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I Can’t Afford a New Dental CrownDental Loft

I Can’t Afford a New Dental Crown

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I don’t know how much a new dental crown costs, but I know I cannot afford it, and my toothache is throbbing. On top of that, I hate going to the dentist and need sedation. I am concerned because the crown is old, and I can smell the tooth. I’m sure other people smell it too. What is the easiest way to pull my tooth without major pain or breaking other teeth trying to get it out? Thanks. Anthony

Anthony,

Thank you for contacting our office. Your description sounds like you have a tooth infection and need to see a dentist.

What If You Cannot Afford a Dental Crown?

Many dentists offer payment plans or financing to help you pay for care over several weeks or months if you cannot afford a dental crown. Please do not let the cost of a crown prevent you from getting care. Your community may have a university dental school or dental clinics to help you get the necessary care.

How Can You Remove Your Tooth at Home?

We do not recommend removing your tooth at home for several reasons:

  • You can damage nearby teeth and nerves.
  • You may experience uncontrolled bleeding.
  • It is more painful to remove the tooth than restore it.
  • A dentist may be able to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
  • If you require tooth removal, a dentist will numb the area first to make treatment painless.

Allow a dentist to x-ray and examine your tooth to determine if it is savable.

What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology lets you leave the office with a new crown

Extracting a tooth without replacing it will cause several concerns, including:

  • Nearby and opposing teeth will drift into the space.
  • Misaligned teeth can cause problems with your bite and digestion.
  • Your jawbone will shrink where the tooth is missing.

We recommend that you see a dentist right away for an exam. Ask friends or family for recommendations or search for online reviews. Call a few offices and ask about their financing options, payment plans for dental crowns, and how to determine if you qualify. Depending on the tooth’s location, you may be eligible for a same-day crown.

Dallas, Texas, dentist Dr. Claudia Vargas sponsors this post.

Why Is My Bite Still Off After Five Crown Adjustments?

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Why is my bite still off after five crown adjustments? My dentist is ruining my three crowns as he grinds them down, trying to fix my bite. I’ve had hives on my arms and off since June because my anxiety and depression are so high. The inside of my mouth is burning and has a rash. I wonder if the dentist is shaving off material from the crowns and causing irritation in my mouth. How do I stop this cycle? My dentist is well-known, and I am so disappointed with the outcome of my treatment. Will I need new crowns? Thanks, Will from Georgia

Will,

Two dental crowns

Get a second opinion of a dentist can’t adjust your bite with new crown

Thank you for your question. We understand that your experience is frustrating and creating anxiety. Dr. Vargas would need to examine your teeth and crowns to identify the issue and resolution. Still, we will explain what can cause your bite to be off despite repeated adjustments.

Why Is Your Bite Off After Repeated Crown Adjustments?

When your bite is off after crown repeated crown adjustments, it is probably because your dentist lacks understanding and training in the complexities of how teeth meet. We recommend finding a dentist in or near your town in Georgia with advanced training in occlusion and bite. Request a second opinion for your dental crowns.

What Is Causing Your Oral Rash After Crown Adjustments?

If you were allergic to your dental crowns, you would likely have reacted before the bite adjustments. Your stressful dental experience may have triggered the rash and burning sensation in your mouth. Although dental materials can cause burning mouth syndrome, so can depression. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, symptoms of burning mouth syndrome include:

  • Altered taste
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth pain that feels like burning, scalding, or tingling
  • Sporadic numbness

We recommend scheduling an appointment right away to reduce stress and minimize the risk of jaw joint discomfort from your bite. We wish you a smooth resolution for your oral health concerns.

Dr. Claudia Vargas, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

My Dentist Ruined My Same-Day Crown

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In January, my dentist placed same-day crowns on my left first and second molar tooth. One of the crowns fell off, so my dentist cemented it on and ground it down to correct the bite. Within two weeks the back side of the crown (closest to my tongue) broke. I think she was too aggressive with that grinding tool. And now I feel a weird sensation when I chew on that side of my mouth. Am I going to need new crowns? If so, it defeats the purpose of getting same-day crowns. Now, I will need another office visit! Thank you. LJ from Seattle

LJ,

Thanks for your inquiry.

Should a Dentist Grind on Your Crowns?

Dentists commonly adjust a new crown to your bite by grinding or filing it down. But the dentist must check your bite in intervals to ensure that not too much—or too little—of the crown is adjusted. But these are small adjustments. And your dentist will shape and smooth the crown to prevent it from feeling rough.

But we are concerned about several aspects of your experience.

