Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in South Bend

Why Would I Need Tooth Fillings?

When your tooth has been damaged due to decay or trauma, a tooth filling can restore function to the tooth and protect it from further damage or decay. When you come to our South Bend office for a tooth filling, your dentist will remove the damaged part of the tooth and clean the area, then we’ll fill the cavity with amalgam, gold, porcelain or another material. Not all fillings are suitable for all types of teeth, so your dentist will recommend the best options for your needs.

Why Would I Need A Bridge or a Crown?

Like fillings, a dental bridge or crowns for teeth can restore functionality to an area and protect it from additional damage or decay. Both are permanently installed dental prosthetics that are affixed using a high-bond cement, so you don’t have to worry that they’ll fall out, and they require no special maintenance. Dental crowns are commonly referred to as dental caps because they cap the entire surface of the tooth. A tooth bridge is a row of pontics with a crown at each end. The crowns are affixed to abutment teeth with a high-bond cement that secures the bridge in place. If an abutment tooth isn’t available, an implant can be used. If you need crowns or dental bridges in South Bend, then call our office and we’ll schedule an appointment.

Where Can I Get Restorative Dentistry?

Although all dentists can provide restorative dentistry, not all do. Our dentists are skilled in the South Bend area for this type of dentistry, so if you need to schedule a consultation, be sure to call us without delay.

Is Restorative Dentistry Expensive?

The cost of each dental procedure is unique to the patient and will be determined by the type and location of the procedure needed, the materials used, any additional work that’s needed, and the available insurance benefits. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive estimate of the work you need so that you’ll know your dental bridge cost, tooth filling cost or dental crown cost. If you can’t afford the procedures that you need, we’ll work with you on flexible financing or payment options so that you don’t have to forego the treatment you need because of financial constraints.

Do I Have a Choice for Dental Fillings?

Fillings are available in a variety of materials, but the most popular in our office are an amalgam mix, tooth-colored composite, porcelain or gold. Your dentist will recommend the best choices for your needs as not all types of fillings are suitable for all types of teeth. For more information, call our South Bend office.

Do I Have a Choice for Dental Crowns?

Like fillings, dental crowns are available in a variety of materials. Our most commonly requested are ceramic, which is usually used for front teeth, and gold, which is usually used for back teeth, but your dentist will recommend the best choices for your needs.

Do I Have a Choice for a Dental Bridge?

We offer several types of bridges, but we most commonly install a traditional bridge or a cantilever bridge. A traditional bridge is comprised of a row of pontics that are flanked by crowns that are affixed to abutment teeth. If an abutment tooth is available on only one side, then a cantilever bridge can be used. Cantilever bridges, however, aren’t recommended for back teeth. If you need a bridge in South Bend, then call us today for an appointment.

What Will Happen When I Get a Tooth Crown Installed?

Getting a tooth crown installed will require two office appointments and three steps. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare the affected tooth and shape it to receive the crown. We’ll then take an impression of the tooth, and that will be used to fabricate both the temporary and the permanent crown. We’ll install the temporary before you leave. When the permanent crown arrives, we’ll adjust it so that it fits properly and is comfortable, and then we’ll install it using a high-bond cement. Each step will take between 30 and 60 minutes.

What Will Happen When I Get a Tooth Bridge Installed?

When you have a bridge installed in our South Bend office, you’ll need two office appointments. Your dentist will prepare the abutment teeth during your first visit and then we’ll take impressions of the area. These impressions will be the model for your temporary and permanent crowns. We’ll install the temporary and you’ll wear that until we receive your permanent crown. When that happens, you’ll return to the office, we’ll adjust your permanent crown for the best fit and comfort, and then we’ll affix it using a high-bond cement.

If you need restorative dentistry in the South Bend area, then call The Dental Center of South Bend at (574) 245-7508 and schedule an appointment. We provide restorative dental procedures and we strive to maintain our excellent reputation within the local community. Call us today and let’s get started on restoring your beautiful smile.