Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in New Lenox

What Are Tooth Fillings?

Dental fillings restore decayed teeth to their normal shapes and functions. When a dentist places a filling, he or she takes out the decayed tissue inside of the tooth. The dentist will then clean out the cavity before filling it with a gold, porcelain or other substances. This filling will help to prevent the tooth from becoming further damaged or decayed. 

What Are Tooth Crowns and Tooth Bridges?

Dental bridges and dental crowns are custom-fitted devices that are used in restorative dentistry. While some dental devices are removable, crowns and bridges are stuck onto the teeth via a high-bond cement. This means that they can only be removed by a dentist. Crowns are also called “dental caps” because they fit over a damaged tooth like a cap. Bridges are generally utilized when you are missing one or more of your teeth. They are created utilizing a row of pontic teeth. Those teeth are then attached to your natural teeth on each side of the gap created by your missing tooth or teeth. Many patients who need tooth bridges make use of dental implants to secure the bridge in place.

What Kind of Dentist Provides Tooth Fillings, Crowns and Bridges?

Your local general dentist can provide you with a crown, filling or bridge. Before receiving treatment, you will first need to undergo a thorough dental examination. If our dentist determines that you are in need of restorative treatment, he or she will talk to you about the kinds of treatments that will work best for your dental health needs. You will also be able to ask your dentist about dental insurance and payment options.

How Much Will My Bill for a Tooth Filling, Tooth Crown or Dental Bridge Cost?

If you are worried about tooth bridge cost, tooth filling cost or dental crown cost, it is important to understand that these are customized treatments. This means that your cost may vary significantly from another patient. The materials used, the location receiving the treatment and your dental insurance will all play a part in determining what you will owe. You will be provided with an estimate of treatment costs after you have received your initial examination from one of our dentists.

What Can You Tell Me About the Different Kinds of Fillings I Can Get?

A tooth filling can be made out of a variety of substances. Some of those substances are made to match the color of your natural teeth so that the filling blends in seamlessly with your teeth. Popular types of fillings are gold, porcelain, tooth-colored composite and silver amalgam. Your dentist will assist you in determining what kind of filling is best for you.

What Can You Tell Me About the Different Types of Crowns I Can Get?

Crowns for teeth are also available in a variety of materials. Dental crowns can be made with porcelain which will be fused to metal, gold alloys or ceramic. Most dentists recommend that gold crowns be utilized for the back teeth. Ceramic crowns are frequently utilized in front teeth restorations.

What Can You Tell Me About the Different Kinds of Bridges I Can Get?

There are also different types of bridges that you can have put in. The kind that you will need will depend on your specific case. A traditional bridge utilizes a crown that is placed over the implant or tooth on each side of the gap caused by your missing tooth or teeth. The row of pontic teeth is then placed in the middle of those teeth. A cantilever bridge is utilized when a patient only has adjacent teeth on one side of the missing tooth. This type of bridge is also not used in cases where a bridge is needed in the back of the mouth.

What Can I Expect When Getting a Tooth Crown?

The procedure for receiving a dental crown generally requires two appointments. At the first appointment, your tooth will be shaped and prepared by the dentist. An impression of the tooth will also be taken so that your customized crown can be fabricated. The dentist will then place a temporary crown over your tooth. Once your permanent crown has arrived, you will come in for a second appointment. Your new crown will be cemented into place at this time. In most cases, each step of the procedure takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

How Is a Tooth Bridge Placed?

Dental bridge procedures also take approximately two visits to complete. The first visit will consist of the dentist taking off some of the enamel of the abutment teeth. Impressions of the teeth are then made so that your customized bridge and crowns can be made. A temporary bridge will then be placed. When your permanent bridge comes in, you will return to the office to have the device placed and adjusted.