Can you tell me if it’s urgent to see a dentist about these issues with my CEREC crown? I received the crown in late February. I thought it was the perfect solution since I could get the crown in a day.
My dentist said my tooth was in bad shape, so she used an image of my teeth that the staff took two years ago. After she made the crown and put it over my tooth, it didn’t fit. She butchered my tooth just to get the crown over it. Then she put the crown on again and tested my bite. The crown was too high, so she started grinding on my tooth again. Now the crown is too wide at the base, and my tooth is sensitive.
I’ve been to the office once about the issue. I also went on the CEREC website and learned that digital technology is supposed to help the crown fit perfectly. And I see that my dentist should have taken a new scan of my teeth. If I can wait until things calm down with COVID-19 before I go to a dentist, I would prefer to do it. I know I can get an emergency appointment if needed. I don’t trust my dentist anymore. Thanks. Kyle from Biloxi
Kyle,
Your lack of trust in your dentist is understandable. There are several questionable choices your dentist made. But don’t randomly schedule an urgent dental visit. The factors below will help you understand why you need a skilled cosmetic dentist who has experience with CEREC technology.
CEREC Images
It takes time, skill, and care to place CEREC crowns that last
We’re not sure why your dentist didn’t want to take new images of your teeth. CEREC scans teeth and precisely crafts a crown based on the current condition of a tooth. CEREC uses your current tooth structure to makes a digital model of how your tooth will look when it’s restored with a crown. New images would help your dentist ensure your bite is well balanced.
Did Something Go Wrong with the Crown?
It sounds like your dentist sculpted and placed the crown without taking any precautions.
- Gap beneath the crown – If a crown doesn’t fit well, you might have a gap between the bottom of your crown and the gumline. Bacteria can leak beneath the crown and promote tooth decay.
- Problems with your bite – If your bite is misaligned, you can begin to experience TMJ issues.
- Improper fit – A crown should fit perfectly all the way around. If the sides are correctly contoured, the crown can irritate and inflame your gums and lead to gum disease.
- Sensitivity – If your tooth is sensitive to cold air, food, or drinks, there is probably an opening at the margin of the crown and your gumline.
We recommend that you get a second opinion. But don’t schedule an appointment just because a dentist will see you right away.
Tips for Your Second-Opinion Dental Appointment
Ongoing irritation to a tooth can damage the tooth pulp—or living tissue—inside. Although the issue is may not be an immediate emergency, you don’t want to prolong treatment.
- Don’t tell the second-opinion dentist about the history of your crown. Just let the dentist how that it’s uncomfortable, and you want to know his or her opinion on what’s causing the issues.
- Don’t mention your current dentist’s name. You don’t want a biased second opinion.
- Be willing to pay for a digital x-ray so the dentist can properly evaluate your case and determine your options.
This post is sponsored by award-winning Monroe, LA, dentist Dr. David Finley.
