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Does a Front Tooth Always Need a Crown After Root Canal?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist put my upper left tooth back I place because it was knocked out. He put the tooth back in and bonded it. He also did a root canal on the tooth. The tooth has turned darker than my other tooth, and my dentist said I probably need a crown. Is a crown on a root canal front tooth a good idea? Is there a way we can save the tooth without a crown? Thank you. Sahba from NJ

 

Sahba,

It’s important to consider the potential risks of a crown on a front tooth. It increases the risk of the tooth breaking from lateral stress, especially if you have a heavy bite when eating.

Why Does a Root Canal Tooth Turn Dark?

Teeth often discolor after root canal treatment. After removing the infected tooth pulp, a dentist fills the tooth with a filling material or cement. If the dentist leaves some of the filling material in the crown (the part of your tooth above the gumline), the material will discolor the tooth.

How Can a Dentist Lighten a Root Canal Tooth?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can lighten a root canal tooth by removing the root canal filling material from the tooth’s crown. The dentist may also recommend internal bleaching. Afterward, the flexible post can be inserted into the tooth and sealed with dental composite, which can prevent discoloration for several years.

As discoloration occurs, a skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain veneer and color match the veneer to the adjacent tooth.

In cases where a front tooth was knocked out and replanted, you may need an X-ray to ensure your body is not eating away at the tooth’s root.  Your dentist did well to preserve your tooth. However, he may not understand how to improve your tooth color. A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can help.

 

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Delaune strives to be among the best dentists in Metairie.

Will My Tooth Crumble If the Crown Keeps Falling Off?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had no trouble with my dental implant surgery. The surgeon was wonderful, and his follow-up care was thorough. I thanked my dentist for referring me to the surgeon. I received three implants, and my dentist restored them with beautiful crowns. I also received a new crown for a root canal tooth. But that crown is nothing but trouble. Within the past two months, the crown fell off four times. My dentist is happy to reattach it, but I am getting frustrated.

My dentist said that if it keeps happening, he will order a new crown. He doesn’t seem to know how to stop the problem without a new crown. I am concerned that all the work on this tooth has made it even weaker. And how do I know I won’t have the same problem with a new crown? I don’t like walking away from my dentist, but I’m not sure he knows what to do about this crown. Is my tooth going to crumble away and fall apart? Thank you. Rhys from NY

Rhys,

We are happy you had a good dental implant and implant crown experience. Unfortunately, the root canal tooth and crown are causing problems. It is frustrating when a crown repeatedly falls off, but identifying the problem is relatively easy.

Why Does a Dental Crown Keep Falling Off?

Dental crown

Dental crowns must be secured to protect a tooth

A dental crown can fall off due to bonding strength or the shape of the prepared tooth. Either or both factors can cause a crown to loosen and fall off.

  • Tooth preparation: When a dentist slightly tapers your natural tooth in preparation for a crown, it increases the surface contact between the crown and tooth. Even the weakest cement will keep the crown on. But aggressive tapering—grinding the tooth down to a stump—increases the risk of a loose crown that falls off.
  • Bonding strength: Your dentist must choose cement strong enough to keep the crown attached to your tooth.

If your dentist cannot keep the new crown on your tooth, it might be best to get a second opinion. Or you can get a second opinion right away. Depending on how aggressively your dentist prepared your tooth, an advanced cosmetic dentist can build the tooth with bonding to ensure the crown is secure.

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.

 

My Dentist Left Porcelain Dust in My Mouth After Grinding a Crown

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist left porcelain dust in my mouth after grinding on a crown. I got a porcelain crown on an upper molar tooth last week. While the dentist adjusted the crown, I felt porcelain dust in my mouth. Neither the dentist nor the assistant rinsed my mouth to remove this debris. I should have asked for the rinse. I am concerned about the potential health implications of swallowing porcelain particles, as porcelain contains glass-like components. Is it a health threat? Thanks. Tomas

Tomas,

Porcelain is generally considered safe for ingestion, so there’s likely no immediate health risk from swallowing porcelain dust. While it contains some glass-like components, the particles are not sharp and pose minimal concern. Porcelain primarily comprises minerals like feldspar and silica.

