Restoring a Failed Filling

When we need to replace a filling, the best option is frequently to protect your tooth with a crown instead of placing a filling. Placing a crown when a filling has broken or worn out, helps to protect and strengthen your tooth.




Can you replace a filling with something else?


Sometimes, we can replace your filling with another filling, but this can weaken the tooth because more tooth structure must be removed to hold the new filling. This means that a larger filling must be used to replace the old one. A large filling weakens your tooth and leaves it more vulnerable to damage.

Replacing a filling with another filling can remove so much supporting tooth structure that the tooth can break. This is especially true if decay has formed underneath the old filling, requiring us to remove the decayed areas also.




Benefits of a crown


Placing a crown can prevent these problems. A crown covers and protects the tooth. It seals out plaque and bacteria and restores the strength and shape of the tooth.




Determining the need for a crown


When we evaluate a filling that needs replacement, we consider both the size of the filling and the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains. To determine if a crown is right for you, we perform a thorough examination.


There are various types of crowns, for example, gold crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and porcelain.


If we find that a crown is the most appropriate treatment for your situation, we talk with you about the best kind of crown to use.