Fillings, crowns, and bridges in Clinton, Maryland

What's a Tooth Filling and What Does It Do?

Filling a tooth is the most common method for repairing a tooth when it's been damaged due to decay but is still structurally intact. Your dentist will remove the decayed area, clean and disinfect the tooth, and then fill it with gold, porcelain, or another material. After the procedure, your tooth will function the same as it did before the cavity. Fillings are essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Otherwise, the decay can travel from your tooth throughout your body and may cause health issues. If you have any questions, please call our Clinton office during regular business hours, and we'll be happy to answer all your questions or schedule an appointment.

What's the Function of Crowns and Bridges and What Are They?

A tooth crown, also called a dental cap or dental caps, and a tooth bridge are both prosthetic dental devices that repair or replace damaged or missing teeth. Unlike dentures, crowns, and bridges are permanent installations that can only be removed by a dentist. They're affixed to the surrounding teeth with a high-bond cement, so they won't shift or fall out at an inconvenient time.

Since they're matched to the shade and shape of the surrounding teeth, it won't be obvious that you're wearing a prosthetic device. Those who are missing one or more adjacent teeth usually have a bridge installed, while a tooth crown may repair a single damaged tooth, but your Clinton dentist will recommend the best solution for your unique needs. Bridges are made by using a row of pontic teeth that are attached to natural teeth or an implant on either end.

Do I Need a Special Dentist for Any of These Prosthetic Devices?

Usually, a general dentist can provide crowns, fillings, and bridges, but if you need a specialist, you'll be referred to one. When you come to our Clinton office for your initial appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and then recommend the best prosthetic devices for your unique needs. If you have any questions, this is a good time to ask them.

We recommend that you contact your insurance provider before your appointment so that you know the extent of your policy coverage as well as any limitations or exclusions. Bring the information with you so we can provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of your procedures.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

Your dental bridge cost or tooth filling cost will be unique to you and will depend on the extent of the work you need, the materials you select, and the location of the tooth or teeth requiring work. When you come to your appointment, we'll provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate. If you need work, but finances are an issue, let us know. We'll work with you so that you can afford the dental work you need without breaking your budget. If you have any questions, call our Clinton office, and we'll be happy to help you.

What Type of Materials Are Used for Fillings?

Some of the most popular tooth fillings look the same as your natural teeth. However, others are available depending on your preference and your dentist's recommendation. Options include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite. Your dentist will advise you of the best type for your needs since not all filling materials are suitable for all kinds of teeth.

Many of the same types of materials that are used for fillings are available for crowns, such as ceramic, gold alloy, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Ceramic is typically recommended for front teeth, while gold is recommended for the molars. If you need more information, call our Clinton office.

Is There More Than One Type of Bridge?

Several types of bridges are available depending on the location and the type of teeth involved. There are traditional bridges for when there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth and a cantilever bridge for when there are only teeth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth. Your dentist will recommend the best type of bridge for your unique needs.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Crown?

Getting a crown involves three steps and at least two office visits. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare and shape the tooth. Next, they'll make an impression of it, which will be sent to the lab for fabrication, and we'll use it to make a temporary crown for you to wear in the interim.

When we receive your permanent crown, you'll return to have it installed. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown, place the permanent crown, and then adjust it for fit. When your permanent crown is comfortably placed, they'll cement it to the tooth with a high-bond cement so it won't fall out. Each step takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete, and you should be able to drive home after each step.

What's the Tooth Bridge Procedure?

Getting a bridge installed usually requires at least two appointments. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth, then take impressions of them. After that, we'll send the models to the lab to fabricate your new bridge and crowns, and we'll make a temporary one for you. Then, when we receive your permanent device, you'll return to have it installed and adjusted for comfort. If you have any questions, call our office, and we'll be happy to answer them.

Still Need a Tooth Filling in Clinton?

If you're still looking for a general dentist, call Dr. Mark Greenstein & Associates at (301) 710-0439, and we can help you. We're one of the best in the area and provide our patients with some of the best customer service they'll ever receive. Call us today. You'll be glad you did.