Jenny came to see Dr. Ching at DENTL in East Melbourne after noticing an unusual smell coming from one of her teeth. She had no pain and no obvious visible problem, but the smell was enough to prompt her to come in. It turned out to be exactly the right call.
What Dr. Ching Found
After a thorough investigation, Dr. Ching discovered decay sitting beneath Jenny’s existing filling. The old restoration was removed, and once all of the decay was cleared away, it became clear that the tooth was structurally compromised. A dental crown was the most appropriate treatment to restore and protect what remained of the tooth structure.
How Jenny’s Treatment Unfolded
Removing the Decay and Preparing the Tooth
At the first appointment, Dr. Ching removed the old filling and cleared all of the decay from the tooth. With the tooth structurally weakened, placing a crown was the most suitable way to restore full function and protect the tooth going forward.
A Temporary Crown While Waiting
Jenny left that first appointment with a temporary crown in place, allowing her to chew comfortably while her new crown was being made. This is standard practice at DENTL, ensuring patients are never left without function between appointments.
Fitting the New Crown
Two weeks later, Jenny returned to have her new crown fitted. Dr. Ching numbed the area, removed the temporary crown, and inserted the new fixed crown. The appointment was straightforward, and Jenny did not require any follow-up. She will return the following month for a separate dental filling appointment.
Why a Smell From Your Tooth Should Not Be Ignored
Jenny’s case is a good example of why unusual changes around your teeth are worth having checked, even when there is no pain involved. Decay beneath existing restorations is surprisingly common, particularly in older fillings and crowns, and it can progress significantly before causing any discomfort. A comprehensive examination with X-rays is the most reliable way to find out what is happening beneath the surface.
Book Your Appointment With Dr. Ching at DENTL
If you have noticed a bad smell coming from one of your teeth, or you have any other dental concern, call Dr. Ching and the DENTL team on (03) 8820 1699 or complete the booking form below to arrange an appointment in East Melbourne.
