Tooth Repair


A tooth repair is a treatment to restore the function and integrity of the tooth. The type of procedure performed depends on the location and extent of the damage done. If the tooth enamel is chipped off, it is repaired with a filling. For a front tooth, bonding is used to place a tooth-colored composite resin by etching the tooth's surface with a gel to roughen it. This makes it easier for the bonding material to adhere to it. Next, adhesive material is applied to the tooth followed by a tooth colored resin. After shaping the bonding material to look like a natural tooth, an ultraviolet light is used to harden the material.

Ideal candidates are healthy individuals with contained areas of damage that haven't threatened the integrity or root of the tooth. Good candidates also include patients that have mild to moderate tooth decay. Patients with an allergic reaction to the metals used in the filling or unhealthy oral tissues are not suitable candidates.

The typical cost for a tooth repair ranges from $150-$400 per treatment. There are several factors that can influence the final cost including the type of filling used, the number of teeth to be treated, the geographic location of the procedure and if other procedures are performed at the same time.

The procedure restores a tooth's shape, size and strength. It is normal for the treated tooth to be sensitive to heat, cold or pressure during the recovery stages. These all subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. It is advised to chew most foods on the opposite side of the mouth during the first few days after the procedure. The results last for a period of 10-15 years.

Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges

submitted on   Tue Jan, 26, 2016 by Kevin Brown, DDS     
A dental bridge uses a fixed prosthetic device to address missing teeth. The device is called a dental bridge because it bridges a gap between one or more missing teeth. The process uses the adjacent teeth to support the bridge/artificial teeth located in-between the natural teeth. The...