Fillings and crowns
A filling repairs a tooth that has a cavity or a small chip. A crown is a cap that covers a tooth that is cracked, heavily filled or weak. A general dentist does both, and explains the choice before starting.
What happens
A filling is usually one visit. A crown is usually two.
- 01
Step 1: Numbing
We put numbing gel on the gum first, then a local anesthetic. You can ask us to go slowly.
- 02
Step 2: The repair
The dentist cleans out the decay or shapes the tooth. The handpiece whines and sprays water; we say when it starts.
- 03
Step 3: Filling or crown
A filling is placed and shaped. For a crown, we take a mold and fit a temporary one.
- 04
Step 4: Checking the bite
We ask you to bite down and adjust until it feels right.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Numbing takes the sharp feeling away; you will still feel pressure and vibration. Headphones, breaks, a blanket and nitrous oxide are all options, and we can split a longer repair into shorter visits.
If you wait
A small cavity can sometimes be watched. A larger one tends to grow, can reach the nerve, and may later need a root canal or removal of the tooth. The dentist will tell you which they think yours is.
Risks and after-care
Your lip, cheek or tongue stays numb for a few hours; wait to chew until it wears off, so you don't bite them. A tooth can feel sensitive for days. A crown may need a small adjustment, so call us if your bite feels high.
How it's billed
You get a written estimate before the work, and the fees page explains how plans and self-pay work.
How fees work
Questions about fillings and crowns
How long does the numbness last?
Usually a few hours. We'll tell you when it's safe to eat and what to eat.
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, and bring your own music or sounds. We'll tell you what we're doing before each step.
Why does a crown take two visits?
At the first we shape the tooth and take the mold, and at the second we fit the finished crown. A temporary one protects the tooth in between.
Provided by general dentists
Dr. Concepcion Cisneros, DDS, and Dr. Dominique Hubbard, DMD, general dentists licensed in New York.