Fillings, crowns, & bridges in Bridgeton, New Jersey

What Is a Tooth Filling?

A tooth filling restores the shape and function of a decayed tooth. To place a filling, the dentist will start by numbing the area. After numbing the area, your dentist removes the decay and fills the cavity with porcelain or another material to protect against future damage.

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Tooth crowns and bridges are customized restorations that are permanently attached to your teeth. Also known as dental caps, tooth crowns are placed over damaged teeth. When you have a tooth crown installed, it is designed to cover the entire affected tooth.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, your dentist may suggest using a bridge. This type of restoration is created with a row of artificial (pontic) teeth. Your dentist attaches the bridge to abutment teeth on either side. Dental implants can be added to provide extra support for a bridge.

Which Dental Providers Offer Tooth Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges?

General dentists can place fillings, crowns, and bridges. After your checkup, the dentist will recommend any needed treatments and help you choose the best options. Our team can also answer your insurance and payment questions.

How Much Will My Crown, Bridge, or Filling Cost?

The cost of restorative treatment varies from patient to patient. For example, if you need a crown, your dental crown cost will be based on your individual insurance coverage, the materials you select for your crown, the amount of restoration your tooth needs, and the time it takes to complete your procedure.

Your bridge or tooth filling cost will depend on the same factors. In addition, your dental bridge cost will be based on the type of bridge you need. We’ll provide cost estimates for your restorative treatment during your consultation.

Which Materials Are Used for Fillings?

Porcelain, composite resin, gold, and silver amalgam are the main types of materials for dental fillings. Porcelain fillings provide a natural look, and they may be recommended for teeth that need extra support. Composite resin fillings match the color of your natural teeth, and they can last up to 10 years.

Gold fillings are incredibly strong, and they usually last several decades. Although they aren’t used as much as they once were, silver amalgam fillings may be considered for back teeth. They typically last 15 to 20 years. Our dentists will explain the different filling materials and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Which Materials Are Used for Crowns?

Crowns for teeth are made with many different materials, including ceramic, gold, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Ceramic crowns are routinely used on front teeth. For a back tooth, your dentist may suggest a tooth crown made from gold or zirconia. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are used for front and back teeth and dental bridges.

What Are the Main Types of Bridges?

At our dental clinic, we’re proud to provide a variety of bridges to fit our patients’ needs. Traditional bridges are the most commonly used bridges. They’re made with a row of artificial (pontic) teeth, and dental crowns are placed at both ends of the row. The crowns are bonded to your adjacent teeth. To use a traditional bridge, the crowns must be attached to natural teeth that are free of decay.

If you only have natural teeth on one side of the treatment area, you may want to consider a cantilever bridge. This type of tooth bridge uses a row of artificial teeth, but it only requires a crown on one end. Cantilever bridges work well for replacing front teeth, but they aren’t recommended for replacing molars.

What Should I Expect When I Get a Dental Crown?

If you’re receiving a traditional crown, you’ll have two appointments to complete your treatment. During your first visit, your dentist will prepare and shape the affected tooth so that it’s ready for the crown. An impression of the tooth will be taken to create the final crown, and a temporary crown will be placed.

At your next appointment, the temporary crown will be removed, and your permanent crown will be installed. You should allow 45 to 90 minutes for your first appointment, and your second appointment will take 30 to 60 minutes.

What Happens During Dental Bridge Appointments?

In most cases, a tooth bridge procedure requires two appointments. At the first visit, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic, and a small portion of tooth enamel will be removed from the teeth on either side of the area to be treated. Impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a model for your new bridge and crowns, and a temporary bridge will be installed.

During your second appointment, your permanent bridge will be installed and adjusted for maximum comfort. Our team members are here to answer all of your questions about your dental bridge options. Reach out to us today to find out more.