Tooth enamel that has been badly chipped or fractured can be a serious cause for concern. Even if the damage is limited and the core structures of the tooth are sound, it could still come to harbor new tooth decay. Should this happen, the compromised tooth enamel could quickly give way to allow decay and infection penetrate the pulp or root.
If the fracture is small enough or if it’s in a noncritical area of the tooth, your Lakeland Dental Care dentist, Dr. Alex Abernathy, can repair it with a simple filling.
If a significant amount of tooth enamel was lost, your dentist might recommend restoring the tooth with a dental crown. A dental crown in Jackson, Mississippi, is essentially a replica of your tooth enamel, which is cast in either porcelain, gold or a base metal alloy.
In order to place the crown, your dentist will use a drill to remove all of the tooth enamel. This leaves behind a post-like abutment of dentin that encases the pulp and root of the tooth.
A detailed impression will then be made of the area. This will be sent to the professional dental lab where your final crown will be made. Then, a hard, plastic, temporary crown will be cemented over the abutment to protect it.
We will call you to schedule a follow-up appointment when your new crown is ready. This appointment will be brief. It will involve your dentist removing the temporary crown and cementing the new crown into place.
If you have a badly chipped or fractured tooth, you should seek timely treatment by calling Dr. Alex Abernathy at 601-981-8166 to set up an appointment.