In many situations where Houston dental clinics encounter a failed filling, they replace that failed filling with a dental crown.  Dentists feel this offers the tooth the best chance at protecting the tooth and strengthening it in the long run.   

The first thing many patients ask when they hear this is if it is possible to simply refill the tooth.   This is possible for some teeth. Cosmetic dental resin can be used to replace a failed filling and reconstitute the tooths size and appearance.  However, if too much of the original tooth structure has been removed, then what is left of its outer shell can still be brittle and vulnerable to breaking off or cracking.    

This does not mean that cosmetic dental resin cannot be used in replacing a large filling.  In many instances, we will use the combination of cosmetic dental bonding and a dental crown in a procedure known as a core buildup.  This replaces the failed filling, but it also protect the tooth with a new, hard, and reliable outer covering that will not fracture or break. 

The issue here is to make sure that after the process of replacing a failed filling is complete that the tooth can handle normal biting and chewing.  Smaller cavities with small filling that have fallen out can easily be repaired by cosmetic resin.  However, as was previously noted, it is essential that we determine first that what tooth mass remains will be able to endure the normal wear and tear a person can expect from ones teeth. 

To make the determination of whether or not a failed filling will need to be replaced with a crown, dentists must run a series of tests to make an assessment of the viability of the original tooth matter.  The old filling must be removed, along with any decay that has subsequently formed, and a final assessment must be made of the condition of what remains.

If the remainder of the tooth is too fragile, a crown will be made to seal it against further decay by blocking out bacteria and plaque.  The crown will be manufactured to offer cosmetic appeal as well by restoring the original shape and size of the tooth.  It will take more than one appointment to do this.  Impressions must be taken of the teeth, and a mold of the teeth sent to a dental lab where a new crown will be made and sent back to the dentists office. 

Once the crown proves itself a good fit, it will be bonded permanently to the tooth as a replacement for the failed cavity. 

There are all sorts of crowns dentists can use.  Some people still prefer to have gold crowns fitted to their teeth because even though they are glaringly visible, they are both resilient and soft.  They will not grind on opposing teeth, but they wont wear out either.

Most cosmetic dental patients, though, want porcelain crowns that look almost exactly like real teeth.  These crowns are made with special porcelain that is very hard and will not fracture.  When properly manufactured and correctly fitted to the tooth, they will not grind on opposing teeth, either.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services.