Tag Archives: porcelain crowns

Dental Bonding

Will Dental Bonding Fix My Peg Lateral?

I have one peg lateral tooth and it really bothers me. I hate the way it makes my smile look so I never smile in pictures. Someone mentioned to me that I might be able to get this fixed with dental bonding and I wanted to know if that was accurate before I get my hopes up too much.

Carly

Dear Carly,

What Are Peg Laterals?

I am going to answer your question, but not many readers will know what a peg lateral is, so I will start with that. Peg laterals are a genetic malformation of the developing tooth, which essentially means the tooth does not fully develop. As a result, the teeth look smaller than the other teeth and sometimes can even be pointy.

Can Dental Bonding Work?

Before and after dental bonding

For those who may not know what dental bonding is I have a picture directly above of one of its most common uses. Dental bonding uses a composite resin in order to replace missing tooth structures. It is used to fix chipped teeth, gapped teeth, divots, and much more.

In answer to your question, yes, dental bonding can fix the peg lateral. Your dentist will fill the area with the composite material that is shaded to match your tooth, then it will be appropriately shaped, adjusted, polished, and smoothed. If done correctly, it will match your bite perfectly.

You Have Options

Another solution for peg laterals is to have dental crowns placed over them. Often there is so much structure missing that you don’t even need a lot of tooth preparation. Because the crowns are made from porcelain, they are more stain resistant than the composite bonding. I’d advise the crown as your first option, but if you are opposed to them, then getting bonding done is a great second choice.

Make sure the dentist you go to have this procedure done is experienced in dental bonding and can show you before and after images of cases he’s done, similar to the photo I posted above. Dental bonding is a tricky procedure that has to be done free hand. There is no try in for the results the way you would get with dental crowns.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Help! My Crown Keeps Coming Out!

Hi there,

Last year, I had a same-day CEREC crown done on one of my teeth. I was happy with it at first, but since then, it has fallen out several times. Each time I go back to the dentist to get it fixed, but it always falls out again. Finally, I went to a different cosmetic dentist. He replaced the setting for the crown, and said that I should get a new all-porcelain crown, as it would stick to the cement better. I just want my tooth to stay put, like it’s supposed to. I’m not sure what else I can do.

Nephenee, from South Carolina

 

Hi Nephenee,

No matter what material your CEREC crown was made from, it will stay permanently once properly placed and bonded. Making a new crown will not fix the problem, as it is not the crown’s fault it keeps coming out.

Crowns need strong cement and to be properly shaped to stay in place. If your dentist over-prepared your crown and shaped it too much, no cement will be able to hold it in.

It’s likely your crown was prepared with inadequate retention form in mind. You will need a crown specialist to properly shape your tooth and cement it in place. Look for a dentist with experience in dental crowns, or another CEREC dentist in the area.

This blog post is brought to you by Gilbert CEREC crown provider, Dr. Matthew Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.

 

CEREC crowns

My Porcelain Crown Keeps Falling Off!

Hi there,

I was issued a same-day crown, which I thought would be fast and convienent, but in the year since I’ve gotten it, it has fallen out a handle of times!

I went to see a different dentist, who changed the setting of my crown, and gave me a zirconia crown. However, even this one has fallen out! He says that a different porcelain crown will stay in better.

Is this dentist right? Should I go to another dentist? Should I give CEREC another try? What should I do?

Nancy, from Trenton, New Jersey

 

Hi there Nancy,

When CEREC same-day crowns are done correctly, they will stay put permanently. CEREC crowns are made from a milled block of ceramic, but no matter what material you use to make a crown, it does not affect whether the crown will stay in.

There are two things that affect whether crowns will stay in. One this is the type of bonding used to cement the tooth into your mouth. The stronger the cement, the better the hold. The other factor is the shape of the tooth. The tooth needs a little bit of tapering to look natural, but the more taper done to the tooth, the harder it will be to bond it into your mouth. It is likely that your tooth was not tapered properly, which is why it keeps falling off.

You should go see a dentist in the area that specialized in crowns. It is very uncommon for crowns to fall out as many times as you have experienced.

This blog post is brought to you by Gilbert CEREC crown provider, Dr. Matthew Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.

 

 

CEREC crowns

Is My Pain Caused by my CEREC Crown?

