We love saving teeth. Whether you have a cavity, a fractured tooth, worn-down enamel, or an old restoration that is failing, our goal is the same: save as much of your natural tooth as possible and help it last. Dr. Reddy does fillings and crowns in Dripping Springs.
What are fillings, crowns, and tooth preservation?
Fillings and crowns are tools we use to repair damage, restore strength, improve appearance, and protect your teeth from further problems. A filling repairs a tooth where decay or a small break has removed part of it. A crown is a cap that covers the visible part of a tooth when too much is gone, or too weak, for a filling to hold.
We don’t just look at what needs fixing today. We want to understand why the damage happened and how to keep it from happening again.
Signs a tooth needs repair
- A rough spot, hole, or dark area you can feel with your tongue
- Pain when you bite, or a sharp zing with hot, cold, or sweets
- A chipped or broken tooth, or a filling that has fallen out
- Worn-down enamel, or an old filling or crown that is failing
- A tooth that aches on its own (see dental pain relief if it hurts right now)
Why fillings and crowns are different at Forest Springs Dentistry
We look for ways to save the tooth
We don’t just fix teeth. Preserving your natural teeth takes creativity, technology, and thoughtful planning, and that is where we start.
Fillings without needles, numbing, or the drill
Our Solea laser lets us treat many cavities without needles, numbing, or the traditional dental drill. We tell you before we start whether it suits your tooth.
More options for badly damaged teeth
For a tooth that is more severely damaged, we can use the laser for precise crown lengthening, sometimes in the same appointment. That gives us more ways to restore a tooth that might otherwise be considered hard to save.
We find out why it broke down
Repairing a tooth is only half the job. With digital scanning, T-Scan bite analysis, and 3D imaging when appropriate, we look at how your teeth fit together, spot excessive biting force, and find issues that could compromise your dental work. See clenching and grinding.
Our philosophy is simple: preserve what we can, restore what we need to, and make every dental investment last as long as possible. Anything beyond an exam or cleaning is quoted before we start. See payment options.
Frequently asked questions about fillings and crowns
How do I know if I need a filling or a crown?
Often you can’t tell from the surface. Dr. Reddy examines the tooth and takes images where needed, then explains what he sees and which repair fits. If a filling will do, that’s what we recommend.
Will it hurt? Can I have a filling without a needle?
For many cavities the Solea laser can do the work without needles, numbing, or the drill, and we’ll tell you whether your tooth is a good fit. Where numbing is needed, you shouldn’t feel the repair. Tell us if needles worry you and we’ll talk through the options first.
What if my tooth is badly broken or decayed?
That doesn’t always mean losing it. Options such as laser crown lengthening can sometimes make a tooth restorable, in some cases during the same appointment. Dr. Reddy will explain what’s possible for your tooth.
How long will a filling or crown last?
It varies with the size of the repair, your bite, and how you care for the tooth. Grinding and clenching wear repairs down faster, which is one reason we check your bite as well as the tooth.
How many visits does a crown take?
That depends on the tooth and how the crown is made. We’ll explain the plan and the number of visits at your exam, before you decide anything.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept most PPO plans. See our payment options page, or call 512-607-4308 and we’ll look at your plan with you.
I have a broken tooth that hurts. Can I be seen today?
Often yes. Call or text the office and we’ll see what’s open.
Fillings and crowns in Dripping Springs
Schedule a visit with Dr. Reddy. We’ll look at the tooth, explain your options, and tell you the cost before anything starts.