Services
Replacing old fillings and crowns
Old fillings and crowns wear, chip and leak at the edges. Being old is not a reason to replace one.
One that is cracked, loose or has decay beside it may need redoing. Dr. Xiao looks at the old work and the tooth under it, and tells you whether to watch it or replace it, and with what.
What happens
Replacing a filling is usually one visit. Replacing with an inlay, onlay or crown is usually two.
- 01
Step 1: Look at the old work
An exam of the filling or crown and the tooth around it, with X-rays only if she needs them.
- 02
Step 2: Decide together
She tells you whether to watch it or replace it, and what each choice involves.
- 03
Step 3: Remove and rebuild
She numbs the tooth, takes out the old work and repairs the tooth with the repair you chose.
- 04
Step 4: Check the bite
You bite on thin paper, and she adjusts the repair until it feels right.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
We numb the area before we start. If you feel anything, tell us and we stop and numb more. You can ask for a break at any time.
If you wait
An old filling that leaks can let decay start underneath. One that is only worn, with no decay and no crack, can often be watched. Dr. Xiao tells you which you have.
Risks and aftercare
Taking out old work can show more damage than the X-ray did, and she will tell you if the plan changes. Expect some sensitivity for a few days.
How it is billed
Replacing old work is billed by what is placed, and plans often limit how often they pay to replace a repair. You get a written estimate before we start. The fees page explains insurance, receipts and paying yourself.
How fees work
Questions about replacing old fillings and crowns
Do old fillings need to be replaced?
Not because of their age. Dr. Xiao replaces one when it is cracked, loose, leaking or has decay beside it, and she shows you why.
Will my old crown be replaced too?
Only if it needs it. A crown that fits well and has no decay at its edge can stay.
Will my plan pay to replace old work?
Plans differ, and many limit how often they pay for the same tooth. We check your benefits before the visit and put the estimate in writing.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Lin Xiao, DDS, general dentist, licensed in West Virginia. She looks at the tooth, explains the options and gives you the estimate in writing.