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If you have a tooth that is injured (chipped or cracked) or decayed, you might expect your dentist in Oak Hill to suggest a traditional filling. Unfortunately, these are usually not enough to provide the help your tooth may need. We understand you don’t want unnecessary procedures and may be asking, “But why won’t a filling work?” Let a dentist in Oak Hill share a few ways you can tell if you may need a temporary crown.

WHAT IS A TEMPORARY CROWN?

Dental crowns provide a protective covering for an injured or decaying tooth. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), crowns can help to fix a tooth that is discolored or weak as a result of a large filling.

At your appointment, your dentist will file down the natural tooth before making an impression of it and the area above and below it. This will serve as a mold for the permanent crown. Because they take a few weeks to arrive, your dentist will use temporary cement to fix the crown. Don’t worry, this will be easy to remove once the permanent crown arrives.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A TEMPORARY CROWN?

Even if you are not experiencing any signs, your dentist may suggest a dental crown if he or she believes it is necessary. This is why you should attend regularly scheduled dental checkups to ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape. However, there are ways you can tell if a temporary crown is necessary. These include:

• Large Fillings: When your dentist cleans and removes decay from a tooth, other areas of the tooth may be weak. This can cause cracks in the tooth, which means a crown is necessary to protect it.
• Tooth Grinding: If you find yourself grinding your teeth or experience acid reflux, your teeth can become uneven or chipped. To improve the condition of your teeth, your dentist will place a crown.
• Root Canal: Once a tooth is hollowed, the rest of the tooth may be weakened. This will usually result in your dentist placing a crown over the area.
• Tooth Appearance: If you have stained teeth from years of drinking coffee and soda, or if you have gaps between your teeth, you may ask your dentist for a crown. This will help with the appearance of your smile.

If you’re tired of hiding your smile because of unsightly teeth, or you need a little extra support to ensure your teeth don’t crack, a temporary crown is the answer to your problems. Get your smile back today!

About the Practice

We know accidents can happen at any time of the day, which is why Dr. Jack Fan and his expert team provide late night hours so you can still get the service you need. As the patient, you will receive efficient, gentle dental care, and the best part is, our team will work to have you in a dentist chair within 10 minutes! Contact us at (512) 361-4288 to learn what our office can offer that other big box dental franchises cannot!