amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, in addition to silver and other metals. They are usually called silver fillings because of their color. Composite fillings, often called white filings, are a popular choice, despite costing more than an amalgam filling. Less popular options include gold and porcelain fillings.

White Composite Fillings

When you envision a typical tooth filling, you may think of a dark material that is visible within the mouth. However, today’s white composite fillings allow you to repair your teeth while maintaining a natural look. Dentists match these fillings to the shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible in the mouth. Whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled or wish to replace existing metallic fillings, our dentists will find a solution that meets your needs.

A white composite filling is fabricated using acrylic resin and powdered glass. Composite fillings are recommended for small fillings or teeth that receive a moderate amount of stress from chewing. Our dentists will assess the affected tooth and determine whether a composite filling is the best option.

While composite fillings are durable, they typically do not last as long as amalgam fillings. Daily activities like chewing, drinking, and clenching on your jaw cause wear and tear on dental fillings; because of this, no filling will last a lifetime. We recommend replacing composite fillings approximately every five years. For more information about our affordable composite fillings, give our office a call.

What Types of Caps Are Available?

Porcelain-fused-to-metal or ceramic crowns are your two choices for a crown with a life-like appearance, while you may want a gold or metal alloy crown placed if you have a heavy bite.

What is the Dental Caps Procedure?

Our dentist will numb the area and shape your tooth to hold a crown. Next, he or she will request a custom crown from a dental lab and give you a temporary crown to wear in the meantime. When your custom tailored crown arrives, our dentist will replace your temporary crown.

What’s the Difference Between the Types of Bridges?

A traditional bridge can replace one or two adjacent missing teeth so the other teeth in your mouth do not move. A traditional bridge consists of two crowns, with one or two artificial teeth in between. Cantilever bridges have only one crown. A front tooth bridge has two crowns on either side for biting strength. Implant supported bridges are the only bridge option that help to preserve the jawbone in the spot where you lost a tooth.

How Many Steps Are There in the Bridge Procedure?

After making sure you’re numb, your dentist will reshape the teeth that will hold the crowns and take an impression, so the lab can make the crowns and an artificial tooth that blend in with your other teeth. He or she will place a temporary bridge until you return for your permanent bridge. After your dentist adjusts the bridge, you go home with a restoration that should last at least 10 years with the proper care.

Our dental practice empowers our patients by presenting them with all of their options and allowing them to make their selection based on cost, aesthetics and long-term durability. Call or offices to arrange your appointment and discover what restorative options are available to you.