At Awesome Smiles Dental Center, we often use a filling to repair a small cavity. Once it has been cured and bonded to the surrounding tooth enamel, the filling can repair the tooth for many years.
Unfortunately, inconsistent or poor oral hygiene practices bolster the natural bacteria living in your mouth. In time, they could work to weaken the connection between the filling and the surrounding tooth enamel. If the problem goes undetected or untreated, the filling could fail or fall out.
If a significant amount of tooth enamel was lost, we might not be able to apply a new filling. To treat a tooth in this condition, I might recommend a full restoration with a dental crown.
We will need to examine the tooth and take a few X-rays to assess the extent of the problem. We will then remove the remaining tooth enamel, leaving behind a small post-shaped structure called an abutment. This will create an anchor point for the eventual crown.
An impression will be cast of the abutment and the surrounding teeth. We will then secure a temporary crown over the abutment to keep it safe. The impression will be sent to a dental lab where they will make your new crown.
We will call you in for a brief second appointment when your new crown is ready. The temporary crown will be removed and your new crown will be cemented into place.
If you have a tooth with a suspicious or missing filling, you should call 571-261-2600 to seek treatment with a dental crown in Gainesville, Virginia.