Posts for tag: Lavergne dentist
Question: Hi there, I am a 51 year old woman in pretty good health. In 2004 I had my 4 front teeth removed and porcelain crowns put in. It has become apparent that they were not sealed well enough, so over time decay has set in behind the crowns. They must now be removed and new ones inserted. My financial situation has changed considerably since then and the insurance I have now only covers porcelain infused over metal crowns. It would cost me another $600 per tooth if I want porcelain. I had never heard of these other ones so I would like your input on the aesthetics and longevity of the porcelain infused over metal.Thank you for your time and opinion
Answer: The porcelain fused to metal(PFM) crowns have been around much longer than all porcelain crowns. They are known for strength and I typically do these on back teeth. They do work well on front teeth but can be more challenging to make them look esthetic. I would talk with your dentist about doing the PFM crowns but it will be much more difficult to match the esthetics that you had with all porcelain crowns. I like the all porcelain better but if done correctly the PFM crown can be acceptable as well. My biggest concern is that if they are designed corrected or even if your gums even slightly recede, you can possibly see dark line or metal hue around where the gum has receded. If you have ever seen someone smile and you see a dark color or gray hue around the gum, it is likely it is PFM crown. With an all porcelain crown, even with recession it is not as visible. All porcelain is typically my choice, if and only if your bite will allow it.
Dr.G
Question:
Hello.I have cerebral palsy.I have a few metal crowns.over time my bite has become off and I ground at night.I didn't take care off this right away like I should have and now my teeth are severely worn.Do you think if I got posts and metal crowns they would last in my mouth?the few crowns I have seem to have done well over time.would the new zirconia crowns be as durable as the metal? Thank you for your time and consideration. Kurt
Answer:
Hi Kurt,
This unfortunately is a very loaded question that I cannot give you a good answer for the following reasons:
1. Posts do not make teeth stronger...they more less help hold in the foundations that the crowns sit on so they are more for retention, not strength.
2. There are crowns with different properties for different situations, so it is hard to say what is best for you as there many things that need to be evaluated such as:
1. Cavities present?
2. What kind of bite do you have?
3. Condition of existing crowns?
4. How heavy you grind?
These are several questions that would need to be answered before telling you what kind of crowns you need. Having said that, zirconia crowns are showing promise in strength and certainly have esthetic advantages over metal crowns but they are not indicated in all situations. I would recommend getting evaluated to further determine this.
Good luck!
Dr.Glasmeier
What is a crown?
A crown is a restoration that I prescribe to fix badly broken teeth or a tooth that has been root canal treated. A crown is cemented over top of the tooth after it has been prepared. Badly broken teeth can result from large cavities, root canal treatment and trauma as well. Sometimes crowns are placed on teeth that are cosmetically unacceptable by the patient. By doing a crown, I can alter the shape, contour, color and bite of the original tooth so that patients are happy with its function as well as its appearance.
Crowns also sometimes require additional procedures based on the existing condition of the tooth such as a root canal, crown lengthening surgery, and teeth buildups. Please consult me if you have any questions about crowns or bridges. Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain, or metal/porcelain which is called a porcelain fused to metal crown(PFM). The decision on the material is based on the position of the tooth, the demand for esthetics, and what type of chewing forces the crown would be subjected to. Ask your dentist about the benefits of crowns and well as what is most suitable for your situation!
What is a cavity(tooth decay)?
Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause infection and tooth loss.
You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.
What causes tooth decay?
The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this occurs, a toothache is the most common symptom.
How is tooth decay diagnosed?
Your dentist diagnoses tooth decay by:
* Asking questions about your past dental and medical problems and care.
* Examining your teeth, using a pointed tool and a small mirror.
* Taking X-rays of your teeth and mouth.
How is tooth decay treated?
Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is. You may be able to reverse slight tooth decay by using fluoride. To fix cavities caused by mild tooth decay, your dentist will fill the cavities with another substance (fillings). For more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, your dentist may have to remove the tooth.
