A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants. Even when damaged by decay or trauma, our natural teeth are quite durable and can still offer years of functionality with a little bit of dental support. Dental crowns can give that support by providing your tooth a strong, resilient surface. Crowns can also reduce tooth sensitivity and protect teeth from further damage.
It’s important to fill empty gaps as soon as you lose a tooth. When left untreated, open spaces in the mouth cause teeth to shift, which can cause trouble with your bite and oral health. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges replace missing teeth with dental crowns supported by adjacent teeth.
Dental bridges can be essential to fill gaps between teeth making a smile whole and complete. There can be many reasons for needing a dental bridge:
Traditional dental bridges: The most common type, with a crown placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth anchored in between. They are made of ceramics or porcelain fused to metal for strength and natural appearance.
Cantilever dental bridges: Used when there is only one natural tooth adjacent to the gap. The bridge is anchored on one side only. Less common than traditional bridges.
Maryland bonded dental bridges: Made of porcelain or plastic teeth supported by a metal framework. The metal wings are bonded or attached to the adjacent teeth. Also called resin-bonded bridges. Less invasive than traditional bridges because less tooth structure needs to be removed.
A dental filling is a treatment to restore missing tooth structure caused by decay or trauma. When decay makes a tooth hollow, a filling restores it to normal function and prevents further damage. Fillings also repair broken, cracked, or worn teeth caused by grinding or other habits.
There are various signs and symptoms where tooth fillings can be required. The symptoms could be as below:
•Chipped or broken tooth.
•Closing space between two teeth.
•Dark spots on the tooth.
•A hole in your tooth.
•Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverage.
•Single or multiple cavities.
•Food stuck between certain areas of the teeth.
•Decayed teeth.
•Worn teeth.
Dental Filling is normally required if your tooth is decayed. It can prevent further damage and can protect your tooth.
•The very first step in this process is to see how severe the infected tooth is. This is because Dental Filling is only suitable for minor fractures and decay
•The dentist then examines the tooth and if required an tooth X-ray would be done for precise and accurate information
•Depending upon the extent of decay, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area if necessary after which your dentist will remove decay from the tooth, using hand instruments or a drill.
•Then the decayed or damaged tooth or the areas around it is prepared for restoration
•If the tooth is damaged, then a dental handpiece or a laser can be used to remove the damaged tooth part
•A filling is then applied to the area to fill the cavity. The type of filling will depend upon case to case and person to person
•Finally, the finished tooth can be polished to conclude the dental filling procedure
The lifespan of a filling depends on the material used. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings typically last 7-10 years, while amalgam (silver) fillings can last 15+ years. Regular checkups help us monitor filling condition and replace them if needed.
Is getting a filling painful?No. We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area before removing decay and placing the filling. You'll feel pressure and vibration, but not pain. If you're anxious, let us know and we can discuss sedation options.
What is a dental bridge and how does it work?A dental bridge uses artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored to crowns on adjacent teeth or implants. The bridge literally "bridges" the gap left by one or more missing teeth, restoring function and appearance. It's a permanent, non-removable solution.
Does insurance cover fillings and bridges?Most PPO plans cover fillings at 80% after deductible, and bridges at 50% (since they're considered major restorative care). We'll verify your coverage and discuss costs before treatment. We accept most major insurance plans and offer payment plans for uninsured patients.
Call (470) 577-9777 or schedule online. We proudly serve patients from Oakwood, Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Buford, and Braselton, GA.