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Lost Fillings Can Often Be Restored by a Crown

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When a tooth suffers from a small to medium sized area of decay Dr. Rakhi Jani can often repair it with a filling. As time passes, it is not unheard of for a filling or the cement holding it in place to give way to the pervasive presence of the bacteria in your mouth. Should a large filling be lost, or additional decay forms around a modest filling, then Dr. Rakhi Jani might need to restore the entire enamel layer of the tooth with a crown.

The first step in the process of restoring a tooth with a crown, involves Dr. Rakhi Jani performing a thorough inspection of the tooth. It’s important to determine the integrity of the dentin, pulp and root of the tooth. If the problem extends to these sensitive internal structures, she might need to perform a root canal to restore sufficient structure to the tooth.

Then she will form an abutment, by removing the enamel layer of the tooth, leaving behind a small sheath protecting the internal structures of the tooth. In time your permanent crown will be cemented over the abutment to hold it in place.

Dr. Rakhi Jani will then form an impression of the abutment and surrounding teeth, including your bite pattern. This will be sent to a dental lab to serve as a guide for crafting your new crown. Finally, a temporary crown is secured in place to protect the abutment while you wait.

Dr. Rakhi Jani will call you back in for a brief second appointment when your permanent crown is ready. The temporary crown is removed and your new crown is cemented in place. With proper care and cleaning the restored tooth should serve you for many years to come.