Replacement of stained restorations and crowns

A number of problems could occur with restorations and or the tooth itself. Problems could also occur with gums. Replacement of old restorations could enhance the life of a tooth, especially if the tooth has secondary decay.

One of the most common complications is gum recession where shrinkage of the gum above the crown could lead to exposure of the crown-tooth interface. This often results in exposure of the darker, unaesthetic root surface.

Other reasons for replacement of restorations are broken, chipped or discoloured restorations.

Treatment of chipped and broken teeth

Teeth consist of 3 layers: enamel, dentine and the pulp or nerve chamber. The treatment of a chipped tooth simply depends on the extent of damage. Simple fillings can be used to repair minor injuries restricted to enamel. When the injury extends into dentine, a larger sized filling or a restoration made in the dental laboratory maybe necessary. Further extension of the injury into the pulp chamber would involve root canal treatment and a crown to hold the tooth together. An extremely destructed tooth may require extraction and replacement with an implant or a denture.

Treatment of stained and discoloured teeth

Stains can be broadly categorised into external or internal stains. External stains include those caused by tobacco, coffee, spices, chlorhexidine mouthwash etc. Internal stains can occur as a result of developmental causes or result from an injury. The treatment of discoloured teeth depends on the cause and degree of discolouration. External stains can be treated with various methods ranging from simple dental cleaning/ polishing to procedures such as bleaching and micro-abrasion. Heavy stains would necessitate coverage of the discoloured area with restorations such as veneers and crowns. Internal stains may require similar treatment methods as well as treatment of the cause such as root canal treatment of a non-vital and hence discoloured tooth.

Improving the gappy smile

Gaps may occur due to poor alignment (malocclusion) of teeth, disproportion between tooth size and space in the jaw or due to ongoing gum diseases. Treatment of the underlying cause is important. Gum diseases should be resolved prior to starting restorative/ prosthodontic treatments. Malocclusion of teeth can be treated with orthodontics (braces) or by prosthodontic means (veneers or crowns). Patients require comprehensive assessment to determine their suitability for these procedures. Further to this, treatment options will be put forth and discussed with the patient.

Treatment of crowded teeth

Crowding can occur due to inadequate space in the jaw, a disproportion between tooth and jaw size or simply relapse following orthodontic treatment. Crowding can be corrected by means of veneers and crowns. Patients require comprehensive assessment to determine their suitability for these procedures. Further to this, treatment options will be put forth and discussed with the patient.