Hello there,

I had three CEREC crowns done on my back teeth recently. I was pleased with how convenient getting the CEREC crowns was, but since then, I’ve had a lot of pain when chewing. Eating anything crunchy or chewy causing a bolt of pain, as though a nerve is exposed or something. My dentist has shaved down some of the crown. He says the pain I feel is from how I grind my food when I chew. Is that the case? I’ve tried being more careful when I eat, but the pain I feel makes me nervous during meals.

Richard from Amityville, New York

 

Dear Richard,

There are a few reasons that can cause a new crown to hurt. One reason may be that the crown is too high, so the rest of your teeth hit it first when you bite into something. The second reason is that the tooth under the crown may be infected. The infection can cause inflammation in the jaw, causing constant jolts of pain when biting or chewing.

Your pain is unlikely to be caused by how you chew your food, as you did not have this problem prior to the crown. Also, CEREC crowns are supposed to fit exactly to your mouth’s specifications, as they are milled to fit your teeth precisely.

Since your dentist has tried to grind down the crown, your pain is not likely to be caused by hitting too high on the crown. You will need to find out if you have an infection, and where it is in your mouth. An X-ray will be needed, and you may want to seek a second opinion if you do not trust your current dentist’s skills.

This blog post is brought to you by Gilbert CEREC crown provider, Dr. Matt Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.

 

 

Dental Emergency

Will an Emergency Dentist Bill a Venue for Me?

I’m in a bind. I’m a college student who grew up in a group home. Once I turned 18 I’ve been pretty much on my own. I went on a date where we went dancing. They had a platform which we were dancing on along with a bunch of other people. Apparently too many people because it collapsed. Outside of a few bruises and realizing my date cared more about his well-being than mine, I thought I was okay. But, this morning my front teeth feel loose. I don’t have a ton of money but I don’t want to lose my teeth. Would an emergency dentist charge the venue? I don’t know if I have enough to cover this. I don’t even know what “this” is.

Corra L.

Dear Corra,

A woman grabbing her jaw in need of an emergency dentist

First, I want to express that I’m sorry you’ve had to grow up in a group home. Hopefully, you have a good group of friends that help you feel you have some back up in this world. It is important that you see an emergency dentist. In the meantime, be sure not to wiggle them. I know it’s tempting, but you risk snapping your ligaments, which will derail your efforts to save the teeth.

I’m going to start by telling what to expect when you see an emergency dentist. They’ll check the tooth along with x-raying it to make sure no damage is done to the pulp. IF the pulp is damaged, you’ll need a root canal treatment and dental crown. Because you’re talking about your front teeth, be sure they only give you all-porcelain crowns (as opposed to the metal-based crowns). They look more natural and you won’t have to worry about a gray line developing at the top of your gumline.

If the pulp is fine, they’ll just need to splint your loose teeth to some stable teeth. It may just be a matter of giving the ligaments time to heal.

Affording an Emergency Dentist

Unfortunately, the dentists will not be able to bill the venue. Dentists can only bill those receiving the service or their guardians. However, save every receipt for every scrap of money this costs you. I’m sure they’ll be a lawsuit of some kind given that people were hurt and you’ll probably get the money back.

Even though the dentist can’t bill someone else, it doesn’t mean you’re trapped and can’t get the help you need. Most dentists went into the field because they wanted to help people. In fact, there are affordable dentists who will be willing to work with you. I believe, you especially, given your unique circumstances, will find dentists compassionate.

Some have in-house payment plans. Others use Care Credit. Either way, you should be able to get the care you need and then pay it out.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Are CEREC Crowns as Reliable as Regular Crowns?

At my last check-up, my dentist said I need three crowns. I wasn’t too surprised I needed them, but he’s pretty insistent I get CEREC crowns. My insurance doesn’t cover those and they’re more expensive. I’m not sure I want to invest in something more expensive just because it’s the newest thing unless I know it’s as reliable as the regular crowns. Do you have an opinion on this?

Louis A.

Dear Louis,

A CEREC Machine
When Should You Get a CEREC Crown?

A lot of whether or not a dental crown is reliable depends more on the dentist than anything else. Some dentists get better results than others. However, there are times when a CEREC crown is better than a traditional one. There are times it’s the other way around as well.

Because they’re computer milled, CEREC crowns often fit better. They do well in front and side teeth, but aren’t always strong enough for back teeth. For those, you may prefer a zirconia crown or a porcelain fused to metal crown.

Their biggest benefit is you can have your three crowns done in one visit, without a temporary crown. Other than that, everything else truly depends on the skill of your dentist.

