Archives for February 2022

My dental crown and post broke in five months

Posted on February 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Last September, my dentist did a root canal and crown. The crown came off, and it and the post broke. Is my dentist responsible because his work didn’t last? – Thanks. Kenneth from San Diego

Kenneth,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. Although Dr. Rota would need to examine your crown, we can offer some advice based on the few details you provided.

When a Crown and Post Break

When a crown and post break, your tooth probably broke off near the gumline. Most of your natural tooth is probably gone, so if both the crown and tooth failed, the post may be weak, or your tooth cannot be saved.

Is Your Dentist at Fault?

A tooth that breaks near the gumline is challenging to save. Your dentist’s attempt to save the tooth is commendable. Sometimes, other circumstances cause a post and crown to breath. Although your dentist might not be at fault, if the post and crown only lasted a few months, he may be willing to take responsibility for some of the cost. But your dentist is not legally responsible unless he did something wrong. And based on your details, that is not the case.

Your Teeth Bite

If you bite with a tremendous amount of force, as your teeth age, they begin breaking down. Even dental work cannot withstand the force of an exceptionally heavy bite.

Treatment Options

If your crown and post broke and your dentist cannot save your tooth, your options are a dental bridge or an implant to replace the tooth. Regardless of which option you choose, if you have a heavy bite (“gorilla bite”), a hard plastic nightguard will help preserve your natural teeth and dental restorations. A nightguard will also minimize the risks of developing TMJ symptoms, including jaw and neck pain, headaches, earaches, and ringing in the ears.

Before you decide on treatment from your dentist, you can get a second opinion on your dental crown and ask a dentist from another practice to examine them.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metaire, Louisiana, sponsors this post.

Photos of Dr. Delaune’s patient with ceramic crowns

My Dentist Won’t Give Me Crowns Unless I Get Braces First

Posted on February 12, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Last week, my dentist insulted me by telling me that he would not replace the crowns on my four upper front teeth unless I got braces. He said the teeth are crooked and bucked, and crowns will not look right. I am 58 years old and have no intention of getting braces. Neither my teeth nor my smile makes me uncomfortable. I want the crowns replaced because they are more than 20 years old and fused to metal. They are discoloring, and I want to replace them and two old silver fillings before they look bad. Why does my dentist insist that I need braces and deny my patient rights by refusing treatment unless I get braces? – Thank you. Jerome from TN

Jerome,

You are correct. You have the right to new dental crowns without braces. But some dentists restrict treatment and will only complete it if it fits their ideal. A compassionate dentist understands that respecting a patient’s choice is part of showing that you care.

What to Do If Your Dentist Restricts Treatment Options

If your dentist restricts treatment options based on their preference only, talk to them about your concerns. For example, if you have no interest in braces and like your current dentist, explain that you will only accept crowns. You can find a sympathetic cosmetic dentist to replace your porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with natural-looking ceramic crowns.

You will enjoy ceramic crowns because they will not show a dark line around your gums, and they will look like natural teeth. Please do not pressure your current dentist for ceramic crowns, though. Ask what he recommends. If your dentist recommends more crowns with a metal foundation, it is another reason to find a skilled cosmetic dentist for treatment.

Look for an advanced cosmetic dentist, and ask to see before-and-after photos of the dentist’s patients who received new crowns on their front teeth. Placing front-teeth crowns is more challenging, so be sure to ask for several examples of cases like yours. You can replace your old amalgam fillings with composite and get new, all-ceramic crowns from an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Why Do I Need Another Root Canal If I Take Care of My Teeth?

Posted on February 4, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have two root canal teeth, and during my last visit, my dentist said I would soon need a third one. The first two root canals were completed after filling failed. I grind my teeth, and my dentist said I need another root canal on a cracked tooth that grinding may have caused. I have a night guard, but sometimes I forget to wear it at night. Other than that, I floss my teeth daily and brush them morning and night. Unfortunately, I must delay getting my teeth whitened until after the root canal. I don’t understand what I need to do to avoid root canals in the future. Are some people’s teeth more at risk for root canals? – Thanks. Monroe from Rhode Island

Monroe,

The problems you describe with your teeth are not uncommon. Preparing a tooth for filling requires removing some tooth structure, weakening the tooth. The tooth can become sensitive. And if you grind your teeth, they will experience even more stress. Try these suggestions.

How Can You Avoid Future Root Canal Treatment?

You can minimize the need for future root canal treatments through at-home care and finding a dentist knowledgeable about the latest techniques for preserving teeth.

Wear your night guard – In addition to practicing diligent oral hygiene at home, wear your night guard regularly. A night guard protects your teeth from the forces of grinding.
Avoid frequent snacking – Snacking throughout the day releases acid in your mouth that breaks down tooth enamel and weakens teeth. Although some people think brushing their teeth after snacking is the solution, it is not because brushing teeth while they are weak can further wear tooth enamel.
Look for high-quality dental care – A dentist with a commitment to continuing education and the latest techniques will provide work to improve your oral health and keep your teeth strong. If you do need fillings or restorative work, a skilled dentist will use techniques that minimize the impact on your tooth structure.

Although you need a third root canal treatment, if your dentist is not conservative in his treatment, we suggest that you get a second opinion. Root canal treatment weakens teeth, and if your tooth needs a crown afterward, conservatively preparing it will help preserve it. Also, talk to the dentist about your plans for teeth whitening and ask how you can minimize sensitivity during treatment.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.