Provided by a general dentist
Fillings and crowns
A filling repairs a tooth with a cavity. A crown covers a tooth that is cracked or too worn for a filling. Both are for adults whose tooth needs repair.
A filling is usually one visit. A crown is usually two.
What happens
The visit, in order
- 01
Step 1: You see what she sees
X-rays and a look at the tooth, and Dr. Barksdale explains the options.
- 02
Step 2: You get the estimate
In writing, with each step and its fee. You decide at your own pace.
- 03
Step 3: The tooth is numbed and repaired
She removes the decay and places the filling, or shapes the tooth for a crown.
- 04
Step 4: A crown takes a second visit
A temporary crown protects the tooth until the final one is ready, usually two to three weeks later.
Good to know
Comfort, waiting, risks and billing
Comfort
We numb the area before we start, and you can ask for more if you feel anything. You can raise a hand for a break at any time.
If you wait
A cavity doesn't heal on its own. If you wait, it can grow and the repair can get larger. If you want to wait, Dr. Barksdale will tell you what to watch for.
Risks and after-care
Your tooth may be sensitive for a few days, and your lip or cheek may stay numb for a few hours. A filling can chip or a crown can loosen; call us if your bite feels off or something comes loose.
How it's billed
These aren't part of the Seagrape Plan's routine visits, so each one is quoted in writing before we start. We don't bill insurance; you get a receipt.
How fees work
Questions
Questions about fillings and crowns
Do I need a crown or a filling?
Dr. Barksdale shows you the tooth and explains which she would choose and why, and what the other option would be.
What if I can't pay for everything at once?
Ask about the order. Some steps can wait. Financing is offered by third-party lenders, and approval and terms are set by the lender.
What are fillings made of?
She talks through the materials with you and what each one means for the tooth.
What should I do if a crown comes off?
Keep it and call us. We'll tell you how to protect the tooth until your visit.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Elouise Barksdale, DMD, general dentist, licensed in Florida.