Dental opinion?

My dentists says that a crown he put in about 10 years ago is a little loose and that he wants to investigate by pulling it off. Does not seem loose to me, but I don't want to force it. He indicated that worse case he may have to extract tooth or replace crown ($1000+, insurance may only pay half). Tooth has never caused me any problems since crown was put on.





To anyone with dental expertise, what is my recommended course of action? Should I start a process which could result in a extraction of a tooth which is not causing me problems? Or spend alot of money on a crown replacement. If tooth is extracted, then what?





I am somewhat concerned that he may be "drill prone". For example, I still have my wisdom teeth in (I'm 47). My former dentist recommended doing nothing because they have never caused me problems. My current dentist suggests that I have them removed, which I have resisted. Why undergo expensive, painful dental surgery for something that causes no pain?

Dental opinion?
Hi Robert. First of all, did the dentist show you any problems with the crown on the x-ray? You must convince yourself that there is a problem. If it is loose, then yes there is a problem. Perhaps the cement has washed away, and best case all that needs to be done is recement the crown. If it is loose then you can be guaranteed that in time it will decay if it hasn't already. If it decays then it might break on you, or the tooth might start hurting, if it hasn't been root canalled then it may need to be root canalled or worst case extracted. Basically the dentist is telling you that there is a problem with this crown.
Reply:If it aint broke, don't fix it. I would certainly get a 2nd opinion and start the search for a new dentist if he says nothing is wrong.
Reply:To pull the tooth is a waste because you must have spent quite a bomb on doing the crown although you were covered by insurance. Did the dentist show you any x-ray of that tooth to indicate any signs of decay or gum dieases? If there were evidence of such, perhaps you really should consider a removal. Such a thing may not have shown any symtoms such as pain at the moment. By the way, if it's a wisdom tooth that you have that crowned but casuing no problems, just leave it. But if there is a decay or gum-infection at that area, best to extract it as it's pointless to re-crown. You'd be wasting money.
Reply:If your doctor was to remove this tooth you will be looking at a bridge, that will be the only way to give the oppisit arch support as well as the teeth that surround that area. If you feel your dentist is drill happy always go with your gut, it never hurts to get a second opinion. Crowns can get loose however I don't see why it could not be re cemented unless it has cracked. Sometimes we don't feel pain when things begin to happen with our teeth, but sooner or later it can catch up. Before spending so much money get a second opinion, even about the wisdom teeth, they may not be bothering you but maybe your dentist is concerned about them causing crowding in the front of your mouth as teeth tend to shift and move all the time. Good Luck.
Reply:Your question is hard to say without looking at the x-ray, It would be best to get a second opinion, ask a friend or a family member if they trust there dentist. Most dentist will give you a free consultation. ( they might charge you for the x-ray) When a family member or a friend of any patients in our practice we don't charge them as a courtesy. Good Luck!

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