Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Brewster

When Would I Need a Dental Tooth Filling?

When a dentist tells you about a cavity, it means decay has eaten a hole in your tooth enamel. Your dentist can clean out the decay and fill the cavity with a substance to restore your tooth and keep decay from forming in the area again. If you believe you have a cavity, please call our office today to schedule an appointment.

What Are Dental Bridges and Dental Caps?

Crowns for teeth, or caps, literally cap a tooth, covering it on all sides. A crown is a prosthetic tooth which your dentist cements over a weak, broken or badly stained tooth to strengthen or hide it. Crowns, especially porcelain ones, closely resemble natural teeth. A tooth bridge replaces a missing tooth with a false one. The prosthetic tooth has crowns affixed to each side. The crowns go over the teeth on each side of the gap to give them more strength as they will hold the bridge in place.

What Kind of Dentist Is Best for Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

Fillings, crowns and bridges are long-lasting restorations, so you want a general dentist who has extensive experience in restoring teeth. Please contact our practice if you would like an appointment with one of our skilled general dentists.

What Is the Typical Filling, Crown and Dental Bridge Cost?

There’s no average tooth filling cost since your cost is normally based on the material you choose for your filling. We figure your dental crown cost on the crown you pick and how difficult the crown is to place. We calculate the cost of your bridge by the material, the placement and the number of teeth the bridge contains. Your dental insurance coverage also affects your total cost. Please call us to schedule an appointment and your dentist will talk to you about your options and their costs.

What Are the Unique Kinds of Tooth Filling Materials?

Amalgam (silver) fillings are your most affordable option. They are popular because they are strong and long-lasting. Composite resin (white) are also popular because they are barely noticeable. You can also choose from porcelain and gold dental fillings.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

If aesthetics are your main concern and the affected tooth is a front tooth, consider an all-porcelain crown. They are as close to a natural tooth in appearance as you can get. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are aesthetically pleasing and more durable, and they can be used for back as well as front teeth. A gold alloy tooth crown is also an option. Gold alloy crowns are long-lasting and they are the strongest crown you can get.

What Are the Different Types of Bridges for Teeth?

Most patients get a traditional bridge which is held in place by crowns that go over the teeth adjacent to the gap. If there is only one tooth next to the gap, your dentist may be able to use a cantilever bridge. Cantilever bridges can’t be used to replace back teeth. If you want a bridge to replace a missing tooth, please call our office and request a consultation.

How Does a Dentist Put a Tooth Crown On?

Placing a crown takes two dental visits. Your dentist prepares your tooth on the first visit by taking off a tiny bit of the enamel of the affected tooth so the crown will fit over it. Your dentist will make a mold or take an impression of the tooth so the dental lab can manufacture a custom crown for you. Since the tooth may be sensitive, we will provide you with an off-the-shelf crown to wear until your next visit. On your second visit, your dentist will take your temporary crown off and make sure your new crown fits correctly. Once he or she cements the new crown in place, you’re finished.

How Does a Dentist Put a Tooth Bridge On?

Placing a bridge also takes two dental visits. The first visit is so your dentist can prepare the abutment teeth for crowns. You’ll have a local anesthetic to numb the teeth, so it won’t hurt when your dentist shaves off a little bit of enamel. Your dentist will also make a mold of the area for the dental lab which will fabricate your bridge. The abutment teeth may be sensitive, so your dentist will make a temporary bridge for you to wear until your second visit. When your custom bridge is ready, you’ll return to have the temporary bridge taken off and the new one cemented in place. Your dentist will ensure the bridge fits perfectly before permanently attaching it.