Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in New Lenox

What Is a Dental Filling?

A dental or tooth filling is a technique used to repair a tooth cavity. It requires a dentist to remove the decaying material within the tooth. After this, the dentist cleans out the tooth and then fills the cavity with a substance like gold, porcelain or other similar materials. This process returns the tooth to its normal shape. It also keeps the tooth from becoming more decayed or damaged.

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and dental bridges are two types of prosthetic devices used to replace or repair damaged teeth. These devices are attached to your teeth with a high-bond dental cement that can only be taken off by a dental professional. Tooth crowns are also known as “dental caps.” This is due to the fact that they are used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. Tooth bridges are generally given to patients who are missing one or more of their teeth. A tooth bridge is made with a row of pontic teeth. The pontics are then attached to abutment teeth (the teeth on each side of the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth). Dentists frequently utilize dental implants along with bridges.

What Type of Dentist Provides Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

You can get a tooth filling, tooth bridge or tooth crown from any general dentist. When you come to our practice, you will be given a thorough oral examination by one of our dentists. If you are in need of restorative treatment, you will be advised by your dentist as to what options are available to you. At this time, you will also be able to ask any questions about payment options or dental insurance that you may have.

What Will My Filling, Crown or Dental Bridge Cost?

If you are wondering how much a bridge, crown or tooth filling cost is, you are not alone. Since these treatments are all fully customized, the cost you pay will vary accordingly. Some things that may factor into your final bill include the location of the device, the materials utilized and your dental insurance coverage. When you have had your initial examination, you will be given a detailed estimate of the dental filling cost, dental crown cost or tooth crown cost.

Are There Different Materials Available for Fillings?

You might be surprised to learn that dental fillings are available in a variety of different materials. You can receive fillings made out of gold, porcelain, silver amalgam or tooth-colored composite. Many of our patients receive fillings that match the color of their natural teeth. Your dentist will be able to give you advice as to which type of filling best meets your needs.

How Many Different Kinds of Crowns Are There?

Crowns for teeth are also available in several kinds of materials. Popular substances utilized to make crowns include ceramic, gold alloys and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Dentists are more likely to use ceramic crowns in restoration work on front teeth. Gold crowns are typically recommended for the back teeth. This is because gold crows are exceptionally durable and able to withstand the amount of pressure that exists in the back of your mouth when you bite down on something.

What Are the Different Types of Bridges?

There are multiple types of tooth bridges available. The exact type you will receive depends on your needs. Traditional bridges consist of your dentist creating a crown for either an implant or a tooth on both sides of the impacted area. The pontics are then placed in between those two teeth. If you only have adjacent teeth on one side of the impacted area, your dentist will most likely place a cantilever bridge. The one exception to this is if your teeth are located in the back of your mouth, as cantilever bridges aren’t typically used in that location.

What Is the Process for Getting a Crown?

In most cases, it takes two visits to the dentist in order to receive a dental crown. The first time you come in will involve the dentist shaping and preparing your tooth. The dentist will also create an impression of the tooth. This impression will be used to create your customized final crown. You will then be given a temporary crown that you will wear until your new crown comes in. At your second visit, the permanent crown is placed over the tooth with high-bond cement. Each section of the procedure will take between 30 minutes to an hour.

How Will My Bridge Be Put In?

Having a dental bridge placed also typically involves two visits. Your first visit will be when the dentist removes a tiny bit of enamel from the abutment teeth. This prepares the teeth for the bridge. A mold of your teeth will then be made. This mold will be the model for your permanent bridge and crowns. Your dentist will put a temporary bridge in place. Once your permanent device has come in, you will visit the office again. This appointment will consist of the dentist putting your permanent bridge in and then adjusting it so that it feels comfortable.