Tooth fillings, crowns, & bridges in Racine

What's Meant by a Tooth Filling?

A tooth filling restores functionality to a tooth affected by decay. The decayed material is removed, the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the cavity is filled. The most common filling material is porcelain or gold, but other fillings are available. Filling the tooth protects it from further damage and decay. If the filling is very large, dental caps can also be used.

What Are Bridges and Crowns?

Bridges and crowns are dental prosthetic devices permanently affixed with high-bond cement and can only be removed by a dentist.

A tooth crown covers a damaged tooth, especially one requiring a large filling. A tooth crown will match the shade of your teeth, so it won't be obvious that it's a crown, but it will protect the tooth from additional damage.

A tooth bridge attaches one or more teeth to the adjacent teeth and restores stability to the other teeth while it restores functionality to the area with missing teeth. Bridges are recommended for areas missing one or more teeth and attach to abutment teeth at either end. Implants can also function to support dental bridges.

Where Do I Get Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges Installed?

Your family dentist can provide you with bridges, crowns, and fillings, so call our Racine office to schedule an appointment. We'll examine your teeth and gums and determine the best treatment options. We want you to have the best oral health possible, and we'll work with you to make that happen.

How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?

Each patient is unique and has unique needs, so there's no set fee schedule for a tooth filling cost or any other of our dental procedures. During your consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, and then advise you of your dental crown cost, the cost for your crowns for teeth, or whatever procedure you need.

Items that factor into the final cost for your procedure include the type of procedure you need, the materials required, the location of the device, and your insurance coverage. However, we'll provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate before we begin any work.

Before your appointment, we recommend you speak to your provider to determine your coverage, benefits, and exclusions. Bring that information to your appointment, and we'll work with you to maximize your benefits.

What Are My Options for Dental Fillings?

You have several options for tooth fillings, such as amalgam, gold, porcelain, silver, or tooth-colored composite. Some are better in certain locations, but your dentist will recommend the best type for your needs.

What Are My Options for Tooth Crowns?

Like fillings, crowns are available in a variety of materials. Ceramic is often used for front teeth, and gold is popular for back teeth, but your dentist will recommend your best option. Porcelain-fused-to-metal is also an option for dental crowns.

What Are My Options for a Tooth Bridge?

We offer several types of bridges to restore our patient's smiles, but the most common are traditional bridges and cantilever bridges.

A traditional bridge involves placing a crown on the teeth at either end of the bridge and placing pontic teeth between.

A cantilever bridge is used when there are teeth on only one end of the bridge, and we don't recommend using a cantilever bridge on the rear teeth.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Crown?

There are three steps to installing a crown, and you'll need at least two office visits. During your initial visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression of it. We'll use the impression to fabricate a temporary crown, which you'll wear until we receive your permanent crown. When we receive your permanent crown, we'll remove the temporary crown and install the permanent one. It will be cemented in place, so you needn't worry that it will fall out.

Each step requires 30 minutes to an hour. Call our Racine office if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment.

All Ceramic Crowns

The use of all ceramic crowns allows dentists to best mimick natural teeth. Years after placement of a conventional porcelain-fused-to-metal crown the area along the gum often starts to look dark. Often this is not the tooth that is dark but the shadow of the metal under the crown that you are seeing. By placing an all ceramic crown where there is no metal and your crown will continue to look natural . All ceramic crowns maintain a translucency that makes them hard to distinguish from natural teeth. Without the metal, the problem of a dark line at the edge of the gums is eliminated. The new technological breakthrough in the cements and stronger materials make it possible to create longer lasting crowns.

All ceramic restorations can be a great alternative to those with metal allergies. Some peple have allergic reactions to metals. Far worse than not being able to wear metal, sensitivity in the mouth can cause irritation to the gum’s. All ceramic, metal free crowns maybe your solution.

What Is the Dental Bridge Procedure?

If you're getting a bridge, you'll need two office visits. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth. Preparation involves removing a very thin layer of enamel and then taking impressions of your teeth. Removing the enamel ensures a better fit and adhesion for the bridge.

You'll receive a temporary bridge to wear in the interim, and when we receive your permanent bridge, you'll return to the office, and we'll install it and adjust it for fit and comfort.

If you need dental work, call our Racine office, and we'll be happy to schedule an appointment. We're among the best in the area, and we're sure you'll be pleased with our work!

Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.