However, a dentist must maintain a clean and safe environment. Allowing patients to swallow dental debris is unacceptable. Proper dental care involves utilizing high-powered suction to remove water and particles during procedures, which prevents patients from ingesting unwanted substances.

Your patient rights include expressing yourself or asking questions whenever you are uncomfortable with a dentist’s or hygienist’s technique.

Don’t let your concerns linger and cause dental anxiety. Instead of ongoing anxiety about what happened, talk to your dentist and explain how you feel. Your dentist should be willing to apologize and reassure you about future visits.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding and Peeling Between My New Crowns?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had six upper front crowns placed last year. I’ve had bleeding and peeling skin between my front two teeth on and off since then, but it has gotten worse within the past month. I asked the dental office of an alloy certificate to see what kind of metal may be in the crowns. They said the crowns are not metal, but they emailed me a filed that says I have Impress crows. I’ve checked online to wee what the crowns contain, but I’ve only found the manufacturer’s website with not much info that I would understand anyway. Can you tell me if LiSi Impress could cause a reaction like the one I am experiencing? – Thank you. Phoebe from IL

Phoebe,

If all six crowns are made from the same material and you are allergic to it, you would have a reaction around all the crowned teeth—not just your center front teeth.

The problem you describe sound like food particles catching between your teeth or another functional problem that may be irritating your gum tissue. A margin overhang with a dental crown can trip food particles. Try flossing between your teeth and see if you feel a ledge under your gum that prevents the floss from gliding between your teeth smoothly.

An LiSi Press dental crown is lithium disilicate. Although we are unfamiliar with allergies to the material, someone may react to it in rare cases. We recommend asking your dentist to examine the crowns. If your dentist is unable to resolve the issue, get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how the strives to be one of the best dentists in town. [Read more…]

Are Porcelain-Fused-to-Gold Crowns Best for Lower Front Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed a root canal on my lower center front teeth. She said I would need crowns on the teeth, but their roots are short, so their strength and stability are uncertain. My dentist’s solution is to use porcelain fused to crown crowns instead of ceramic crowns for the teeth.  she would use two crowns on the root canal teeth and a crown on the teeth immediately to the right and left. She would ask the lab to connect the crowns at their side for stability. She said the metal could be unseen, and the crowns could look like individual teeth. What happens if my gums recede, and a dark line shows through them? My dentist says the lab can work with the crowns to minimize a dark line, which is the best solution for my weak teeth. Her solution surprised me. Does this sound like a reasonable way to address the concerns with my lower front teeth? Thank you. Angelica from Illinois

Angelica,

Dental crown

All-ceramic crowns may not be suitable for lower central incisors. You can get a second opinion.

All-ceramic crowns look more natural at the gumline. When porcelain is fused to metal, a dark line may eventually show. However, be cautious about asking your dentist to use materials she may not feel comfortable using. You may get the treatment method you want by consulting a cosmetic dentist.

Your dentist wants to split the crowns together. Several factors are in favor of porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns.

  1. A black line from the metal in a crown rarely shows on lower front teeth.
  2. With a fused-to-gold crown, your dentist will grind away less tooth structure. Conservative tooth preparation is significant for small teeth.
  3. Joining the metal in each crown provides a strong framework for your teeth.

From your description, your dentist’s recommendation seems reasonable and has advantages over all-ceramic crowns. However, a skilled cosmetic dentist can give you a second opinion and determine whether there is a more aesthetic and equally healthy way to restore your teeth.

 

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Delaune strives to be among the best dentists in Metairie.

What Causes a Cavity Beneath a Crown?

Posted on 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 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.