Q: My crown broke off my tooth, can this be saved or do I need to invest in a new one? Sergio in Wellington
A: Philosophically, YOU actually broke off from your crown, young Grasshopper. (Dear Dr. Josephs: Nobody gets your 70’s TV show references. …..Justin Bieber.)
If the remaining tooth has no decay and the crown seems to still fit accurately, re-cementing may do the trick. If any decay is present, the decay must be excavated which will change the shape of the tooth stump, warranting a new crown. The worst scenario is when a broken crown is found to have the tooth stump stuck inside itself. In this case, if the stump is now flush with the gum line, it is best to extract the tooth and replace with a dental implant, abutment post and new crown. Often times a gum procedure that adds length to the tooth, called crown lengthening is needed. If, however, five millimeters of tooth stump remains, root canal, a post/pin and core build-up, plus a new crown will save the tooth. Graphic slides at my next lecture will illustrate all the above options.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Josephs will be giving his latest FREE seminar to the public: “ Teeth for Life II”, on Friday August 2nd at 10:00 am at the Double Tree Hotel on PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens. Topics include, implants and bone grafts, cosmetic veneers, complex crown and bridgework and how to choose a hi-tech dental office. Free copies of his latest book will be given to all attendees. Seating is limited; reservations required. Only 31 seats remain Call today: 561-832-2917.
Email us for a preview video of the seminar.
Dr. Mitchell Josephs practices Implant Cosmetic and General Dentistry and hosts “Tooth Talk” on WBZT AM123.0 Dr. Josephs is on staff at West Palm Hospital (Formerly Columbia Hospital) and is a Faculty Advisory Board member at McGill University’s Faculty of Dentistry and completed his residency at Manhattan’s Beth Israel Medical Center and Mt. Sinai Hospital.
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drjosephs@palmbeachdentist.com
44 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, FL 33480
888-DRTOOTH (888-378-6684)
