Dental Implants/Crowns
Added: May 03, 2009 - 6:14 PM
By: aelockhart@yahoo.com, St. Charles, MO
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Crown
Dental Implants
Teeth: 2,3,4
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 4/2008
Last Cleaning: 2/2008
Case Description
I had a bridge which was fine until the back tooth became very sore and irritated. I had had a root canal done years ago and it seemed that a small instrument used to clean out the roots had been broken off and finally became infected. The tooth had to be pulled, which meant I lost 3 teeth. The only answer was implants. I have the post in one and a healing cap on the other. The procedure was very expensive, even after insurance payments, and have paid the Dr. who did the implant surgery for the crowns. My situation is that I now need to find a dentist to make the crowns that I can afford. I have insurance, but still very expensive. I had a dentist who has done crowns for me in the past, however, both of the crowns are showing a black line at the gum, and I do not feel comfortable going back to him. Is it normal to have a black line at the gum? It looks like the crowns were not made correctly. Can the crown be adjusted? He is also the dentist who made the bridge, which had to be removed 2 years later! I would like to get my teeth finished. I am having problems on the left side, where the crowns are, probably because I can not chew on the right side. Thank you.
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Reply: Dental Implants/Crowns
added: May 03, 2009 - 6:36 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
you ask a few questions. here are some answers for you. the black lines you see are the metal margins of the crown. there are ways to have these not show. you need to do porcelain margins. there is no way to cover up what you are seeing. we need to make these in that manner from the beginning. as far as making crowns for the implants goes, this is not a problem. we can do a great job for you. as far as costs go, we try very hard to not charge much more for an implant crown as what we charge for a regular crown. if the surgeon has placed the abutments on the fixtures then a crown will be all that you need. sometimes we have to place an abutment first if the surgeon has not done this. please feel free to call my office at 314-567-5612. we can bring you in for a no-cost consultation visit. i can look at where you are in this process and give you exact costs. i look forward to hearing from you.Jeff Dalin, DDS11722 Studt AveCreve Coeur, MO 63141314-567-5612jeff@dfdasmiles.com (if you have any further questions and want to communicate further via email)
Reply: Dental Implants/Crowns
added: May 04, 2009 - 7:19 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Great questions. First, be assured that 2 years is not typical longevity for restorative dentistry. Your investment should last decades. Second, be aware that there are many types of crowns for teeth and for implants. Porcelain crowns with non precious metal are the cheapest, but there are issues with the underlying metal and the effect it may have of your tissue and possible dark staining in the future. Porcelain crowns with high noble metals are usually color fast, do not stain your tissues, and are innert--don''''t have any dangerous side effects. These two types of crowns can be made with or without a black line. If economy is your style, expect a black line. The lab fees are higher for porcelain margins. If you have root canal work and the underlying root is stained from necrosis or the filling material, it is possible that you will see a black line, even if you buy a crown with a porcelain margin. There are many types of new, all porcelain crowns and implant abutments on the market now. Zirconium and aluminous porcelain can mimic nature with incredible beauty. The implant placement position is critical to get great beauty, but if it is positioned correctly and your tissue is healthy you can have great, life-like results. Best of luck.PS. Remember that the old adage...don''''t look for bargains in parachutes and brain surgery...also applies to dentistry. You will usually get what you pay for. Tom O''''Connor DMD
Reply: Dental Implants/Crowns
added: May 04, 2009 - 6:56 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
I am sorry to hear of the problems you are having. Your crowns should not show any black lines at the gumline. I would like to help you. My practice has its own in-house lab for fabricating porcelain crowns with no metal margins showing. Please call my office and schedule a free consultation with X-rays. When you call, be sure to mention that you are responding to my consultation offer on DoctorOogle.com.Sincerely,Richard Blustein DDS(314) 997-3336 Office Phone(314) 994-9611 Faxblustein@dentistslouis.com E-mail
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