A Tooth Suffering with a Distressed Filling Might Need a Crown

Fillings are typically made from materials like gold, porcelain, amalgam, or composite resin to repair a small cavity or chip in a tooth. While the filling material itself cannot be affected by tooth decay, the surrounding tooth enamel could one day be threatened by the natural bacteria living in your mouth.

As time goes by, poor oral hygiene habits or procrastinating your regular dental checkup at Mark Kupec D.D.S. P.C. can allow bacteria to gain access to the surface area between the filling and the surrounding tooth enamel. When this happens, the cement bonding the filling can begin to weaken or a new cavity could form dangerously deep in the tooth.

Overt symptoms of a filling in distress could include heightened sensitivity, a change in texture or a graying in the nearby tooth enamel. For a tooth in this condition, you should not delay in seeking professional care at Dr. Mark Kupec’s clinic.

For a small distressed filling, Dr. Mark Kupec might be able to remove the newly decayed tooth enamel and apply a fresh, new filling. Unfortunately, if new decay develops or the old filling leaves a large void in the tooth, it could require more advanced treatment. In these cases, the tooth might need a root canal or a complete replacement of the tooth enamel layer with a dental crown.

Dr. Mark Kupec will likely need to examine the tooth and take some X-rays to assess the extent of the decay and confirm the treatment plan. Then, he will use a drill to remove the entire tooth enamel layer. This leaves behind a small post-like structure called an abutment, which will eventually anchor your new crown.

Dr. Mark Kupec’s team will then create an impression of the abutment and the surrounding teeth. Then, he will secure a temporary crown over the abutment to protect it.  The impression will then be sent to a dental lab where your crown will be prepared.

You will need to come back in for a brief second appointment when your new crown is ready. The temporary crown will be removed and Dr. Mark Kupec will use a dental-grade adhesive to cement your new crown onto the abutment.

If you have a tooth suffering from a bad or missing filling and you live in the Georgetown, Texas, area, you should call 512-930-7645 to seek treatment at Mark Kupec D.D.S. P.C..