Tag Archives: temporary dental crowns

Dental Crowns

Does It Take Three Temporary Crowns to Get One to Stay On?

Does it take three temporary crowns to get one to stay on? I prefer not to switch dentists in the middle of treatment, but this is making me nervous. Am I overly concerned? Thanks. Alexus from NJ

Alexus,

We recognize how unsettling and inconvenient it must be when a temporary crown repeatedly comes loose. Your decision not to proceed with the final crown until you are confident in the fit shows you rightly advocate for the quality of your dental care, and we support that completely.

Why Secure Temporary Crown Well?

Ensuring your temporary crown fits well and stays securely in place is more than just a matter of convenience. It plays a critical role in protecting your underlying tooth and guiding the creation of a well-fitting permanent crown. When a temporary failure repeatedly occurs, it’s a sign that something needs careful attention before the lab makes the final restoration.

Understanding the potential reasons for this can be helpful as you consider your next steps. A temporary crown might repeatedly fall off if:

  • The tooth preparation was too aggressive, leaving insufficient structure for reliable bonding.
  • The impressions taken of your tooth were not completely accurate, leading to a poorly fitting temporary.
  • The method or material used to cement the temporary crown was not optimal for your situation.

What Are Your Options If a Temporary Crown Keeps Falling Off?

Accurate tooth preparation and precise impressions are foundational for a successful crown. Experienced dentists meticulously check these steps, often employing digital technology to enhance accuracy. If you are unsure about the process, remember you can switch dentists during your crown treatment if you believe it’s necessary to achieve the best outcome.

Since the fit of the temporary crown often dictates the fit of the final one, resolving these issues now is essential. We encourage you to seek a second opinion from a dentist specializing in cosmetic or advanced restorative procedures. During a consultation, they can carefully evaluate your situation, discuss what might be causing the problem, and propose a clear plan to ensure your permanent crown fits comfortably, functions well, and looks great. It’s important to know that challenges with fitting a crown are usually solvable with the right expertise and should not mean that the tooth needs an extraction and implant.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Ceramic Crowns

My Six New Crowns Cause My Gums to Burn

My gums have been burning since I got new temporary crowns. After I complained, my dentist took the first set of temps off. After removing the crowns, my dentist recommended a fluoride treatment and prescribed an antibiotic.

When I got the temporary crowns, my bite was off. My dentist did so much filing on the crowns that when I drank anything, I could feel the fluid rushing beneath the crown. I got new temporaries, but my teeth are sensitive, and my gums burn. My dentist made drastic changes to my teeth, making them uncomfortable with crowns. Can I expect major rework to resolve my concerns? I’m exhausted. Thanks. Joan from AZ

Joan,

We understand our exhaustion and frustration.

Before your dentist permanently cements your new crowns, please ensure you are entirely satisfied with their fit and feel.

Confirming the specific metal alloy used is crucial if these are porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. A potential metal allergy, particularly to nickel, could be causing the burning sensation. Request a copy of the dental laboratory’s alloy certificate for detailed composition information. Even if they are all ceramic crowns, a dentist must determine the underlying cause of the discomfort.

Several aspects of your treatment raise concerns about the dentist’s experience and judgment. A smile reconstruction is a complex procedure that often requires specialized expertise in cosmetic dentistry. Bite discrepancies and the need for significant post-treatment adjustments are red flags. Additionally, fluoride treatment on prepared teeth seems inappropriate because it cannot address bacterial infection. A more suitable approach would involve an antibacterial agent like peroxide or chlorhexidine.

We recommend seeking a second opinion from a dentist with extensive cosmetic dentistry experience and training. This will allow you to ensure optimal comfort and quality of care. A well-placed crown should feel like a healthy, natural tooth.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.