We numb the tooth first, so most patients feel pressure but not pain. Your lip and cheek may stay numb for a few hours afterward.

Can you replace my old silver fillings?

Yes, when there's a reason to, such as new decay, a crack or a filling that's breaking down. We don't replace sound fillings just for the sake of it, but we're happy to discuss cosmetic replacement.

How long does a crown last?

With good home care and regular checkups, crowns commonly last many years. How long yours lasts depends on your bite, habits like grinding, and how well the tooth and gums are cared for.

Bridge or implant: which is better?

Both replace missing teeth. A bridge relies on the neighboring teeth, while an implant stands on its own. Dr. Tamkeen will go over the pros, cons and costs of each for your situation. See dental implants.

I broke a tooth. What should I do?

Call us at (512) 910-3456. Save any pieces, rinse with warm water and avoid chewing on that side. We make room for urgent problems.

Fillings, Crowns & Bridges in Round Rock, TX

Which repair does my tooth need?

It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. Dr. Tamkeen will show you what she sees, often on an X-ray or photo, and explain why she recommends one option over another. A small cavity rarely needs more than a filling. A tooth that's broken, heavily filled or weakened usually needs a crown to protect it.

Tooth-colored fillings

A filling repairs a cavity or small chip. We remove the decay, then bond composite resin that's matched to your tooth's shade. Most fillings are done in one short visit with local anesthetic, and you can eat normally once the numbness wears off.

Dental crowns

A crown is a custom cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It restores shape and strength to a tooth that's cracked, worn down, heavily filled or treated with a root canal. Crowns usually take two visits: one to prepare the tooth and place a temporary, and one to fit the final crown.

Dental bridges

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to crowns on the teeth on either side. It's fixed in place, so you don't take it out. For some patients a dental implant is a better choice because it doesn't involve the neighboring teeth. We'll walk you through both.

What to expect

Exam and X-raysWe look at the tooth, check your bite and take any X-rays we need.
Your options, in writingYou'll get a clear explanation of each option and a written estimate before anything is done.
Comfortable treatmentWe numb the area well and check in with you throughout. Tell us if you want a break at any point.
Bite checkWe adjust the filling or crown so your bite feels natural.
AftercareWe tell you what to expect over the next few days and when to call us.

Signs a tooth needs attention

Sensitivity to cold or sweets, a sharp pain when you bite, a rough edge your tongue keeps finding, food catching between teeth, or a dark spot can all point to a cavity or crack. Small problems are faster and less costly to fix, so it's worth getting them checked early.

Insurance and cost

We accept most PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Concordia and Guardian. Fillings, crowns and bridges are often partly covered. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. Financing is available for larger treatment plans.