Fillings are designed to repair a modest area of tooth decay for several years. Poor oral hygiene practices and the passage of time can allow the bacteria living in your mouth to attack the cement holding a filling to the surrounding enamel. In time, the bacteria can penetrate the area and cause a new area of decay to form within the tooth.
Sometimes a bad filling can be repaired by removing the bad filling and the decayed enamel in the area. Then, Dr. Michael Doty can attempt to apply a new, larger filling. However, if a large amount of tooth enamel was lost, he might recommend restoring the entire tooth enamel layer with a dental crown in Abingdon, Virginia.
Your dentist will want to examine the tooth in question and take some X-rays. It’s important to make sure that no new areas of decay have developed. Then, he will remove the tooth enamel, leaving behind a small, post-like structure called an abutment. This will eventually anchor your new crown.
Dr. Michael Doty will then make an impression of the abutment and the surrounding teeth before covering it with a hard, plastic, temporary crown. The impression will be sent to a dental lab to serve as a guide while the technicians prepare the crown.
Dr. Michael Doty will call you in for a short, follow-up 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 suspect filling, you should call 276-628-6251 to seek timely treatment at our office.