I got a dental implant crown five months ago. I’m pretty frustrated because the crown is on a left incisor and the color is off. The crown is darker than my other teeth and it actually looks worse now that the natural tooth did. On the first try, my dentist didn’t get the color right and he told me that it “didn’t look that bad.” After I insisted that he do something about it, he sent me to the lab to get the color matched to my natural teeth. I am starting to think that he really doesn’t know how to do it. So the second crown was ready and he cements in on, no checking, no questions asked. It’s worse than ever. I need to bring this issue to a close with my dentist. I can’t keep the tooth like this but neither do I want him touching it again. What are my options? Thanks for your help! Emilee from New Orleans
Emilee – Your situation is unfortunate. And it shows the value of an artistic cosmetic dentist. There are very few dentists with artistic inclination, but an artistic cosmetic dentist will be very attentive and determined to give you a beautiful porcelain crown that matches the color of your natural teeth—before the crown is cemented. If the crown is received and it doesn’t perfectly match your teeth, or if you don’t like the color, he or she will return it to the lab until it’s just as you want it.
Your being sent to the lab for a color match was an indication that your dentist is not comfortable with the art of cosmetic dentistry.
You will need a new crown to correct the situation. Find an artistic cosmetic dentist to do the work. No damage will be done to your dental implant. You’ll get an accurate match to your natural teeth and you will be able to confidently smile again.
This post is sponsored by the office of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.