Dental problem: what to do when a crown is broken?

[PandaBear]

Here is the deal:

After not seeing a dentist for 20 years, he need a crown and was done with porceline crown two years ago. This Janurary he need a root canal and the dentist drill through the crown, and did it. Then, he fill it up with metal (platnium I assume).

It looks like this: A cylinder of porceline with platnium center and top. Like a nail through a macaroni.

Yesterday the porceline crown cracked and about 1/3 to 1/4 of it fell out. My dad visited the dentist and he only grind off some platnium so it is not sharp. Didn't even bother fill in the cracked porceline crown or reinforce it.

Is this the correct practice? He did the crown, he did the root canal, and in my opinion he is not doing a good job fixing it. I doubt the crown will hold up like this.

What do you think? Should I complain and force him to give my dad a new crown?

 

[thelanx]

I'm not familiar with dental issues, but wouldn't the dentist want to replace the crown as he would make more money?

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: PandaBear
Here is the deal:

After not seeing a dentist for 20 years, he need a crown and was done with porceline crown two years ago. This Janurary he need a root canal and the dentist drill through the crown, and did it. Then, he fill it up with metal (platnium I assume).

It looks like this: A cylinder of porceline with platnium center and top. Like a nail through a macaroni.

Yesterday the porceline crown cracked and about 1/3 to 1/4 of it fell out. My dad visited the dentist and he only grind off some platnium so it is not sharp. Didn't even bother fill in the cracked porceline crown or reinforce it.

Is this the correct practice? He did the crown, he did the root canal, and in my opinion he is not doing a good job fixing it. I doubt the crown will hold up like this.

What do you think? Should I complain and force him to give my dad a new crown?

the porcelain crown was weakened when he drilled through it to do the root canal.
a lot of times they won't attempt that and just set up for a new crown after the root canal.

it sounds like your father's porcelain crown is compromised and will break. i would tell the dentist your concerns and ask him to make your father a new one. you can't force the dentist to do it for free, but he may discount it.

 

[MX2]

We need a "Dental" forum

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: MX2times
We need a "Dental" forum

nah, i don't see THAT many questions

 

[xSauronx]

a crown should hold up past 2 years, but good job getting it done for free. ive had one for about 5 now.

the dentist should have immediately set up an appointment to prepare work for a new crown, though, did he at least do that?

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Is it really platnium? I've never heard of platnium used in fillings before. Usually amalgam is used isn't it?

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: AyashiKaibutsu
Is it really platnium? I've never heard of platnium used in fillings before. Usually amalgam is used isn't it?

it's amalgam, not platinum. although he could've used a composite (tooth colored) filling.

 

[AgentUnknown]

Yo, 6 months away from my DDS. Sounds like your dad needs a new crown. He probably doesn't want one. If there is a hole in the crown, they would have to make a new crown. Yes, it's amalgam not platinum.

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: AgentUnknown
Yo, 6 months away from my DDS. Sounds like your dad needs a new crown. He probably doesn't want one. If there is a hole in the crown, they would have to make a new crown. Yes, it's amalgam not platinum.

thanks Doc

but you just repeated what i already said.

 

[z0mb13]

use rock salt!!

 

[The Godfather]

Buy a ticket to eastern europe, have them fix it there.

In america, to go to the dentists costs over 1 grand.

When i had tooth problems, it was cheaper for me to go back to Bulgaria and have it fixed.

 

[sixone]

It is possible that there's not enough of the original tooth left to attach a crown to. The dentist may have ground off the sharp edges as an alternative to pulling the tooth completely out. You need more info before you do anything.

 

[PandaBear]

Yes, the root canal is done after a crown job, so the stud that hold the crown in place is kind of small. I guess the material is amalgam as you guys said. The grinding off sharp edges was free, I guess it is too big of a job to ask the Dentist to do a new crown for free huh? But since the dentist did both the original crown and the root canal (drilling of the crown). Isn't he responsible for it?

The only thing supporting the bite now is amalgam, my concern is that it is not strong enough by itself and could cause permanent issue down the road, by weakening the "root" left. Leaving 2/3 of a crown cylinder and a stud of amalgam doesn't seem right.

If I were to pay for my dad out of my own pocket, how much would replacing the entire thing (new foundation for crown, new amalgam crown, etc) cost?

 

[sixone]

No, the dentist is not responsible for the crown, and shouldn't replace it for free. Having problems with a crown after a few years is very common. If you aren't comfortable with this dentist, then pick a new one for a second opinion.

I don't know what a new crown would cost, but the dentist may be willing to work out some kind of payment arrangements in advance.

 

[Micky11]

I've got a slightly different take on it, and not fully understanding this I may be completely wrong. Since the dentist filled the root canal access with amalgam, I'm assuming the crown was actually a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, not all porcelain. A PFM is a crown with a metal coping that has porcelain covering it, and these are more popular than all-porcelain crowns. The metal completely surrounds the crown prep and protects it, so that damage to the porcelain won't necessarily damage the metal or the natural tooth underneath. My guess is the porcelain chipped off the metal, which is primarily an esthetic concern. The sharp edges where it chipped would be smoothed out, but the crown probably doesn't need to be replaced unless your dad is bothered by the way it looks. I would hope the dentist discussed this with your dad, and that your dad decided it wasn't worth replacing the crown. I wouldn't expect to get a new crown for free, but a reduced fee is a possibility. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally posted by: Micky11
I've got a slightly different take on it, and not fully understanding this I may be completely wrong. Since the dentist filled the root canal access with amalgam, I'm assuming the crown was actually a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, not all porcelain. A PFM is a crown with a metal coping that has porcelain covering it, and these are more popular than all-porcelain crowns. The metal completely surrounds the crown prep and protects it, so that damage to the porcelain won't necessarily damage the metal or the natural tooth underneath. My guess is the porcelain chipped off the metal, which is primarily an esthetic concern. The sharp edges where it chipped would be smoothed out, but the crown probably doesn't need to be replaced unless your dad is bothered by the way it looks. I would hope the dentist discussed this with your dad, and that your dad decided it wasn't worth replacing the crown. I wouldn't expect to get a new crown for free, but a reduced fee is a possibility. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

After talking to my dad and the dental office's assistant for more detail, you are 100% correct. :beer: for you

 

[Mday]

also, crowns arent replaceable immediately. they have to be fitted. even if your father wanted a replacement crown he would not get one right away.