Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Owings Mills

What Are Fillings for Teeth?

When you have a decayed tooth with a hole in it, your dentist will remove the decay and fill the hole with a material you select. The material restores the tooth’s shape and function. Call our office if you need an exam or if you suspect you have a cavity.

What Are Crowns and Bridges for Teeth?

People call crowns for teeth dental caps because a crown is a hollow artificial tooth which caps a discolored, broken, cracked, or weak tooth. Dentists use crowns to cover a tooth after performing a root canal and to cover teeth which hold a bridge. Dental bridges replace a missing tooth by using an artificial tooth held in place by neighboring teeth with crowns on them.

Where Can I Locate a Dentist for a Filling, Crown, or Tooth Bridge?

General and family dentists offer restorative dental services. If you need a filling, crown or bridge, we will help you restore your dental health from the comfort of our office. We offer multiple options and our dentists are always ready to explain each one to you so you can make an informed decision.

What Will I Pay for a Restoration, Such as a Tooth Filling, Crown, or Bridge?

We base your tooth filling cost primarily on the filling material you select and whether you have dental insurance, which frequently covers fillings. Your dental crown cost will depend on the type of crown you select and the amount of preparation your dentist must do. Your dental bridge cost depends on the type of bridge and the number of teeth the bridge replaces. To receive an accurate quote, please call our office and make an appointment to see one of our dentists. He or she will go over your needs and explain the costs associated with each of your options.

What Are Common Tooth Filling Materials?

Most patients choose composite resin, or white, fillings for their discreet appearance. Composite fillings are suitable for small or medium size cavities. Patients still request amalgam (metal) fillings, especially for back teeth. Amalgam fillings last longer and they are strong, capable of filling a large cavity. Patients can also select gold or porcelain fillings. While fillings normally take one visit, gold and porcelain fillings require two visits because a dental lab creates them from impressions your dentist takes on your first visit.

Which Tooth Crown Materials Are Available?

You’re typically given a choice of all-porcelain, porcelain mixed with metal, and gold. Gold crowns are an alloy, pure gold would be too soft. Your dentist will help you select the crown which he or she thinks would work best in your case. For example, your dentist would advise against an all-porcelain crown for a molar; the crown would shatter if it was constantly exposed to chewing forces.

What Is the Most Common Type of Tooth Bridge?

Conventional fixed bridges are the most common type of bridge. If you have a healthy, natural tooth on each side of the gap created by a missing tooth, your dentist will suggest a conventional bridge. A conventional bridge consists of one or two artificial teeth and a crown on each end to go over the natural teeth which will hold the bridge in place. If there is a natural tooth on one side of the gap only, your dentist may suggest a cantilever bridge if you are replacing a front tooth. There are also implant-supported bridges, which your dentist can place anywhere in your mouth.

Should I Worry About Getting a Tooth Crown?

The impression of your tooth is painless; the dental lab just needs to know the correct shade, size and shape crown you need so it will blend in seamlessly with your other teeth. We always ensure your comfort with local anesthetics when our dentist removes some tooth enamel so the crown will fit snugly. You’ll wear a temporary crown home, which your dentist will remove when you come back to have your custom crown cemented in place.

Should I Worry About Getting a Tooth Bridge?

No, like the process for getting a crown, you’ll have a local anesthetic to block any pain as your dentist prepares the abutment teeth for crowns. Your dentist will create impressions for the dental lab fabricating your bridge and you’ll have a temporary bridge to wear for the two weeks between appointments. When your permanent bridge is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and place your permanent bridge after ensuring a good fit.