I had a dental implant placed on a tooth next to my front tooth. I’ve asked my dentist to replace it twice because when I get home, it doesn’t match. I just looked at the third crown he’s done. Again it doesn’t match. I never get to see it when I’m there because he gives me sedation for the procedure and I’m loopy for a while, though I’m not sure why that is needed for a crown. When I called them for this third problem, they said the dentist would call me after hours. He did, but said I’m being too picky and that my teeth are between the two shades available. Then he said I should just be grateful I have a tooth and if I continue to try to replace this one, I could lose the implant. I just wanted to check whether or not I am being too picky. I think that the crown should be able to match my teeth. I’ve seen other people’s crowns and they match. However, I don’t want to lose my implant. Should I just try to live with the discrepancy? It’s a bit embarrassing, but less so than not have a tooth there. What I don’t understand is why the dental flipper matched better than the crown. Can you help me?
Ainsley
Dear Ainsley,
First, let me say that this is not the best dentist for you. There are so many things about your procedure that he is handling poorly that I feel you will be better off getting treatment from someone else. Ask for a refund on the crown and go back to the dental flipper until you can find a skilled cosmetic dentist to handle the crown for your dental implant. To ease your mind, this should not put your dental implant at risk as long as your dentist placed it properly.
Problems I Have With Your Dentist’s Procedure
- Unnecessary Dental Sedation: You didn’t request sedation, nor do you seem like someone with dental anxiety, so I’m am flummoxed as to why he is saying that sedation is necessary. It sounds like he’s giving you a heavier type of sedation, such as oral conscious sedation because you said it results in you not seeing your crown until later at home when you’re lucid. There is not a need for sedation unless you have high dental anxiety.
- Not Using a Try-in Paste: Most dentists would place the crown with a temporary try-in paste so that the patient can get a good look at the dental crown in a variety of different lightings to make sure it matches. This way, if it needs to go back to the lab for adjustments, it’s a breeze to get the crown off.
- Inability to Use a Color Map: While a back tooth can just use the standard color guide, teeth that are more visible when you smile require a color map. Most people’s teeth do not match when pitted against the standard shade guides. That is when experienced cosmetic dentists use a color map, like the one pictured above. They tell the lab exactly where to put various tints to help the dental crown have a more natural look.
Your dentist is ethically obligated to share all of their notes and diagnostics with whatever dentist you choose. I would look for someone else.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.