Dental Fillings

Catching cavities early saves you from more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. When decay is identified before it has progressed significantly, a simple filling is often all that is needed to restore the tooth. Left untreated, decay continues to spread deeper into the tooth structure, which can eventually call for more involved procedures including crowns, bridges, root canals, or dental implants. Early diagnosis is one of the most effective tools for protecting your smile long term.

When a tooth has extensive decay, a dental crown often provides the best combination of function and aesthetics. Placing a crown allows the natural tooth to be preserved, which is always the preferred outcome since keeping natural teeth supports the surrounding bone and keeps neighboring teeth stable. The process starts with an impression used to build a model of your teeth and bite so the crown fits just right. The tooth is then shaped and another impression taken for the final crown. In some cases the permanent crown is seated the same day; in others, a temporary crown protects the tooth while the final restoration is being fabricated. With proper brushing, flossing, and dental care, a crown can last for many years.