If you decide you want a CEREC crown, your dentist can bill the insurance for the regular crown and you just pay the difference, which isn’t too substantial.

Some Considerations with CEREC Crowns

Placement is the biggest issue. If it’s going to be visible and you’ve ever wanted to whiten your teeth do the teeth whitening before you have the crown milled. If it’s a visible side tooth, that should be sufficient for an attractive looking smile.

However, if it’s a front tooth, you’ll want a traditional crown. CEREC crowns are milled out of a single block of porcelain which, though beautiful does not have all the subtleties necessary for a front tooth. You’ll want something sculpted from various blocks so that the right level of translucency comes across at the appropriate parts of the tooth. Otherwise, it can look a little flat compared to the tooth next to it. You’ll know it’s a little different without knowing why. It will still be attractive, just not as attractive as it could have been.

Again, each dentist’s skills vary in this area, so ask to see sample before and after pictures of their work.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Will CEREC Crowns Hold Up as Well as Regular Crowns If I Grind?

My dentist just got a CEREC machine and wants me to get one for my new cavity. I’m a little concerned it won’t hold up as well as regular crowns. I tend to grind my teeth at night. Is he wanting me to get these just to try out his machine or are they legitimately strong? I don’t want to waste money.

Greg L.

Dear Greg,

Gilbert CEREC Crown

Both CEREC crowns and traditional crowns are equally strong. The biggest difference is one is milled by computer and can be completed during your appointment instead of having to be sent out to a lab to be completed. This eliminates the need for a second appointment or a temporary crown.

However, if you are a teeth grinder that needs to be addressed right away. Your crowns, whether traditional or CEREC, will not hold up to the stress the grinding places on them. Truthfully, neither will your natural teeth. It’s likely the reason you’ve had to have so many dental crowns to begin with.

Not only does teeth grinding wear down your enamel which leaves your teeth vulnerable to both decay and cracking, it also will cause jaw pain, headaches, and eventually TMJ. That can become serious.

I’m very surprised your dentist hasn’t recommended a night guard to protect your teeth. As soon as your crown is completed, you need to be fit for a custom nightguard. You won’t be able to stop grinding your teeth, especially if you do it mostly in your sleep. However, the nightguard protects them from the stress of the grinding.

After that, a well made dental crown can last upwards of 15 years.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

White Fillings

Sensitive composite filling

I had some composite fillings placed on my teeth. I’m not having pain or sensitivity. But, one of the fillings feels a little uncomfortable when it is pressed. My dentist has already replaced it once.  Does he need to do it again?

Sylvia- Alaska

Sylvia,

Though I couldn’t be certain without seeing your tooth myself, I really don’t think you have anything you worry about. It is not uncommon for there to be some sensitivity to your white fillings for several days.

You may also be interested in learning about porcelain crowns.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Braces

Didn’t remove braces

When I was a teenager I had braces. My parents died and I was put in the foster system. One thing led to another, and I ran away. Because I was on my own, I never had braces removed. I’m really embarrassed about that. I’m in a job where I can afford some dental care. Is there anything I can do about it now?

Kevin, Austin, TX

Kevin,

The only thing you can at this point is to have the braces removed. After that procedure is completed, you can see what kind of damage was done to your teeth. it is possible you may need to get either porcelain crowns or maybe even porcelain veneers.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Crown keeps falling off

I had an all porcelain crown placed about five years ago. Since then it has fallen out at least three times, that I can recall. My dentist has always re-cemented them for free. However, this last time, I didn’t realize it had fallen out while I was eating. I bit down again and shattered most of it.  Because he has to make a new crown now, he wants to charge me an additional $1400.00. Is it common for crowns to fall out this much? I wondered if it was because I got a CEREC porcelain crown.

Susan- Lehi, Utah

Susan,

No, it is not normal for CEREC crowns to fall out. In fact, if they’re done correctly, they will never fall out. You said your dentist keeps cementing the crown. If he did an all porcelain CEREC crown, then he should have bonded the crown instead of cemented it. Maybe that is what you meant and you didn’t know there was a difference.

One of the things that holds crowns is the parallelism of the way the tooth is prepared. The more parallel the tooth is prepared, the stronger the retention. However, it doesn’t take much retention in their design if they are bonded in properly.

My suspicion is your dentist doesn’t have sufficient training in the bonding procedure and that is why your crown keeps falling out.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert dentist Dr. Matt Roper.