Archives for April 2024

What Causes a Cavity Beneath a Crown?

Posted on April 30, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had a crown on my first molar on the upper left for three years. After my yearly exam last month, the dentist said that my X-ray showed a cavity. She showed me the X-rays on the monitor in the treatment room. However, the dentist could not explain why I had a cavity. My dentist plans to remove the crown and decay and place a new crown. Dental insurance won’t provide any coverage for the crown. Why do I have a cavity in a tooth beneath a crown anyway? What caused it? Thanks. Marie from NJ

Marie,

A dental crown for a molar tooth, which can have a cavity beneath it if bacteria leak in

Dental crown (cap)

Dental insurance companies will only pay for a replacement crown if your current one is at least five years old. However, a high-quality crown can last ten years or longer. Although decay will not affect your dental crown, bacteria can leak in, causing a cavity in the tooth beneath the crown.

What Causes a Cavity Beneath a Crown?

If a crown is damaged, loose, or has a gap between the tooth and crown, bacteria can enter the space and cause tooth decay.

Damaged or loose crown – Trapped bacteria beneath a crown can lead to decay.
Loose margin — If the crown and tooth do not fully meet, bacteria can leak, causing plaque and decay.

What Is the Treatment for a Cavity Beneath a Crown?

Treating a cavity beneath a crown includes removing the crown, cleaning the tooth, filling the cavity, and replacing the crown with a new one. Untreated decay can spread and increase the risk of tooth loss. Please do not ignore a cavity in a tooth beneath a crown.

Get a Second Opinion

If you are dissatisfied with your dentist’s diagnosis of a cavity beneath your crown or the treatment plan, you can get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

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

If My Temporary Crown Won’t Stay On, Will the Permanent One?

Posted on April 28, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I think I should switch dentists because my temporary crown won’t stay on. It fell off my bottom right second molar the day after I got it. I went back and forth to the dentist because the crown either fell off or broke four times. My dentist took another impression of the tooth for the lab, but I’m still concerned about spending more time with this dentist. Is it too risky to switch dentists in the middle of a crown procedure? – Bethany from IL

Bethany,

It is not too risky to switch dentists in the middle of a crown procedure if your dentist can’t get your temporary crown to stay on.

Although temporary crowns are not meant to last long, they should not repeatedly fall off. When a crown repeatedly falls off, a dentist likely shaved your tooth too much, and not much tooth structure remains to support a dental crown.

Also, your dentist needed a new impression for the dental lab, which increases our concern that your dentist will have problems with your new temporary crown. Although it is not unusual for a dentist to need multiple impressions of a tooth, he or she should resolve the concerns before asking the lab to make your temporary crown.

Your dentist has an ethical obligation to transfer your dental crown case to the dentist you choose. If you have already paid your dentist for the crown, you can ask for a refund. After your new dentist examines your tooth and crown, you can give a copy of the report to your current dentist as leverage for a refund. Resolve the issue as soon as possible to prevent swallowing or aspirating your temporary crown if it falls off again.

Find an advanced cosmetic dentist for your second opinion. You can ask friends or family members for recommendations or search online. Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Review the dentist’s smile gallery on the website to see patients’ cases for dental crowns.

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

Where Can I Apply for Free Dental Implants?

Posted on April 11, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I’m looking for ways to avoid getting dentures and getting dental implants even though I don’t have money for them. I’m wondering if I could apply for a program or join a waitlist for a dentist who does implants for people who can’t afford them. Or if a dental practice could use me in an ad or if there is a study or something that I can sign up for to get free dental implants. I’m a 40-year-old single dad who is on the verge of losing all my teeth from neglect. My kids have been through so much. I just want to smile for them without embarrassing myself or them. Where can I find free implants? – Thanks. Ethan from Chicago, IL

Ethan,

Your concerns are understandable since our teeth and smiles impact our self-confidence.

Can You Get Pro Bono or Free Dental Implants?

Although you won’t be able to find pro bono implants, we can explain ways to make treatment more affordable. The only way to get dental implants is to pay for them, even if it involves financing, payment plans, or less stability for your denture.

How Can You Get Affordable Dental Implants?

You can get affordable dental implants by attending a dental school or choosing an option, such as a snap-on denture or mini implants.

Dental school

A dental school that teaches implant dentistry needs patients for its students to place implants. Although treatment is free, the school will offer a discount for accepting treatment from a dental student.

Snap-on denture

A snap-on denture uses two implants to stabilize your denture. The denture is removable for you to clean and let your mouth rest at night. This option is less expensive than a fixed implant denture.

Mini implants

The diameter of mini implants is 1/3 that of standard implants. Not all dentists offer this option, but mini implants are more affordable than standard implants. Your dentures will not fall out, but they won’t be as secure as standard implants.

Getting treatment in phases

If you can afford dental implants in the future, you can get a quality denture now and get it fitted later for dental implants. Discuss this option with an implant dentist.

What If You Can’t Get Dental Implants?

If you investigate snap-on dentures or mini-implants and find that you still cannot afford them, consider charity dental clinics. Search online for free dental clinics in your city or charitable dentistry events. Although a dental clinic will not provide dental implants, it can provide a removable denture to replace your missing teeth and improve your quality of life. Getting a denture will help you feel more comfortable in public and allow you to smile without the embarrassment of missing teeth.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie. Ask Delaune Dental about financing to help pay for dental care.