Can a Dental Crown Fix a Tooth with Severe Decay?

Tooth decay starts small, but when it goes untreated, it can destroy so much of the tooth that a filling can no longer repair it. If you've reached that point, you may be wondering whether the tooth can still be saved. In most cases, the answer is yes. A dental crown in Washington, D.C., can fix a severely decayed tooth as long as enough healthy structure remains to support it.  

At CK Dental & Associates, Dr. Woo Young Chang restores decayed teeth almost every day and can tell you what you need. Call today to schedule a dental appointment and find out whether this dental restoration is right for you. 

What causes tooth decay? 

So, what causes tooth decay? It starts with the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria feed on the leftover particles and produce acid as a byproduct. That acid slowly dissolves the protective enamel on your teeth, creating small holes that only grow larger over time. 

Several habits speed up the process, including frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, and inconsistent brushing and flossing. Dry mouth also plays a role, since saliva helps neutralize acid and wash away food particles. Left alone, a small cavity keeps growing deeper and causes more damage. This is when a dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth. 

How a dental crown restores the tooth 

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. Unlike a filling, which patches one spot, a crown surrounds and protects the whole tooth, holding it together and restoring its full strength. This makes crowns the go-to dental restoration in Washington for teeth that have lost too much structure to decay. 

Once placed, the crown takes over the work of the damaged enamel. You can bite and chew normally, and the tooth is shielded from further decay. Modern crowns are crafted from durable, tooth-colored materials that blend with your smile, so no one will know which tooth was treated. 

Your dental appointment in Washington, D.C. 

Restoring a severely decayed tooth may take two visits to our office. At the first dental appointment, Dr. Chang numbs the area and removes the decay. If decay reaches down to the nerve, a root canal may be performed first to clear out the infection. The tooth is then shaped, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown can protect the area while your new one is being crafted. 

At the second visit, Dr. Chang removes the temporary restoration, checks the fit and color of your new crown, and cements it in place. With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, a well-made crown typically lasts 10 – 15 years or longer. 

Save your tooth before decay spreads further 

A severely decayed tooth won't heal by itself. The sooner you come in, the more likely Dr. Woo Young Chang can save the tooth with a dental restoration. If you have questions such as, "What causes tooth decay?" or want to know whether a dental crown can fix your tooth, schedule a dental appointment at CK Dental & Associates in Washington, D.C. today.