Fillings are cemented into cavities to prevent decay from spreading throughout the tooth. However, as time passes, the natural bacteria living in your mouth can start to attack the seam of the cement. If the bacteria manage to invade this microscopic space between the filling and the enamel, a new area of decay can start to form. This often makes the tooth turn gray or makes the filling fall out.
If there isn’t enough healthy tooth enamel remaining to secure a new filling, your Creative Dental Group dentist might recommend restoring all of the tooth enamel with a dental crown in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
The first step of treatment involves the dentist examining the tooth to make sure no new decay has set in. If decay has penetrated down into the pulp or root of the tooth, your dentist might need to perform a root canal to remove the infected material and restore the missing structure.
So long as the interior structure of the tooth is sound, Dr. Purvesh Malaviya will form an abutment out of the core of the tooth. This post-like structure will later anchor the crown in your mouth.
A detailed impression will be made of the area. This impression will be sent to the 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, our team will call you in for a brief follow-up appointment. During this appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and your new permanent crown will be cemented into place.
A bad or lost filling is a serious cause for concern. You should call Creative Dental Group at 508-990-9900 to seek immediate treatment for the problem.
