Service

Fillings and crowns

A filling repairs a tooth with a cavity. A crown covers a tooth that is cracked, worn or too weak to hold a filling.

Dr. Kulkarni shows you the tooth, explains the choices and what each costs, and leaves the decision with you.

What happens

The visit, step by step

A filling is usually one visit. A crown is usually two, a few weeks apart, while the crown is made.

01
Step 1: Look and talk
Dr. Kulkarni examines the tooth, takes X-rays if she needs them, and explains the options.
02
Step 2: Numbing
She numbs the area and checks that it is working before she starts.
03
Step 3: Cleaning out the tooth
The decayed or damaged part is removed.
04
Step 4: Filling, or shaping for a crown
A filling is placed and shaped. For a crown, the tooth is shaped and a temporary one is fitted.
05
Step 5: Checking your bite
She checks that your teeth meet comfortably before you go.

Good to know

Comfort
We numb the area before we start. Raise your hand and we stop, whenever you want a break.
Other choices, and waiting
A small cavity can sometimes be watched. Waiting can let a cavity grow or a crack spread, which can mean a larger repair later. Dr. Kulkarni tells you what she sees.
Risks and after-care
A tooth can be sensitive to hot, cold or biting for a few days. The numbness wears off in a few hours, so wait to eat until it does. Call us if your bite feels high or the sensitivity doesn't ease.
How it is billed
Not part of the team plan's routine visits. You get a written estimate before we start, itemized by step.
How fees work

The exam tells us. Dr. Kulkarni shows you the tooth and explains the options.

Dr. Kulkarni talks through the materials with you, and what each costs, before you choose.

Teeth and repairs wear differently. Dr. Kulkarni checks the work at each exam and tells you what she sees.

Fillings and crowns are provided by Dr. Nirmala Kulkarni, DDS, a general dentist.