The teeth in your mouth is clad with a tough outer layer of tooth enamel. To effectively treat a small cavity, Dr. Purvesh Malaviya needs to remove a modest amount of tooth enamel before applying a filling at Creative Dental Group. If a new cavity develops on the tooth later on, there might not be enough healthy tooth enamel remaining to repair the tooth with a second filling.
In a case like this, Dr. Purvesh Malaviya might advocate fully restoring the tooth with a dental crown. This treatment method will completely replace the entire tooth enamel layer as well as the old filling with an alternative material like gold, metallic alloy, or dental-grade porcelain.
After the tooth has been numbed by Novocain, Dr. Purvesh Malaviya will use a drill to remove the entire tooth enamel layer and the old filling. This leaves behind a small pillar of healthy dentin, which is known as an abutment, that encases the healthy pulp and root of the tooth.
A detailed impression will be created of the area, which will be sent to a dental lab where your final crown will be created. A temporary crown will then be secured over the abutment to protect it.
You will need to come back in for a second appointment when your final crown is ready. The temporary crown will be removed and Dr. Purvesh Malaviya will use strong dental adhesive to cement the final crown into place.
If you live in the New Bedford, Massachusetts, area and you have a previously repaired tooth with a new cavity, you should call 508-990-9900 to seek treatment with Dr. Purvesh Malaviya.
