I Need Serious Advice from a Dentist

I had four crowns done many years ago. I loved them. However, over seventeen years and they needed to be replaced. I’ve had them replaced twice since then. Sadly, both other dentists that did the next two sets of crowns did a horrible job. They were so ugly I was embarrassed to smile. My last dentist did an emax. They’re really thick. He said that’s because my gums are thick they had to be made that way. But, the gums are popping over my central incisors. I was pretty blunt with him that I didn’t like them. He agreed to replace them, but I’m worried. I know every time crowns are replaced the natural tooth underneath are at risk. Plus, these are bonded. I don’t want to have the teeth crumble and end up needing dental implants. What do you recommend?

Stewart N.

Dear Stewart,

I’m very glad you wrote. Your dentist is dead wrong about thick gums needing thick crowns. In fact, thick crowns can lead to a problem with the thickness of the gums, just like you’re seeing. Take a look at this picture below.

The puffiness of these gums illustrates what happens when crowns are made too thick. It’s your body’s way of protecting the space where the crown meets the tooth. Unfortunately, it also becomes a haven for bacteria, leading to gum disease. That alone can cause you to lose your teeth, needing the dental implants you’re trying to avoid.

Here’s the issue, though. E.max crowns are made of lithium disilicate, which is very strong. When you consider that in addition to the fact that they’re bonded, this is a difficult case. Your dentist would have to carefully and methodically grind them off using diamond burs. Your dentist’s incompetence in basic crown function and aesthetics makes me doubt his ability to do this. Even if he tried, I worry he wouldn’t be careful enough. But, you do need to have them removed for the reason mentioned above.

The Right Dentist to Switch Out Your Crowns

I’d like you to go to the mynewsmile.com website and look up a dentist near you that they’ve recommended. Any dentist on their site will know the procedure to safely remove your current crowns. But, I’ve got even better news for you than that!

These dentists are also expert cosmetic dentists. They can give you the beautiful smile you had with your first set of crowns which you loved so much. In fact, most of them have a beautiful smile guarantee so you won’t leave disappointed.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Theodore Hadgis.