A dental filling is typically used to repair a minor defect in a tooth’s enamel layer. Gold and porcelain dental fillings are cemented into place with a strong dental adhesive, while composite and amalgam dental fillings are cured and bonded to the surrounding tooth enamel. This creates a secure bond capable of repairing the tooth for many years.
As the years go, oral hygiene problems can start to weaken the connection between the tooth enamel and the dental filling material. If you notice a change in the tooth’s texture, increased sensitivity, or a mild tooth in a tooth with a dental filling, you should not delay in seeking treatment with the dentists at Pine Ridge Dental.
Dr. Tom Tetrick can quickly assess the severity of the problem. If there isn’t enough viable tooth enamel remaining to secure a new dental filling they might recommend treating the tooth with a dental crown. This will essentially replicate the entire tooth enamel layer with an alternate dental material.
To do this Dr. Tom Tetrick will need to remove the tooth’s enamel layer. This leaves behind a small post-like structure called an abutment. This will eventually anchor the dental crown in your mouth.
A detailed impression will be made of to the abutment and the surrounding teeth including the teeth in your bite pattern. It will be sent to a dental lab to aid special dental technicians in creating your crown. To protect the abutment from harm Dr. Tom Tetrick will secure a hard-plastic temporary crown over it.
When your dental crown is ready you will need to return to Pine Ridge Dental to have Dr. Tom Tetrick cement it into place with a strong dental adhesive.
If you live in Lincoln, Nebraska, and you have a tooth with a failing dental filling, you should not delay in calling 402-423-1100 to have it treated at Pine Ridge Dental.
