Dental Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Northern Virginia

What’s a Tooth Filling?

Dentists use one or more tooth fillings to restore the shape and function of a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Usually, the decayed portion is removed, the area is cleaned and disinfected, and then the cavity is filled with either amalgam, porcelain, gold or another substance. The filling protects the inside of the tooth and inhibits the onset of further decay. Before installing the filling, your dentist will advise you of the type of filling that’s best for your unique needs. If one of your teeth needs a filling, then call our Northern Virginia office and schedule an appointment. Usually, fillings can be accomplished in one office visit.

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Both crowns and bridges are dental prosthetics that are used in restorative dentistry. They anchor to permanently installed dental appliances or they can be installed independently. They’re not removable like some dentures. Rather, they’re permanently installed using a high-bond adhesive that can only be removed by a professional. Crowns are often referred to as dental caps because they cap the entire surface of a tooth. If you’re missing one or more teeth, then you may need a tooth bridge, which uses one or more pontic teeth to replace the missing teeth. The pontic teeth are attached to the natural teeth on either side. If no abutting teeth are present, then implants can be used.

What Type of Dentist Provides Tooth Fillings, Crowns, and Dental Bridges?

Tooth fillings, crowns, and bridges are part of restorative dentistry and can be obtained through your local dentist. When you make an appointment at our Northern Virginia office, your dentist will first perform an examination of your teeth and gums to determine the types of treatment that you need. You’ll then be provided with recommendations on the best avenue of treatment for your unique situation. We strive to be one of the best in the Northern Virginia area for restorative dentistry, so if you need this type of treatment, call us for an appointment.

What’s the Cost for a Filling, Dental Bridge or Tooth Crown?

Since each of these dental appliances is custom made to the individual patient’s mouth, each cost will be unique to the patient. Factors that will influence your dental bridge cost, your dental crown cost, or your tooth filling cost include the materials used, the location of the device, and your insurance benefits. During your initial appointment, we’ll provide you with an estimate of the costs you’ll incur and the time it will take to accomplish the procedure. Call our Northern Virginia office for more information specific to your unique needs or to schedule an appointment.

Are There Different Types of Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings are available in several different materials and the type used will depend on personal preference and your dentist’s recommendation. Some types of fillings aren’t suitable for some types of teeth, so your dentist will recommend the best type for your situation. Some of the most popular are: tooth-colored composite, porcelain, silver amalgam, and gold. Your dentist will recommend the best type for you, but call our Northern Virginia office if you need more information.

What Are the Different Types of Crowns?

Dental crowns, like dental fillings, are available in several types, including gold alloy, ceramic, and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Ceramic crowns are most frequently used for front tooth restoration, while gold is often used for teeth in the back. Call our Northern Virginia office if you want more information.

What Types of Bridges Are Available?

We offer several types of bridges so that our patients can get the type that best suits their unique needs. Traditional bridges use a crown for an implant or an existing tooth as an abutment, then pontics are secured to these stable devices. Cantilever bridges are used when there are no adjacent teeth on one side, but they’re not used in the back of the mouth. Your dentist will recommend the best type of bridge for your unique needs, so if you need a bridge in Northern Virginia, then call our office for an appointment.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Tooth Crown?

The process of getting a crown installed is trifold. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare the site that will receive the crown and then take an impression of the tooth. This step is necessary to fabricate your permanent crown. We’ll install a temporary crown that you’ll wear until your permanent crown arrives. When that happens, you’ll return to our office for installation of the permanent crown which will be secured with a high-bond cement. Each step will take between 30 and 60 minutes, and you’ll need two to three office visits.

What Happens When I have a Bridge Installed?

You’ll require two appointments to get a bridge installed. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the abutments by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel and then taking an impression of the teeth. This will provide the mold necessary to make your permanent bridge. We’ll provide you with a temporary bridge to wear until we receive your permanent bridge. During your second appointment, we’ll install your permanent bridge and adjust it for comfort. If you need a tooth bridge, crowns for teeth, a tooth filling, or any other type of restorative dental work, call our Northern Virginia office. We provide high-quality, trusted dental services in the Northern Virginia area, so call us today.