  • Loose crowns – A permanent crown should not loosen or fall off. Your dentist might have aggressively prepared your tooth or bonded the crown incorrectly.
  • Adjusting your bite – A dentist should adjust your bite and crown when placing it. It is not common to adjust the crown after recementing it. Something went wrong in the process. But your dentist must explain why she made the adjustment.
  • Broken crown – A crown should not break from conservative bonding. Dr. Reddy would need to examine your crown, but it seems that it is now dangerously thin.
  • Affecting your bite – The adjustments are affecting your bite, which can cause multiple issues that lead to TMJ symptoms.

Your dentist should compensate you. And we recommend that you schedule a second-opinion appointment with a cosmetic dentist trained in occlusion and bite.

Dr. Rekha Reddy, a Dallas, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

How Did I Get a Cavity Beneath My Same-Day Crown?

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I’ve had my three same-day crowns for 3 years. One of the three crowns has a cavity beneath it. I was very surprised when my dentist told me that I have a cavity beneath the crown. I thought the crown was going to protect my teeth from future decay. How could this happen? Will my insurance pay for this if I need a new crown?  – Yasmin from Michigan

Yasmin – It is unusual to have a cavity beneath a crown after only four years. Dr. Reddy would need to examine your crown and tooth to determine why you have a cavity. But we can provide some basic information about a cavity beneath a crown.

How Can You Have a Cavity Beneath a Crown?

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist replace your crown

It is unusual to have a cavity beneath a crown. But in can occur. What some possible causes?

  • Tooth decay not removed – If a dentist covers a tooth with a crown without removing decay thoroughly, you might develop a cavity.
  • Gap at the margin – Your dentist must ensure that the marge where your tooth and crown meet is closed and smooth. Even a small gap allows bacteria to creep in. Plaque can build up and promote decay.

Check with your insurance company regarding benefits for replacing the crown. Many of them expect the crown to last at least five years. If replacement is needed sooner than that, the insurance company will ask for documentation from your dentist to determine if they will provide benefits. But whether you need a new crown depends on its condition. Your dentist may be able to remove the decay and keep the crown intact.

If your current dentist does not use same-day crown technology, a lab can make a new crown for you. Otherwise, you can look for a cosmetic dentist who makes crowns while you wait.

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Root canal on my same-day crown tooth?

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Man sitting in a chair and holding his face with a toothache - perhaps in need of a same-day crownI got my same-day crown seven years ago, and now the tooth beneath it is sensitive to heat. I feel it every morning when I drink coffee. And intense pain follows. I am concerned that the crown is deteriorating already. Is this a known problem with same-day crowns? Or is the problem with the tooth? Thank you—Jared from W Va.

 

Jared,

Thank you for your question.

The symptom you describe is an infected tooth that is dying. You will need a root canal to save it. Failing teeth can be sensitive to various things, including cold. And severe, unprovoked pain is also a symptom.

Our bodies respond to tooth infection by sending white blood cells to the living tissue inside the tooth. As the tissue tries to swell, it chokes and dies. The pulp releases gases that warm the tooth and increase pressure and pain. Cold temperature can cause tissue contraction and provide some relief.

Same-Day Crown Root Canal Treatment

If your crown is still in good shape, your dentist can make an opening it and perform root canal treatment through the space. Bu, your dentist may want to remove the crown to see the condition of the tooth clearly. You may need a new crown, but it’s worth removing it to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading to other teeth.

Why Do You Have an Infection Beneath Your Crown?

An infection beneath a crown can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Tooth decay
  • A leaky margin between the crown and your gumline
  • Exposed root surfaces (from receding gums) that are irritating the tooth

If you do not have a current dentist and want a new same-day crown, find a cosmetic dentist who has same-day crown technology in the office. Otherwise, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to repeat the work. You will still get natural-looking results.

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

My same-day crown keeps hurting

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In early April, I received 3 same-day crowns on my bottom right teeth. When I chew on that side of my mouth, one of the teeth hurts, and I feel nerve pain. I returned to the dentist twice. Each time he shaved the tooth and said that the problem is from the way that I chew. Before I got the crowns, I did not feel any pain. Why is my dentist blaming this on me? Could the way I chew affect same-day crowns differently than my natural teeth? I am annoyed. Thanks for your help. Dana from NM

 

Dana,

Dr. Reddy would need to examine your teeth and crowns for an accurate diagnosis. It is unlikely that your sensitivity and pain are because you have a same-day crown. A dentist uses precise CAD/CAM technology, which makes them easier for the dentist to fit.

Why Do Your Same-Day Crowns Hurt?

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist to precisely fit your crown

When your same-day crowns—or any new crowns—hurt when you chew, there are two possible causes.

