Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Virginia Beach, VA

Why is a Filling Necessary if I Have a Cavity?

If you don’t get the cavity filled, the decay may reach the pulp, resulting in a painful abscess and you will likely need a root canal. If you visit a dentist regularly, he or she would notice the cavity when its small and then fill it, saving you pain and additional expense when the cavity gets larger.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

When a cavity is present, many dentists recommend a tooth filling or even a crown if the damage is severe. However, there is another option for patients looking to replace old fillings or repair a tooth that isn’t damaged enough for a crown. With dental inlays and onlays, you can improve your tooth’s durability while maintaining a natural appearance. Inlays and onlays allow dentists to preserve more of the patient’s original tooth shape.

Several materials are used to create inlays and onlays, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin. In the past, dentists recommended gold inlays and onlays due to excellent durability, but porcelain is often used today to provide a discreet look. Dentists can match the porcelain to the patient’s natural tooth shade, which allows the inlay or onlay to blend seamlessly with the tooth. Inlays are used to fill the small cusp tips of the tooth while onlays are recommended for larger areas.

Whether you have a damaged tooth or want to replace old fillings, an inlay or onlay may be an effective treatment for you. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, affordable restorative option, contact us now to learn more about our dental inlays and onlays.

What Happens When You Get Dental Inlays or Onlays?

Getting a new dental inlay or onlay is a two-step process. During your first appointment, the dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by removing an existing filling or decay. Then, impressions are taken of the tooth, which are sent to the lab creating the new appliance. A temporary sealant is applied to the tooth, which protects it from damage while you wait for your permanent inlay or onlay. When the appliance arrives at our office, you’ll return for a final fitting. Once the inlay or onlay fits correctly, the dentist will bond it into place using resin.

Why Should I Choose Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays offer a host of advantages that you may not receive with traditional fillings. While a filling tends to weaken a tooth’s internal structure, inlays and onlays make the tooth up to 75 percent stronger. Dental inlays and onlays also last longer than dental fillings – up to 30 years in some cases. Inlays and onlays are fully bonded to the teeth, creating a secure hold that can withstand your daily activities. To learn more about this affordable, effective restorative treatment, contact our practice.

What Are Bridges and Crowns for Teeth?

Both are fixed restorations, unlike dentures, which you are able to remove yourself. A tooth crown covers a tooth that is broken, restoring its functionality and appearance. A tooth bridge fills in the gap between two teeth where one or two teeth are missing.

Can My Family Dentist Provide Dental Fillings, Dental Caps and Dental Bridges?

At our family dental practice, you can have an examination, teeth cleaning and tooth filling procedure, and if you should ever need a tooth crown or a bridge, our skilled dentist can perform these procedures as well.

How Much Does Restorative Dental Work, Such as a Tooth Filling Cost?

We can’t quote a price until our dentist has seen the cavity and talked to you about your options for filling materials. Your dental crown cost can vary greatly as well; a gold crown is more expensive than a ceramic crown. You would also have to schedule an appointment with our dentist to receive a quote for your dental bridge cost, as there are several types of bridges. If you have dental insurance, your cost may be significantly lower. Please call us today to schedule an examination; our affordable rates can make getting a restoration within your reach.

How Do I Choose a Filling Material?

If you have a cavity, you have options for filling materials, with the most common being silver-color metal (amalgam) fillings and tooth-colored composite fillings. Our dentist will help you decide on a filling material, taking into consideration the cavity’s location, filling cost and cosmetic appeal.

White Composite Fillings

When your dentist recommends a tooth filling, you may be concerned about how it will look inside your mouth. In years past, dentists used amalgam fillings, which are visible when you smile or laugh. Today’s white composite fillings can repair decayed teeth while creating a natural appearance. Composite fillings can be colored to match your surrounding teeth, making them a popular choice among our patients. Whether it’s time to replace an existing filling or you need to fill a cavity, our dentists can determine what treatment is best for you.

While amalgam fillings are quite durable, they may not be recommended for teeth that receive high pressure from chewing. However, composite is an excellent choice for many patients – especially those who require smaller fillings. Our dentist will examine the decayed tooth and determine what type of filling will best restore your smile.

No matter what material is used, dental fillings do not last a lifetime. Wear and tear caused by chewing, drinking, and jaw movement will eventually cause the filling to fall out or crack. In most cases, this happens after five years. Ready to restore your smile with a new tooth filling? Learn more about the tooth filling procedure and treatment options by giving Konikoff Dental a call.

How Do I Choose a Crown Material?

Our dentist will help you select the best crown for your unique needs. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are ideal for any location in your mouth, while ceramic crowns have more aesthetic appeal, but they are less durable. Gold alloy crowns are extremely sturdy, making them excellent for molars; however, gold is the most expensive crown material.

Are Crowns Easy to Place?

Getting a crown to cover an unsightly tooth is surprisingly easy. Our dentist will shape the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Once your crown is ready, you come back and our dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown in place.

Are All Bridges the Same?

A fixed bridge, which has a crown on each side with an artificial tooth, called a pontic, in the middle is the most common type of bridge. A front tooth bridge may have two crowns on each side to give the bridge more biting strength. The two teeth adjacent to the gap have to be filed down for the crowns; however, with an implant-supported bridge, the adjacent teeth don’t need any alteration. Additionally, an implant-supported bridge is the only type of bridge that helps prevent bone loss at the site where a tooth is missing.

How Easy is it to Have a Tooth Bridge Replace a Missing Tooth?

When you get a bridge held in place by crowns, the procedure is the same as it is for getting a crown, since the artificial tooth (pontic) is attached to the crowns. When your custom bridge is ready, our dentist will place it and then adjust the bridge as needed. An implant-supported bridge has different steps, which our dentist will discuss with you, since the steps depend on your oral health.

If you are considering a crown or a bridge, or you need a cavity filled, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.