Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Palm Coast

What Are Cavity Fillings?

When teeth decay, a dentist will remove the decay, leaving a cavity that needs a filling of amalgam (metal), composite resin or another material. Leaving the cavity without a tooth filling will lead to more decay as food particles will accumulate.

Is a Tooth Crown and a Tooth Bridge Right for Me?

A crown caps a tooth, covering all of its sides above the gum line. Dentists use crowns for cosmetic purposes and to restore a tooth’s strength after a break or a root canal procedure. A tooth bridge is a solution for one or more adjacent missing teeth. The bridge either receives support from the surrounding teeth or from an implant. If the surrounding teeth will support the bridge, the bridge will have crowns on each end to give the supporting teeth added strength.

What Kind of Dentist Offers Restorations, Such as Fillings, Bridges and Crowns?

Our general dentists are skilled at filling cavities, placing crowns and installing bridges to replace missing teeth. If you need restorative dental care, please contact our office and request an appointment.

What’s the Typical Filling, Bridge and Dental Crown Cost?

We base your tooth filling cost on your tooth’s condition and the filling material you choose. Your dental bridge cost depends on the number of teeth you need to replace and the materials selected. We calculate your cost for a crown on the type of crown and whether our dentist will have to perform preparatory treatments to the tooth first. Please inform us if you have dental insurance coverage as this will affect your total cost. Contact us for an appointment so our dentist can determine your unique needs and give you an estimated cost.

What Are the Most Popular Tooth Filling Materials?

While gold and porcelain are available options, composite resin and silver amalgam are the most popular choices. Composite resin is tooth-colored, while amalgam (metal) has the advantage is being strong and long-lasting. If you call for an appointment and need a cavity filled, your dentist can help you choose the best material based on the tooth’s location, your aesthetic values and your budget.

What Materials Do Crowns for Teeth Come in?

Porcelain crowns have the most visual appeal; they are ideal for patients who want the most aesthetically pleasing dental caps. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are stronger than all porcelain crowns and nearly as aesthetically pleasing. Gold alloy crowns are the strongest option so they are ideal for back molars. Your dentist can help you select the best option for your unique situation.

Are There Different Types of Dental Bridges?

Traditional bridges are the most popular choice. They consist of one or two pontics (artificial teeth) and crowns for the abutment teeth. Abutment teeth are the teeth that hold the bridge in place, except in implant-supported bridges. Front teeth can also have cantilever bridges, which dentists suggest when there is only one tooth healthy enough to use as an abutment tooth.

How Does a Dentist Place a Tooth Crown?

Crowns take two appointments to place. During your first appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth which a dental lab will use to fabricate your custom crown. Your dentist prepares the tooth for a crown by removing some enamel, about two to three millimeters. You’ll receive a temporary crown to wear until your second appointment. During your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and then make sure the permanent crown fits before bonding it into place with dental cement.

How Do Dentists Install Bridges?

It will take two appointments for you to get your custom bridge, spaced about two weeks apart. Your dentist will reshape the two teeth anchoring the bridge so the crowns will fit over them. Your dentist will them take an impression of your teeth to send to the dental lab. You’ll receive temporary crowns for the prepared teeth to protect them. When you return, your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and see if your bridge fits properly before cementing your bridge in place.

If you’ve lost a tooth and have an unsightly gap in your smile, we can help you with options such as a dental bridge. Call our office to request an appointment to see how we can get you smiling again very soon.