  • Your bite is too high – If a dental crown is higher than the surrounding teeth, the upper teeth hit it first and harder than the other teeth when you chew. Your tooth will become sensitive.
  • Your tooth is infected – If a tooth is infected, the ligament connecting your tooth and jawbone can become inflamed. When you bit or chew, the tooth is tender and sensitive. Or the inflammation may cause a constant toothache.

Lingering Pain After a Bite Adjustment

If your pain and tingling continue despite your dentist adjusting the bite twice, your bite is probably not too high. It is time for your dentist to x-ray your tooth and see if it is infected.

Signs of a tooth can be subtle on an x-ray. If your dentist cannot see an infection, you may need a second opinion from an endodontist (root canal specialist). The pain you describe sounds like you have an infection that needs prompt attention.

Ask your dentist for a referral to an endodontist. Or, if you can self-refer to a specialist, schedule an appointment promptly.

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Dentist can’t match my crown after three tries

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My schedule is so tight that I decided to a same-day crown at a local dentist near my job. The crown is for a right lateral incisor. The dentist was so confident that she could do a perfect match, but the crown does not match. She replaced the crown twice, each time with the wrong color. During my last visit, the dentist told me to be happy that I could get the tooth fixed in a day. But my tooth isn’t fixed. I just want this obvious mismatch corrected. Am I asking being unreasonable? – Thank you, Leighanne

Leighanne,

We understand your disappointment. Your dentist made it seem as if you are asking for too much to have your crown match your other teeth. A match is essential for a front tooth, especially if you want to feel comfortable about your smile.

Matching a dental crown for a front tooth

It takes skill and patience for a dentist to achieve a perfect match for a crown on a front tooth. And it becomes more challenging to achieve the match with a same-day crown—especially if the dentist does not understand techniques for doing any aesthetic touchups to the crown. It is normal to try-in the crown two or three times to ensure a perfect match. But a real cosmetic dentist will not give up and tell you to be happy with the results.

We guess that your dentist uses a Vita shade guide and is frustrated because the shade guide isn’t achieving a match. But an advanced cosmetic dentist would take these steps to achieve a match with a crown:

  • Work with a master dental ceramist to craft a highly aesthetic crown
  • Draw a color map for the ceramist
  • Provide written instructions that specify a basic shade
  • Draw areas where the ceramist would need to add tints to exactly match your natural teeth
  • Try-in the crown when it arrives to check for color and take pictures of your teeth
  • Communicate discrepancies with the ceramist and send photos
  • Cement the crown only when the try-in is successful and you’re sure that the color match is exactly what you want

Get a second opinion

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist to precisely fit your crown

Although same-day crowns offer convenience and a metal-free alternative, if your dentist doesn’t know how to get a close match to your natural teeth with the crown, you are wasting time and money. Many dentists do not have much training in cosmetic dentistry beyond dental school. Don’t be surprised if a cosmetic dentist recommends a custom crown from a ceramist to give you beautiful results. We recommend that you find a cosmetic dentist to examine your crown and explain your options for matching a crown to your tooth shade.

 

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Why Are Her Gums Burning After Getting CEREC Crowns?

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I needed six front teeth repaired, so my dentist recommended crowns. I asked my dentist for CEREC crowns. When my dentist placed temporary crowns on my front teeth, they felt horrible, and there was leakage. The dentist took the temps off and did a fluoride treatment. He said everything looked okay. When I received my crowns, the bite was off. My dentist filed on the crowns a lot, and they felt okay. But whenever I drank something, I could feel the fluid rushing through the crowns. My dentist took the crowns off and gave me temporaries again. My new crowns were ready in two weeks. Now my gums are burning, and my teeth are sensitive. I’m supposed to go back to the office for a checkup and to have the crowns cemented on. What’s going on? I wish I could give the crowns back to my dentist, but my teeth are nubs. – Thanks. Clarise

Clarise,

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist to precisely fit your crown

We don’t know about the conversation you had with your dentist, but you did not receive CEREC crowns. What was your dentist’s response after you requested CEREC? CEREC same-day crowns are made in the dentist’s office, and you don’t need to wear temporary crowns. Although six CERIC crowns would likely require another appointment, you describe the process for traditional, lab-made crowns. But at this point, we’re concerned about the crowns you have now.

Don’t let your dentist permanently cement them until you’re comfortable. We recommend that you call the dental office and tell them that you don’t want your crowns cemented.

What’s the Cause of Burning Gums?

If your gums weren’t burning until you received the crowns, not only are they not CEREC crowns, but they may also be porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. If so, it could mean that you’re allergic to the metal foundation in the crowns. Insist that your dentist tells you the composition of the crowns and the metal. A dentist receives a dental alloy certificate from the lab with information on the metal alloy composition. If your crowns are all ceramic, you still need to know why your gums are burning.

