Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Virginia Beach, VA

What is a Dental Tooth Filling?

When you have a cavity, our dentist will fill the space with a dental filling to keep bacteria and food particles out of the space. A filling also restores the tooth’s strength and shape.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

Have you been searching for an attractive, durable way to restore a damaged tooth? While you might be familiar with dental crowns and fillings, you may not know about dental inlays and onlays. These custom-fitted appliances offer excellent longevity and a natural appearance while restoring the health of your smile.

Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay to replace an existing filling or to repair a tooth that doesn’t have enough damage to warrant a crown. Inlays and onlays are available in composite resin, porcelain, and gold. Small areas of the tooth cusp tips are often filled with inlays while onlays are used for larger restorations.

Many of our patients choose porcelain inlays and onlays because they can be shaded to match their existing teeth. However, gold inlays and onlays may be recommended if significant strength is required. Your dentist will outline your treatment options and help you find the appliance that works for you.

What to Expect When Getting Inlays and Onlays

The process of getting inlays and onlays usually involves two steps. During an initial visit, the dentist will assess the tooth and determine whether an inlay or onlay is the correct treatment option. Then, impressions are made of the tooth, which serve as the blueprint for the final appliance. The dentist will add a sealant to the tooth, which shields it from damage while your final device is being made. When your new inlay or onlay arrives, the dentist will place the appliance inside the tooth and make necessary adjustments. Then, the inlay or onlay is sealed into place using resin. Finally, the resin will be polished to create a smooth, natural finish.

What Are Some Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Many patients choose inlays and onlays over traditional fillings due to their longevity and natural look. Traditional fillings often decrease a tooth’s strength; inlays and onlays can make a tooth up to 75 percent stronger. Plus, inlays and onlays tend to last much longer than dental fillings – with proper care, your new inlay or onlay can last for decades. If you’re struggling with cavities or wish to replace an existing tooth filling, give our dentists a call. We’ll help you determine whether inlays or onlays are right for you.

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

Both will restore your attractive smile. Crowns cover broken or discolored teeth, while a bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth.

Where Do I Go for Fillings, Crowns and Dental Bridge Work?

Our family dentist places crowns and bridges, in addition to performing exams and filling teeth. Call our office today to explore all of the services we can offer you and your family.

What Would it Cost Me to Get a Filling, a Dental Bridge or a Tooth Crown?

If you’re concerned about your dental crown cost or dental bridge cost, please ask our dentist for an estimated price once you have decided upon a restoration and the restoration materials. Our affordable fees make it easy for you to have an attractive smile.

What Filling Materials Are Used for Fillings?

You’ll have a choice between a composite resin (white) filling or an amalgam filling, which contains mercury, silver and other metals. Amalgam fillings are the least expensive; however, they will turn black over time.

White Composite Fillings

Are dark, blackened amalgam fillings making you feel self-conscious when you smile? With today’s white composite fillings, you can repair decayed teeth while maintaining a natural appearance. These durable and affordable fillings also set quickly, allowing you to eat and drink right after your dental appointment. Whether you have a cavity or desire new fillings for cosmetic reasons, our experienced local dentists can help.

Composite fillings can be shaded to match your existing teeth, making them virtually invisible to the untrained eye. We typically recommend composite fillings for the teeth along your smile line as well as for teeth that require smaller fillings. During your visit, our dentist will examine the affected teeth and determine whether composite fillings meet your needs.

White composite fillings will withstand normal activities, such as jaw clenching, chewing, and drinking. Unfortunately, fillings are not made to last a lifetime – most patients will need new devices after several years. If your amalgam fillings are causing you to hide your smile, give us a call today. Our white composite fillings can help you achieve a healthy, radiant smile.

What Types of Dental Caps Can I Select From?

There are ceramic crowns, which are often used for front teeth because they are very life like. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns also closely resemble natural teeth and they are very durable, so they are suitable for placement in any location. Gold alloy crowns are the most durable crowns; they are suitable for molars, although some of our patients choose gold crowns to cap front teeth for aesthetic reasons.

How Many Visits Do Crowns for Teeth Take?

You can have a crown placed on your tooth in just two dental office visits. Our dentist will prepare the tooth on the first visit and gather information for the dental lab so they can fabricate a tooth that blends in with your other teeth. You go home with a temporary crown and come back when your permanent crown is finished.

Are There Different Types of Dental Bridges?

A fixed bridge can replace one or two missing teeth. There is a crown on both sides of the bridge and one or two pontics (prosthetic teeth) in the middle. If you need a front tooth bridge, there may be two crowns on each side. Implant supported bridges, which do not require crowns, are another option.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Bridge?

A traditional bridge takes two dental visits and about a total of four hours. In between visits, you’ll have a temporary bridge to wear while a dental lab fabricates your permanent one. Implant-supported bridges take significantly longer.

When you visit our dental office, our friendly staff is available to address your concerns and answer questions, such as providing an estimate of the tooth filling cost or telling you if we take your dental insurance. Call us to schedule your appointment if you need a tooth filling, tooth bridge or any other dental work.