When a cavity is left untreated, it can become larger until it reaches the pulp of the tooth; this causes infection at the base of the root canal, and leads to the formation of an abscess. This process is generally painful and requires urgent attention for the sake of your tooth and comfort.

The process is decently simple; first, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The pulp is then removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged, and shaped. The infected area is medicated, and the root canals are filled. Finally, the crown opening is filled with a temporary filling.

When there is not enough tooth structure remaining after trauma, decay or a root canal procedure, a post and crown will be utilized to restore the tooth to full form and function. A crown buildup is either composed of a bonded composite material or possibly an amalgam material. If a crown is placed on an unstable tooth foundation, there is a higher risk of having that crown fail. When the tooth has lost significant structure, a buildup is necessary in order to provide proper support of the new crown and to bring the tooth back to full function. If a crown is placed on an unstable tooth foundation, you will have a higher risk of having that crown fail. When the tooth has lost significant structure, then a buildup is necessary in order to provide proper support of the new crown and to bring the tooth back to full function.