When minor alignment issues with your teeth go uncorrected, it can pose several different threats to the health of your teeth. If two teeth meet at an unnatural angle, the tooth enamel on one or both of teeth could suffer from excess wear and tear.

If enamel attrition goes on for too long, it could compromise the structural integrity of the tooth, causing a serious dental fracture. Even if the tooth remains strong, the compromised area of tooth enamel could harbor tooth decay or even expose the sensitive dentin layer of the tooth, causing pain and discomfort.

Sometimes Dr. Bob Johnson can repair enamel attrition by applying a filling at his dental office in Grand Junction, Colorado. If the compromised area is too large or if the tooth suffers from other complications, he might recommend treating the problem and restoring the tooth with a dental crown.

To do this, Dr. Bob Johnson will numb the tooth and remove the entirety of the tooth enamel layer. This leaves behind a post-shaped abutment made from the remaining dentin layer of the tooth. Once this is done, he will create an impression of the abutment and the surrounding teeth. This will be sent to a dental lab where your new crown will be made.

A temporary crown will then be placed over the abutment. It’s important to note that this hard, plastic cap doesn’t restore the full function of the tooth. It is only meant to protect the abutment while the dental lab technician completes their work.

You will need to come back for a brief second appointment when your new crown is ready. Dr. Bob Johnson will cement the crown in place and test its relationship with the other teeth in your bite pattern. This might include making some minor edits to the tooth enamel layer of the corresponding tooth that originally caused the enamel attrition.

If you live in the Grand Junction, Colorado, area and you have a tooth suffering from excess wear and tear, you should call 970-245-3633 to have it treated at Horizon Dental Care.