Repair Damaged Teeth and Restore Your Oral Health with Dental Crowns and Fillings
Dental fillings and crowns are integral to restorative dental care. Fillings repair minor tooth damage, while crowns address significant damage.
Living with tooth damage can diminish your oral function and aesthetics. Dental fillings and crowns at Blue Back Dental can rebuild your smile and bring it to full health. Visit our West Hartford and Avon offices and reclaim your health smile with our high-quality restorations.
What are dental fillings?
When you have a cavity or minor tooth damage, treatments must be administered sooner to prevent further complications. Composite fillings repair the damage and prevent it from progressing.
Placing dental fillings is quick and seamless. Here’s what it involves.
- Examination: The dentist will review the extent of tooth damage with dental X-rays. For sustainable outcomes, advanced damage or tooth infection may require dental crowns and/or root canal therapy.
- Teeth preparation: The doctor will numb your gums with local anesthetics and remove your tooth’s damaged/decayed portions. The area will be thoroughly cleaned until all the infection is gone.
- Tooth filling: The dentist will carefully fill your tooth with composite resin and sculpt it to the desired shape. Then, they will harden the filling with a special light, which takes a few minutes.
- Final touches: We’ll adjust your filling to ensure your bite feels comfortable and natural. Then, we’ll polish it for a smooth, seamless appearance. To keep your filling in top condition, brush and floss regularly, just as you would with your natural teeth.
Fillings can be created from several materials, but composites are preferable because of their aesthetics and safety record. They are also durable, and placing them requires minimal removal of the healthy structure.
When do I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are customized caps worn over teeth to improve their strength and appearance. We recommend them for severely damaged or decayed teeth, although they can also be paired with implants or bridges to replace missing teeth.
Our office uses E-Max or zirconia crowns, which are custom-created to match the exact color, shape, and size of your teeth. Our dental crowns provide a comfortable fit, and their natural aesthetics make them indistinguishable from other teeth. Even better, porcelain or zirconia crowns resist stains better than natural teeth, ensuring you maintain your bright white smile for many years.
How are dental crowns placed?
It all starts with a consultation. Our dentist will examine your tooth with dental X-rays to determine its eligibility for a crown. If yes, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing enamel from all sides. We’ll then scan your tooth, providing a digital blueprint for fabricating your bespoke crown.
Traditional crowns require 2-3 appointments. However, we have invested in CEREC technology, which allows us to plan, design, fabricate, and place dental crowns in a single appointment. Single-day dental crowns combine specialized design software and an in-house milling machine to enable us to create your crown as you wait.
When done, the dentist bonds the crown to your tooth with durable adhesives. Your new crown looks natural and fits comfortably, restoring your aesthetics, function, and confidence.
Ready to rebuild your smile?
Tooth loss or damage can leave you dispirited and embarrassed. You no longer eat comfortably, and smiling is never the same. Don’t let missing or damaged teeth hold your life. Rebuild your smile with high-quality dental fillings and crowns at Blue Back Dental. Call Avon (860) 406-5900 or West Hartford (860) 530-4900 offices and schedule an appointment.
Fillings & Crowns FAQs
1. What is the difference between a filling and a crown?
Fillings are used to repair small areas of decay or minor damage by restoring the missing portion of a tooth. Crowns are designed to fully cover and reinforce teeth that are cracked, weakened, or heavily restored. The choice depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and how much protection is needed.
2. How can a dentist determine whether I need a filling or a crown?
A dentist evaluates the tooth visually and may use digital X-rays to see how deep the damage extends. If decay or fractures affect a large portion of the tooth, a crown often provides better long-term support. Smaller areas of damage are usually well treated with a filling.
3. What are the advantages of choosing a crown instead of a filling?
Crowns offer added strength and stability for teeth that have lost significant structure. They help prevent cracks from spreading and can restore normal chewing function. For visible teeth, crowns can also improve appearance by reshaping and color-matching the tooth to blend naturally with your smile.
4. Are fillings and crowns safe and well-tolerated treatments?
Yes. Modern dental materials are designed to be biocompatible and durable. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity after treatment, which typically resolves on its own. Dentists take careful steps to ensure proper fit and comfort, reducing the risk of long-term issues with either fillings or crowns.
5. How long can fillings and crowns last with proper care?
Fillings often last several years, while crowns typically last longer due to their protective coverage. Longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, and diet. Brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental checkups help extend the life of both restorations.
6. What is the treatment experience like when getting a filling or crown?
Both procedures are performed with local anesthesia to keep patients comfortable. Fillings are usually completed in one visit, while crowns may require more than one appointment. Dentists explain each step so patients know what to expect during treatment and recovery.
7. How should I care for my teeth after receiving a filling or crown?
Daily brushing and flossing remain essential, especially around the treated tooth. Avoid chewing hard food on the restoration immediately after placement. Routine dental visits allow the dentist to monitor the restoration and ensure it continues to function comfortably and effectively.
8. Can fillings and crowns be matched to the color of my natural teeth?
Yes. Tooth-colored materials are commonly used to help restorations blend in naturally. Dentists select shades that complement surrounding teeth, making fillings and crowns far less noticeable. This is especially helpful for teeth that show when you smile or speak.
9. Do fillings and crowns require special maintenance over time?
They don’t require special products, but they do benefit from consistent care. Good oral hygiene, avoiding habits like teeth grinding, and scheduling regular cleanings help maintain the restoration. Dentists may also recommend protective solutions if excessive bite pressure is present.
10. Where can I receive fillings and crowns in West Hartford or Avon, CT?
Blue Back Dental offers restorative care focused on durability, comfort, and natural appearance. With locations in West Hartford and Avon, patients have convenient access to fillings and crowns designed to protect their teeth and support long-term oral health.