A complete smile makeover with crowns is aggressive treatment. Your dentist’s way of handling your case strongly suggests that your case is beyond his skill and experience. Placing six crowns on front teeth is much more complicated than doing crowns on one or two teeth. Your bite is off, and the crowns are leaky. But a fluoride treatment wouldn’t help because it’s not an antibacterial rinse. Peroxide or chlorhexidine is more appropriate.

If you’re comfortable asking your dentist to cement the new crowns temporarily, please do so. But start searching for an advanced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. Please don’t allow any dentist to cement your crowns before you’re comfortable with how they look and feel.

 

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Why Does Her Crown Keep Falling Off?

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A little more than a year ago, a dentist placed a same-day crown on a left side tooth. I don’t know what type of material he used to make the crown, but it fell out four times with ten months. The fourth time that it fell out, I saw a different dentist who said that my previous dentist didn’t create the setting correctly, so he replaced it.

The new crown, zirconia porcelain, fell out twice in a single month. Now the dentist suggests that I get a full porcelain crown placed on the same setting. He says that the cement is secure on my tooth, but not the crown, and a full porcelain crown has a rough underside that cements better. I’m overwhelmed. Is my second dentist’s recommendation valid? – Thanks. Serena from Georgia

Serena

Same-day crowns are ceramic restorations that dentists mill in their office. When a crown is bonded and prepared correctly, it won’t fall off. The issue is not with the material that your dentist used to make the same-day crown. Whether a crown is ceramic, gold, porcelain, or zirconia, a skilled dentist can make it to stay in place solidly.

Why Does a Crown Keep Falling Off?

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist to precisely fit your crown

Two factors can cause a crown to fall off: the cement bonding strength and the tooth’s shape after your dentist prepares it. Correct tooth shape is essential. If a dentist slightly tapers a tooth and uses a very weak cement, the crown will be secure. If a dentist tapers the tooth too much, some of the strongest types of cement won’t secure the crown.

A good bond between the crown and your tooth might resolve the issue. But the strength of the cement matters, too. Dr. Reddy would need to examine your tooth and know which techniques your dentist used to determine the real issue. But a crown doesn’t fall off a well-prepared tooth with good retention form, regardless of the cement’s strength.

We recommend that you find a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and same-day crowns who knows how to secure crowns and prevent them from falling off.

You can schedule consultations with two cosmetic dentists. Take a copy of your digital x-rays and dental records. After you discuss your options with each dentist, you can decide which provider you trust to restore your tooth and prevent the same-day crown from falling off again.

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Apicoectomy, But There’s Still an Infection? What You Can Do About It

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I had a raging toothache and infection that required a late March dental visit. The dentist did an apicoectomy on a tooth that had a root canal 2 years ago. I had a checkup and an x-ray two days ago. The bone is rebuilding, but a small pus sac on my gums shows an infection is lingering. My dentist gave me antibiotics to take for ten days. Is there anything else I can do to get rid of this infection? It’s going to be three months and counting on this issue. I’m waiting for it to clear before I get a new crown. I opted for a one-visit crown because I want to wrap this up and move on. Since I’ve had problems with this tooth, my dentist wants to wait before making the crown. Thanks. Kayle from Albany, GA

Kayle,

What Is an Apicoectomy?

  • Unlike root canal treatment that approaches the pulp chamber by drilling a small hole in the tooth, with an apicoectomy, a dentist or endodontist surgically access the tooth through the gums.
  • The surgery allows the dentist to access the root tip and remove infection or inflammation.
  • The dentist places a small filling to seal the root tip.
  • Stitches close the small incision.

Will Antibiotics Help?

Root canal treatment, apicoectomy, and any other apical surgery will help the tooth heal, and the infection will eventually go away. It’s essential for the dentist or endodontist to remove all the dead tissue inside the tooth and seal the end of the root well.

Antibiotics

Diagram of upper right tooth infection at the root, requiring and apicoectomy and same-day crown

After failed root canal treatment, an apicoectomy enters the tooth root through the gums. A same-day crown can protect the tooth.

Although antibiotics can speed up the healing process, removing the source of the infection determines if the treatment will succeed.

Kayle, if the bone around your tooth is healing, it’s likely that your dentist removed the infection. Any residual infection will eventually go away, and the antibiotics will speed the healing process. It takes patience, but your tooth will heal. Afterward, your dentist will be willing to craft and fit your same-day crown.

If for any reason the issue persists or gets worse, ask your dentist to refer you to an endodontist, or root canal specialist.

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX sponsors this post.

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