Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Virginia Beach, VA

Is a Dental Filling Optional if I Have a Cavity?

No, cavities cannot heal themselves. If you do not have the decay removed from the hole and a tooth filling placed in the cavity, more bacteria will be trapped inside and you’ll end up with a large, painful cavity. The tooth filling cost is less if you have the cavity filled when it is small, rather than waiting until the cavity is so large that you need a root canal. If you believe that you may have a cavity, call us for an appointment.

Dental Inlays-Onlays

If you’re suffering from a damaged or decayed tooth, it’s important to know that there are several restorative options available. Dental inlays and onlays are an excellent choice when replacing existing fillings or repairing a tooth that is not damaged enough to receive a crown. Unlike traditional fillings, inlays and onlays can make your tooth stronger. Plus, they allow dentists to preserve your natural tooth structure.

Our dental inlays and onlays are created using gold, porcelain, and composite resin. While many dentists once recommended gold inlays and onlays due to their resiliency and effectiveness, porcelain inlays and onlays are growing in popularity. Patients often select porcelain for their appliance because it can be shaded to match their teeth. This creates a seamless, natural look. We recommend inlays for smaller areas of the tooth and onlays for larger restorations. During your visit, our dentist will examine the affected tooth and determine whether you require an inlay or onlay.

Don’t let old fillings or a damaged tooth affect your oral health and self-confidence. Learn more about our affordable, durable dental inlays and onlays by giving our office a call.

What Should I Expect When Getting Inlays or Onlays?

The procedure for dental inlays and onlays usually involves two appointments. Your first visit will begin with a thorough examination of the affected tooth. The dentist will remove any existing fillings or decay to make room for the new inlay or onlay. He or she also will take impressions of the tooth, which are sent to a lab for fabrication. The tooth will then be sealed with a temporary solution until your next visit. Once the new inlay or onlay arrives, the dentist will place the appliance inside the tooth. Then, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments before bonding the inlay or onlay into place.

The Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

There are many advantages offered by our affordable dental inlays and onlays. While traditional fillings can weaken the structure of a tooth, inlays or onlays actually increase the tooth’s strength. In some cases, inlays and onlays can make a tooth up to 75 percent stronger. Inlays and onlays can last for decades while traditional fillings usually need to be replaced every five years. To find out more about the benefits of inlays and onlays, give our office a call.

What Are Crowns and Dental Bridges Used for?

A bridge will replace one or two adjacent missing teeth. A tooth bridge is a lower cost option to replace a missing tooth compared to an implant. A tooth crown hides a broken tooth by covering or capping it, which is why crowns are also called dental caps.

Can I Get a Tooth Crown or a Tooth Bridge From My Dentist Who Fills My Cavities?

Yes, your general dentist has experience in all types of restorations. Call us today to schedule your consultation appointment.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

Crowns for teeth come in various materials, some costing more than others. Your dental bridge cost depends on even more variables, so you will have to get an estimate from our dentist after discussing your options.

Which Tooth Filling Material is the Most Popular?

When you have a cavity, our dentist will remove the decay and then fill the hole with amalgam (metal) or composite resins, which match your tooth’s natural color. Gold alloy and porcelain fillings are less popular, due to their cost.

White Composite Fillings

If you require a dental filling, it’s important to know that you have options. White composite fillings are a discreet, durable alternative to traditional amalgam fillings. These affordable devices can be shaded to match your existing teeth, creating a natural look while restoring the damaged tooth. Whether you’re unhappy with existing amalgam fillings or need to repair your smile, our skilled dentists can help.

During your appointment, our dentist will examine the decayed tooth and determine whether a composite filling is right for you. We typically recommend composite fillings for smaller cavities as well as teeth in your smile line. Composite fillings set quickly, so you’ll be able to eat and drink after your appointment.

While composite fillings are designed to withstand chewing, drinking, and jaw movement, they do not last a lifetime. Most composite fillings will need to be replaced after a few years due to general wear and tear. If you’re unhappy with your current amalgam fillings or suspect a cavity, call us now to find out whether composite fillings are right for you.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Types of Crowns?

Porcelain-fused to-metal crowns are affordable and strong, but the metal may show through after many years of use. Ceramic crowns have the most aesthetic appeal, but they are not as strong. Gold crowns are extremely strong, but they are more expensive that other crowns.

How Do Dentists Place Crowns?

A dentist shapes a broken or discolored tooth so the crown can completely cover the tooth. He or she will place a temporary crown on the tooth until a dental lab creates a custom crown just for you. When the crown is ready, the dentist cements your permanent crown in place after removing the temporary crown.

What Types of Bridges Are Used to Hide Missing Teeth?

A traditional bridge fills in the space left by a missing tooth with a prosthetic tooth, which attaches to crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. When only one adjacent tooth is available, our dentist will recommend a cantilever bridge. There are also implant-supported bridges, which are not suitable for everyone, but they do have distinct advantages, which our dentist will discuss with you.

How Do Dentists Attach Bridges?

Attaching a bridge is the same process as attaching a crown, since the bridge’s prosthetic tooth is attached to a crown on each side. An implant-supported bridge is different, and the process will depend on the integrity of your jawbone in the spot where the bridge goes.

Contact our office if you would like an appointment to see if you need any dental fillings or if you would like to learn more about crowns or bridges.