I’ve had a bridge and a dental crown done many years ago. It is time to replace them because there is decay on the underneath tooth. I’m having the teeth extracted and getting dental implants. I have more money than when I originally got them and would really like a prettier smile this time around. One thing I’d like to change is how it sits away from the gums a bit. I also don’t like the gray line at the gumline that appeared on some of them. I’ve done some research and it looks like the gray line is from metal-based crowns. Because of that, I’m going to ask for all-porcelain crowns. Is there anything else I should know to ask for to make this time around look better?
Lucy
Dear Lucy,
Dental implants are a great tooth replacement option for your teeth, so great job choosing that. As for at the rest, I think I can help you, but will say upfront I think you will be better served by a different dentist. One of the reasons for the decay is that open space he left between your crown and the gums. Also, you had to do the research to learn about the metal based crowns. That is your dentist’s job and he didn’t do it. Any time you have to tell your dentist what to use to get a better result, it is a particularly bad sign.
Dental implants are a much more advanced procedure than a dental crown, which is the bread and butter of the dentist’s larder. I think you need to look for a dentist who has the advanced training in dental implants you will need. This is not a procedure adequately taught in dental school. It will require your dentist to have taken post-doctoral training.
Additionally, it sounds to me like the aesthetics of the case are important to you. That means you will want to find a dentist who also does beautiful work. Look at their smile gallery. One thing I will recommend is that you begin with teeth whitening. Over the years, your teeth pick up stains. You’ll want to remove those before your dentist permanently makes your crowns. That color is permanent and you will not be able to whiten those once they are made.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.