Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Protect Your Investment

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Have you ever wondered how a tooth that is crowned could develop decay???? My patients, ask me this on a weekly basis. Often I hear, "I don't have any of my own teeth, they are all crowned." "How could I develop decay?" Well, let me tell you how you can develop decay.
There is always a margin between the natural tooth and the restoration (crown, veneer, onlay or filling) this is where the natural tooth and the restoration meet. It is at this margin where bacteria has the opportunity to penetrate the tooth and cause decay. This is why your hygienist places so much emphasis on proper homecare, regular professional cleanings and routine xrays. We realize and appreciate the investment that you have made in your mouth and we want to work with you to maintain your investment. For some it starts with general health and medications that cause a dry mouth (xerostomia). Saliva helps to neutralize damaging acids produced by plaque that contribute to decay. A prescription strength fluoride recommended by your hygienist is a valuable treatment used at home to protect your smile. Radiographs help us to see around the margins of crowns and fillings, etc. If we catch decay early enough it could prevent a greater expense. At each professional cleaning, your hygienist examines all of your dental work to confirm that your teeth are in good health . Finally, proper brushing and interdental cleaning at home is critical. If plaque is living around your dental work and not being removed daily it will eventually penetrate the tooth.

Kimberly Wright, R.D.H.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.