Dental Fillings and Crowns

Dental Procedures - Dental Fillings and Crowns

Whether you're meticulous about your dental hygiene or a little lax, almost everyone will have a problem with their teeth at some point. While good oral hygiene is critical, you can trust the team at Brown Family Dental Care for fillings and restorations.

Tooth damage can manifest in a variety of ways. In some cases, you may have a crack or gap in your teeth. In other situations, decay may have caused a cavity that cuts through your tooth's protective enamel. Although these types of tooth damage are relatively minor, they do need to be addressed before they worsen.

At Brown Family Dental Care, we typically handle these restorations with composite or “white” fillings. In the past, small restorations were done with unattractive silver amalgam fillings. However, today we use options that look better and last longer. Composite restorations, sometimes called bonding, are applied by first ensuring the tooth is clean and free of decay. Then a cleaning gel is placed on the tooth in question and rinsed back off.

A composite resin is molded or sculpted into the space and/or over the surface of the tooth. Once the look is perfected, the resin is cured with an intense LED light. The finished surface is polished for a smooth finish.

This provides for an incredibly natural look for your teeth, which is why more and more people prefer bonding over traditional metal fillings. Bonding is a safe, attractive, and affordable option for your dental needs. If the damage to the tooth is more extensive and the remaining good tooth structure is no longer strong enough to support a filling, then a crown is the next option to save a tooth from removal. Sometimes referred to as a “cap”, crowns have been made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or even full gold in the past. 

The process usually involves two appointments. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared for the crown by removing the outer structure to create enough space for the crown to fit over the tooth. A temporary crown will be used until the second appointment, which is typically three weeks later. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the final crown is evaluated and then cemented. Stronger and more natural looking materials have replaced previous options. You should care for your crown like the rest of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing.

Call now, and we'll see if bonding or a crown can restore your smile at Brown Family Dental Care.