Do you have a black spot on your tooth? If so, it could be a cavity. One of the options to restore a cavity is a dental filling. This is the most common procedure at our Saskatoon dental office. We use composite resin filling material to match to your existing tooth shade.
Importance of getting fillings
Getting fillings may seem daunting and you may want to put it off as it doesn’t seem urgent, especially when it doesn’t hurt (yet). However, we strongly recommend to get your fillings done at your earliest convenience, to avoid pain and further issues developing to your teeth. Some complications that can occur if a filling is postponed too long include:
-cavity can get bigger and start causing pain and/or sensitivity to hot and cold
-infections can develop if the cavity is very deep
-part of your tooth can break off
Crowns/Bridges
A crown (or cap) is a covering that is placed over a tooth that has been broken, root canal treated, stained, damaged by decay, or is misshapen. The benefit of a crown is that it can improve the strength and appearance of a tooth and prevent further damage from occurring. Crowns are customized to fit your tooth and designed to blend in with the tone and contour of your natural teeth. Crowns are also used to top off a dental implant or certain cosmetic reasons.
A dental bridge is used to cover gaps with a false tooth supported by your natural teeth. Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can help improve chewing function as well as restoring your smile.
The treatment appointments for crowns and bridges is usually two appointments. In the first appointment, the natural tooth (or teeth) are prepared and a digital scan of your teeth is taken. Next, a temporary crown/bridge is fabricated and cemented to cover the prepared teeth. Meanwhile the scan is sent to the dental laboratory to design and process the restorative prosthesis. Different materials can be used for the crowns and bridge and the dentist will recommend the best option to fit your needs. In the second appointment, your crown/bridge is affixed to your natural teeth and fit for comfort.
Remember, no dental practice can provide an accurate quote over the phone. Ultimately, your needs are as unique as your smile. It’s important to speak with a dentist and undergo an oral exam to find out all your treatment options and to receive an accurate quote. If you have dental insurance, we would be happy to supply you with a quote to submit to them so you can find out your out-of-pocket costs before you make a decision.