A Bad Filling Might Need to Be Replaced with a Crown
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.
Is my toothache a dental emergency? While not every toothache is considered a dental emergency, you’ll want to still visit our team just in case. This could sometimes be an indication that something is wrong with your smile. A toothache will qualify as an emergency if you experience the following:
Pain that interrupts your day, lasts for more than 24 hours, or wakes you up at night
You notice sharp discomfort when biting down or widening your mouth
The pained tooth appears darker than your other teeth
You see a small, pimple-like bump on your gums near the affected tooth
You notice signs of infections like swelling, fatigue, and fever
How you should handle a toothache: You should first give us a call so that we understand the situation and can schedule an appointment. Afterward, try flossing around the pained tooth to remove any bothersome debris. Rinse your mouth with saltwater to alleviate inflammation and fight off infection. Place a cold compress on the outside of your mouth to reduce discomfort and swelling. Take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen. Avoid using aspirin directly on your gums or teeth.
How we treat toothaches: Your treatment will depend on the root cause of your toothache. If it’s due to periodontal infection, then we’ll likely provide gum disease therapy. If your discomfort is due to an infection, then we can perform a root canal to save your tooth. But if it’s beyond repair, then our team may consider extracting it to preserve your oral health. We’ll be sure to assess your situation and determine the best way to relieve your pain and save your smile.
Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? Most chipped teeth don’t require immediate attention. However, you’ll still want to get it treated as soon as you can since a damaged tooth will be more vulnerable to future injury and infection later on.
How you should handle a chipped tooth: Try rinsing with warm water to clear out any tiny pieces of the tooth from your mouth. This way you can keep the area clean and bacteria-free. Avoid using the chipped tooth for biting or chewing anything. Feel free to cover it up with dental wax or sugarless gum if it feels sensitive.
How we treat chipped teeth: Although a chipped tooth may seem unsettling at first, it’s quite simple to treat. In most cases, we can easily repair and improve your condition with dental bonding. But if a front tooth is chipped and you’re worried about your appearance, you can consider getting veneers for a more comprehensive and longer-lasting solution.
Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? A cracked tooth is typically considered a dental emergency, as it will be more vulnerable to further damage, bacteria, and infection. However, if the injury is minor, then it may be able to wait a few days to get treated if necessary. That said, remember that very small cracks in your smile can be difficult to notice. If you experience any sensitivity or pain while chewing, especially after taking a blow to the face, then you might have a hidden crack that’ll require treatment.
How you should handle a cracked tooth: Firstly, gently rinse your mouth with water to remove any broken fragments of the tooth, clearing away bacteria in the process. Try covering up your tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum if it feels sensitive. Keep away from chewing on that side of your mouth until you can see us.
How we treat cracked teeth: If the crack in your tooth is small, then we may be able to simply repair it with dental bonding. For more severe cracks, you may require protecting and strengthening it with a dental crown. In rare cases, a tooth that is beyond repair may need to be extracted and replaced altogether.
