A filling is typically used to repair a small chip or cavity in a tooth. The passage of time and poor oral hygiene habits can allow the bacteria in your mouth to invade the seam between the filling and the healthy surrounding tooth enamel. This can weaken the dental adhesive holding it in place or even allow a new area of decay to form.
If a filling is giving you trouble or if it falls out, you will likely feel pain and heightened sensitivity. If the void was small enough, your dentist, Dr. Jay Stucky, might be able to repair by removing some additional tooth enamel and applying a new filling.
If there isn’t enough healthy tooth enamel to secure a new filling, your dentist might recommend a dental crown. A dental crown in Hutchinson, Kansas, is basically a replica of the entire tooth enamel layer made from an artificial material that is impervious to future decay.
The first step calls for the dentist to examine the tooth to make sure no new decay has set in. If decay has penetrated down into the pulp or root of the tooth, he might need to perform a root canal to remove the infected material and restore the missing structure.
Once any issues with the internal structure have been addressed, your dentist will form an abutment out of the core of the tooth. This post-like structure will later anchor the crown in your mouth.
Your dentist will then take an impression of the area. This will be sent to a dental lab where your new crown will be prepared. A temporary crown will then be secured over the abutment to keep it safe while you await the completion of your crown.
Once the dental lab technician has finished your new crown, we will call you in for a brief follow-up appointment. The temporary crown will be removed and your new crown will be cemented into place.
If you have a sensitive or missing filling, you should not delay in calling 620-663-9119 to have it treated at Hutchinson Family Dental.