If you are reluctant to have a minor alignment issue addressed, it can have an effect on the health of your teeth. When two teeth meet up at an unideal angle, it can cause one to slowly grind unnaturally on the tooth enamel of the other. If the problem is not corrected and treated early, the dental attrition can significantly compromise a large amount of the critical dental structure.
To effectively treat a tooth in this condition and prevent an impending dental fracture, the dentists at Lonnie A. Anderson, DDS’s Juneau, Alaska, clinic might recommend a crown restoration. This will fully replace the entire tooth enamel layer with a dental-grade material like gold, metallic alloys, or porcelain.
First, we will need to examine the tooth and take a few X-rays to assess the extent of the problem. If any other treatment methods are required, your dentist will present them to you at that time.
Once this is done, your dentist will remove the remaining tooth enamel, leaving behind a small post-shaped structure called an abutment. This will provide an anchor point for the eventual crown.
An impression will be cast of the abutment and the surrounding teeth, and this might also include minor edits to reduce the contact of the offending tooth. The dentist will then secure a temporary crown over the abutment to keep it safe. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab where they will make your permanent crown.
We will call you back in for a brief second appointment once your final crown is ready. The temporary crown will be removed and your new permanent crown will be cemented in place.
If you live in the Juneau, Alaska, area and you are suffering from dental attrition, you should call 907-789-2066 to seek treatment at Lonnie A. Anderson, DDS’s clinic.
