In most cases fillings are used to repair small to medium-sized cavities. While fillings are meant to have a long lifespan, it’s not unheard-of for an old or large filling to fall out and be lost. A missing filling needs to be seen by Dr. Swapna Nadikuda.
If the tooth doesn’t have enough strong and healthy enamel to support a new filling, Dr. Swapna Nadikuda might recommend having the entire enamel layer of the tool restored with a crown. A crown basically replaces the enamel layer of a tooth, while leaving the healthy internal structures intact.
A crown will essentially protect the healthy interior structures of the tooth, while restoring its full function and appearance. Most crowns are made from artificial materials such as gold, base metals, or porcelain. The material Dr. Swapna Nadikuda recommends for your crown will be influenced by the tooth’s primary function in your mouth and how apparent it is in your smile.
For Dr. Swapna Nadikuda to completely restore a tooth with a crown, two separate appointments are required. During the first appointment she will use a drill to remove the majority of the enamel layer of the tooth to form an abutment. Then she will make an impression of the abutment and surrounding teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab that will produce your new permanent crown.
We will call you back for the second appointment after the dental lab has completed your crown. The temporary crown will be carefully removed and your new permanent crown will be cemented in place.
If you’re missing a filling on one of your teeth, you need to call NR Family Dentistry as soon as possible at 513.229.7801 to explore your treatment options.