When it comes to restorative dentistry, there are several effective treatments available to address various dental concerns. Dental crowns, dental fillings, and dental bridges are popular options that patients can seek to restore damaged or missing teeth, improve functionality, and enhance the overall aesthetics of their smile.
A damaged smile deserves attention from a trusted and skilled dental professional. Restore your smile with the experienced dentists at Lakewood Dental Group. Contact our team in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 827-1885 for appointments, information, and more!
In this blog, we explore dental crowns, dental fillings, and dental bridges in detail. We even dive into their uses, what to expect during the procedure, associated costs, and which patients would benefit most from each treatment.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns (sometimes called tooth caps or dental caps) are custom-made covers that encase damaged, weakened, or irregular teeth. They provide unmatched strength and protection, as well as improve the appearance of teeth.
Typically, dentists recommend crowns for the following situations:
Extensive Tooth Decay
When teeth develop large cavities that cannot be restored with a dental filling alone, then dental crowns may be the best option to repair the damage. Dentists may also recommend dental crowns to support teeth with large or old fillings.
Fractured or Cracked Teeth
If teeth are severely cracked or fractured, then dental crowns can hold them together. As a result, dental crowns can prevent further damage and restore teeth’s original strength.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy entails the removal of infected matter from inside a tooth. After a root canal procedure, dentists can place a dental crown over the affected tooth to protect and strengthen it.
What to Expect
Typically, the process of getting dental crowns involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your tooth by removing any decay or damage and taking impressions of your mouth. The dentist can place a temporary (but very weak) crown on top of the affected tooth while a dental lab uses your impressions to create your final tooth cap.
In the second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and permanently bonds the final crown onto the tooth. Afterward, you are free to eat, speak, and smile as confidently as ever before!
Cost
The cost of dental crowns can vary depending on factors such as the material used (e.g., porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or gold), the location of the dental practice, and the complexity of the case. On average, the cost can range from $500 to $3,500 per crown.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are a common restorative treatment that dentists can use to repair teeth affected by cavities, minor fractures, or other dental issues. Fillings are suitable for patients who have the following dental issues:
Tooth Decay
When cavities occur, a dentist must remove the decayed portion of the tooth. After removing the cavity, a space is left behind. Dental fillings help fill this space and prevent the cavity from reaching deeper, wider, or spreading to surrounding teeth.
Minor Tooth Fractures
It is common for teeth to sustain minor damage, like small chips or fractures. In these cases, a dentist can use fillings to restore the tooth’s shape and deter future damage.
Cosmetic Issues
Oftentimes, the material that dentists use for fillings is a tooth-colored resin. This means that dentists can use the resin to hide minor smile imperfections, like white spots on the teeth or intrinsic stains.
What to Expect
Dentists can create fillings from various materials, including silver amalgam, composite resin, gold, or porcelain. The choice of filling material depends on factors such as the location of the tooth, the extent of the damage, aesthetic concerns, and the patient’s preferences.
During the procedure, the dentist numbs the area around the affected tooth, removes the decayed or damaged portion (if necessary), and fills the space with the chosen filling material. Then, the dentist shapes and polishes the filling to ensure a comfortable and natural fit.
Cost
The cost of a tooth filling changes depending on several factors such as the type of filling material the dentist recommends, the size of the filling, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost can range from $90 to $500 per filling.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a restorative solution for patients with one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of artificial teeth (usually called pontics) that are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges are suitable for patients who:
Have Missing Teeth
Bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Subsequently, they are ideal for restoring the ability to bite, chew, and speak properly.
Desire Aesthetics
Missing teeth can create unwanted gaps in your smile. Bridges improve the appearance of your smile by filling the gaps left by missing teeth.
Need Improved Oral Function
It’s no secret that tooth loss can impact every aspect of one’s life, especially their ability to eat and speak. Bridges help restore oral function so that patients can improve their quality of life.
What to Expect
The procedure for getting a dental bridge typically involves multiple visits to the dentist. During the initial visit, a dentist prepares the abutment teeth (the adjacent teeth used as anchors) by removing a portion of their enamel.
Next, the dentist takes impressions to help them fabricate the bridge from scratch. In subsequent visits, the dentist cements the bridge into place and ensures a proper fit.
Cost
The cost of dental bridges can vary depending on factors such as the number of teeth being replaced, the materials used, the location of the dental practice, and the complexity of the case. On average, the cost can range from $1,500 to $15,000 per bridge.
Dental Crowns, Fillings, and Bridges in Dallas, TX
Dental crowns, dental fillings, and dental bridges are essential treatments in restorative dentistry that can help patients address a vast range of dental issues. If you need help determining which restorative treatment is best for your smile and budget, contact the team at Lakewood Dental Group. Patients can reach us on our website, or they can call us at (214) 827-1885 for appointments and more!
