While it is true that a crown protects and strengthens a tooth, sometimes decay can start at the margin of a crown, where the tooth meets the crown. Early detection and treatment will protect the tooth and help prevent future problems.
Decay can form in the area where the crown meets the tooth structure. This happens because it is one of the toughest spots to keep free of plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay. If the gum tissue has receded since the crown was placed, tooth structure along the gumline is now open, another area for plaque and bacteria to sit.
It is important to treat tooth decay as soon as possible. Once decay has become established, it can grow quickly. If the cavity penetrates the outer enamel layer of the tooth and reaches the softer dentin layer, bacteria can cause an infection in the pulp layer, which contains your tooth's nerves and blood vessels. The only way to treat the infection is by performing root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue.
We begin by performing a thorough examination and discussing the best treatment for you.
Due to the crown obscuring the decay on radiographs, it is not easy to see how far the decay has advanced. Therefore, it is likely that we will need to replace the crown with a new one. There are several types of crowns, so we will talk with you about the best one for your situation.
Treatment will protect your tooth. By treating the decay as soon as possible, we can often prevent it from spreading and causing unnecessary damage to your tooth, and more complicated, extensive treatment.
Dr. Rehder and the entire staff are friendly and compassionate. They accommodate my needs as a patient and treat me as a personal friend. Professionally, they provide the utmost care and advice, the patient always comes first. I can’t say enough positive comments about this practice.
~Review by Eileen S.
Dr. Rehder is very professional, yet not too serious as he is doing your teeth. He makes it relaxing and is able to keep your mind away from his work (I have never liked going to the dentist, but Dr. Rehder makes the experience as close to pleasant as a dentist visit can be).
~Review by Mary Ellen M.
Thank you Dr. Rehder and Christine for the "always exciting" and "never a dull moment" orthodontist appointment. See you in two weeks to do it all over again. Ok maybe-not ALL over again.
~Review by Elena C.
I had a great experience with Dr. Rehder. He is very informative and professional. All of the staff were so nice and helpful. My overall experience was one of the best I had with a dental office. I would definitely recommend people to come here.
~Review by Paulina C.
Professional staff. Makes you feel at ease, would highly recommend.
~Review by Diane S.
Always wonderful visits at Pinefield Dental. I've been a patient since the very early 90s. The staff is my extended family & takes care of my teeth with the utmost professionalism. This is my dental home.
~Review by Kenneth C.
The doctor and staff were wonderful. My experience is always great. The staff is very caring and always professional. The hours are very convenient as well. They will be able to accommodate anyone's schedule.
~Review by Amanda C.
Richard F. Gittleson, DDS Reviews No one likes/enjoys going to the dentist, but our dentist (Dr. Gittleson) and his staff are so pleasant they help relieve a patient fears.
~Review by Patricia L.
Highly recommended, I’ve been a patient since 1983.
~Review by Charles G.
Excellent.
~Review by Dom J.
