Many cavities can be repaired by an ordinary filling made from gold, amalgam, porcelain, or a composite resin. As time passes it’s not unheard-of for the natural bacteria in your mouth to slowly compromise the cement anchoring the filling to the existing tooth enamel. As a general rule of thumb, large and old fillings are more likely to fall out.
In many cases, a lost filling or large filling that falls out simply doesn’t leave enough tooth enamel behind to be repaired with another filling. In a situation like this, Dr. James A. Duncan may recommend that the entire enamel layer of the tooth be replaced with a crown.
This will require two separate appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. James A. Duncan examines the tooth to assess the extent of the old cavity and make sure the pulp and other interior structures of the tooth are healthy.
After the inspection, Dr. James A. Duncan uses a drill to remove the majority of the enamel layer of the tooth. This creates an abutment that will later anchor your new crown. Then he will then take an impression of the area, which is sent to a dental lab that custom-makes your permanent crown. At the end of the first appointment, Dr. James A. Duncan secures a hard plastic cap, or temporary crown, over the abutment to protect it.
We will schedule your second appointment once the dental lab has completed your permanent crown. At this appointment our dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown in place.
If you have recently lost a filling, please call Duncan Dental Studio at (361) 643-3030 as soon as possible to explore your restoration options.