What we offer and why materials matter
A dental restoration replaces or repairs tooth structure lost to decay, fracture, or wear. The goal is always to restore the tooth to normal form, function, and appearance while preserving as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible. Dr. Korcek uses only tooth-colored composite resin and ceramic materials — no amalgam (silver) fillings are placed at this practice.
Composite Fillings
Tooth-colored resin bonded directly to the tooth to restore cavities or repair chips. Matched precisely to your natural tooth shade. Requires less removal of healthy tooth structure than amalgam.
Porcelain Crowns
Full-coverage restorations that cap a damaged or weakened tooth. Used after root canals, for cracked teeth, or for teeth with very large fillings. Modern ceramic crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Dental Bridges
A fixed prosthesis that spans a gap left by a missing tooth, anchored to the adjacent teeth. An alternative to implants when bone grafting is not an option.
Inlays & Onlays
Conservative porcelain restorations used when a cavity is too large for a filling but the tooth does not require a full crown. More durable than composite and a precise fit from a dental laboratory.
Dentures & Partials
Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while attaching to remaining natural teeth. Dr. Korcek also places implant-supported dentures for improved stability.
Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth’s structure by reshaping the gum and bone. Necessary when decay or fracture extends below the gumline and a crown is required.
When a filling is not enough
A crown is indicated when a tooth has too little healthy structure remaining to support a filling. This happens when decay is extensive, when a large old filling breaks down, after root canal therapy (which leaves the tooth brittle), or when a tooth has a vertical crack. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, distributing chewing forces evenly and preventing further fracture.
- Exam & X-ray — Extent of damage assessed and crown option confirmed
- Preparation — Tooth shaped under local anesthesia to receive the crown
- Impression / Digital Scan — Precise capture of the prepared tooth and surrounding bite
- Temporary Crown — Placed while the permanent crown is fabricated at the lab (1–2 weeks)
- Cementation — Final crown seated, checked for fit and bite, permanently bonded
How long do crowns last?
With proper care, a quality ceramic crown typically lasts 15–25 years. Regular check-ups catch any issues before they become problems.
Does a crown hurt?
The preparation appointment is done under local anesthesia and should be comfortable. Some sensitivity on the temporary crown is normal and resolves once the permanent crown is cemented.
Same-day crowns
Dr. Korcek is evaluating CEREC same-day crown technology, which uses in-office milling to fabricate a crown in a single visit. Ask about availability at your next appointment.
The case against amalgam
Amalgam fillings — the silver fillings used for decades — contain approximately 50% mercury. While the FDA considers low-level mercury exposure from dental amalgam safe for most adults, Korcek Dental has chosen to move entirely to composite resin and ceramic restorations for several reasons: they require less removal of healthy tooth structure, they expand and contract with temperature at a rate closer to natural enamel (reducing cracking over time), they bond chemically to the tooth rather than relying on mechanical retention, and they look completely natural.
Korcek Dental
Broken tooth? Old filling wearing out?
Schedule an exam and Dr. Korcek will lay out all your options honestly — no unnecessary treatment, no pressure.