A small cavity or minor physical defect in a tooth can often be repaired with a dental filling made from metallic amalgam or composite resin. If the problem area was on the biting surface of a back tooth, Dr. Tyjuan Williams might recommend installing an inlay or onlay dental filling made from dental grade porcelain or a special gold alloy.
Once the dental filling has been installed, it will effectively repair the tooth’s structure and function for many years to come. However, many dental fillings have a finite lifespan. This amount of time can be reduced if you fail to maintain consistent oral hygiene practices.
When a filling starts to fail it might give you overt signs of distress. This could include a growing sense of discomfort, heightened sensitivity, or a noticeable change in the tooth’s color or texture. Sometimes you might not notice a sign of the dental filling being distressed and it simply falls out.
In a situation like this, the wisest course of action is to seek treatment from a dentist like Dr. Tyjuan Williams to prevent further complications. After a thorough examination of the tooth, he will present you with the necessary treatment method.
If the previous dental filling was large, Dr. Tyjuan Williams will likely recommend a crown restoration. This involves removing all the tooth’s enamel layer to prepare an abutment from the dentin layer. This will eventually anchor the dental crown in your mouth.
The dental crown will then be created in a special dental lab from materials that will rival the durability of natural tooth enamel. Dr. Tyjuan Williams will complete the restoration process by cementing the dental crown in place with a strong dental adhesive.
If you have a tooth with a missing or distressed dental filling, and you live in the Augusta, Georgia, area, you should call 706-868-4200 to have it treated at 1 Smile Away.