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Question:
Gumline Decay Treatment versus Crown Replacement: Last year my dentist said she didn't like the way a crown looked and she wanted to replace it.

A root canal and crown was performed on that tooth 6 years ago. To me, it appeared that replacement was for aesthetics so I didn't schedule.

Now, I'm told there is decay at the gumline and the crown must be replaced. The molar behind it has a large restoration deteriorating so it will be prepared for a crown too. I prefer that the gumline decay be restored without crown replacement.

Generally speaking, can gumline decay be restored without replacing crown? I have had no discomfort and didn't realize there was decay until I had my teeth cleaned and the dentist completed her exam. ...Visitor from TX

Answer:
The correct answer is to replace the crown.

No dentist can patch a crown with any confidence as we can't see under it. That being said, a patch is better than nothing.

Insurance companies pay to replace crowns every five years - that is because that is the average length of time before a failure can occur. If a crown of mine was only in for six years I would consider it a failure.

So in answer to your question you should be pound wise not penny foolish. If you patch it, it will still need a crown only now it may (5 years from now) a require major build up due to residual decay.

Lastly, if you have another restoration next door to this one, do it at the same time to cut down on visits, injections and make your visits more efficient. ie: less time away from work, home etc.

Lastly, you will not have any pain under the crown because it had the nerve removed. So if you wait, patch it and give it time, you may not know it fails until the decay is so deep as to render it non-restoreable. We can't see under crowns with x-rays.

Wisconsin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
Richard Winter, DDS MAGD
Winter Dental Associates
5323 W. Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee Wisconsin WI 53218
(414) 464-9021

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