Left unresolved, an area of tooth decay on one of your teeth can continue to spread. Severe tooth decay problems and some large cavities might not leave enough healthy enamel for the tooth to be repaired with an ordinary filling. In a situation like this the dental professionals at Pedar B. Didriksen DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry may recommend replacing the entire enamel layer of the tooth with a crown.
The first step in the process involves your Pedar B. Didriksen DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry dentist examining the tooth and taking some X-rays. This will help us to assess the extent of the decay and make sure the interior structures of the tooth are indeed healthy. A tooth with decayed or infected pulp or root might require a root canal to restore enough healthy structure to later mouth a crown.
Then your dentist will remove the majority of the enamel layer of the tooth, creating an abutment to which to anchor your new crown. Then we will make an impression of the area. This is sent to a dental lab to serve as a guide while they make your final crown. A hard plastic cap, known as a temporary crown, is secured over the abutment to protect it in the meantime.
When the dental lab has completed your permanent crown we will call you back in for a short second appointment. The temporary crown is removed and your new permanent crown is cemented in place.
If you have a tooth with a large cavity or area of unaddressed tooth decay, you should not delay in calling the dental professionals at Pedar B. Didriksen DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 410-208-2900 to have it resolved.