A cavity forms in a tooth when the natural bacteria living in the human mouth work to exploit a weakened area of the tooth’s enamel. If this cavity is not detected and treated early, it can grow to consume a significant amount of tooth enamel. When this happens, the cavity might be too large for Dr. Aaron Wilkins to repair with a simple filling. In a case like this, a dental crown is often recommended.
A dental crown is essentially a replica of the outer layer of the tooth, anchored onto an abutment made from the healthy interior structures of the tooth. The material your dentist recommends for the crown will depend on the tooth’s location in your mouth and its primary function.
Most crowns are made from porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal. Molars are called upon to do a lot of work, chewing and grinding tough foods. This often requires the crown to be made from a more durable material, such as gold.
For a tooth that is prevalent and visible in your smile, Dr. Aaron Wilkins often recommends a porcelain crown. Since the porcelain can be shaded, it will match all the other teeth in your mouth, giving it the appearance of a completely natural tooth.
So, if you have a tooth with a large or otherwise untreated cavity, please call Stones Crossing Dentistry in Greenwood, Indiana, at 317.535.3940, and we’ll be happy to take good care of you.
