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Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics
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Brian LeSage, DDS, FAGD, FAACD

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Why Are My New Dental Crowns Are So Thick?

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I have six new emax drowns on my front teeth to replace crowns that I got in 2005. My dentist replaced the crowns on my four front teeth. She is the third dentist I’ve tried to get the crowns right. Fortunately, my out-of-pocket costs have been low because I’ve gotten each dentist to admit the crowns don’t look right. My newest dentist said my gums are thick, so she asked the lab to make my crowns thicker than usual. I won’t let her order the final crowns, so I still wear the temporaries even though they look bad and are uncomfortable. They even affect my speech. I’m exhausted physically and emotionally about these bulky crowns. I feel stuck and wonder if you have any suggestions. Thank you. Jovanna

 

Jovanna

Unfortunately, the dentists you have seen have made your dental crowns too thick because they misunderstand cosmetic dentistry’s aesthetic and functional principles with crowns. Dental crowns should look as if they are naturally emerging from your gums. Crowns should neither look nor feel bulky. A cosmetic dentist can smoothly contour new crowns to complement your smile.

Can You Remove e.max Crowns?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can use diamond burs to grind off e.max crowns without damaging your teeth. The crowns are made of lithium disilicate, a high-strength material made to last, so it requires much time, effort, and care to remove safely.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide beautiful new crowns that harmonize with your gums and facial features. You will wear the temporary smile makeover before the dentist asks the lab to make your final crowns. An artistic cosmetic dentist will ensure you are thoroughly satisfied before ordering or bonding the final crowns. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, sponsors this post.

Why Does My Crowned Tooth Hurt Worse When I Eat or Drink Anything Hot?

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Why does my crowned tooth hurt when I eat or drink anything hot? I have five crowns. Two are implant crowns and three are on natural teeth. The three crowns on my natural teeth 18 to 25 years old. I didn’t get them all at once. I had a dental checkup and cleaning appointment two weeks ago. Three days away, I woke up to strong pain in one of the molar crowns. The pain is worse when I eat or drink something hot. The pain is worsening and seems to refer to the tooth next to it, which also has a crown. I called my dentist’s office, but she is out of the country for three weeks doing charity work. Should I see another dentist? Thanks. Ming

Ming,

Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like your tooth pulp is dying and causing intense pain. Several factors can cause tooth sensitivity, but if you’re experiencing intense, unprovoked pain, it’s a sign that the tooth is dying. This is a serious issue that requires root canal treatment. The fact that it’s sensitive to heat further confirms the need for a root canal treatment.

Dental crowns for molar teeth, available for replacement by Dr. LeSage of Beverly Hills

Dental crowns

A tooth infection signals an immune response, including white blood cells. The tissue inside a tooth swells, chokes, and dies. Sometimes the tissue emits gases. Warm foods or drinks increase the pressure inside a tooth. Anything cold usually gives you relief.

You’ve had your dental crown for at least 18 years, so a dentist would likely remove the crown and examine the tooth and the one next to it because it’s symptomatic.

What Causes Pain in a Tooth with a Crown?

Several factors can cause pain in a tooth with a crown, including decay beneath the crown from a leaky margin. Also, undetected root surface exposure can irritate the tooth and lead to infection.

Your pain will increase until the tooth is treated. If your dentist is not available, schedule an appointment with another dentist in the practice or elsewhere.

Dr. Brian LeSage, a Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, sponsors this post.

Did My New Dental Crown Cause a Yeast Infection in My Mouth?

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I got a new dental crown three months ago and have increased saliva flow. It’s embarrassing. Also, my lips are chapped, and I have sores in the corner of my mouth. I also have a bitter taste and bad breath that get worse whenever I eat anything with sugar or gluten. My mouth is so irritated that brushing and flossing is uncomfortable.  Is this a yeast infection from the dental work? – Thank you. Catalina from Vancouver, WA

Catalina,

Dental crowns for molar teeth, available for replacement by Dr. LeSage of Beverly Hills

Dental crowns

You have many concerns, some of which may be related to dental treatment or oral hygiene. When you get a new dental crown, you can expect temporary sensitivity in the tooth.

  • Sores in mouth corners and yeast infections. These signs are usually from stress, which may result from stressful dental visits. Some people experience increased sensitivity in their mouth or burning mouth syndrome after a stressful dental appointment.
  • Bad breath and bitter taste. These symptoms most likely require better oral hygiene, including regular flossing.
  • Chapped lips. Certain medications, constantly licking your lips, or some health conditions can cause dry lips. However, when you have sores in the corners of your mouth, you may lick your lips more than usual, causing dryness.

We recommend being diligent and thorough with brushing after every meal and flossing at least once daily despite the discomfort in your mouth. Increased oral hygiene should help with bad breath and bitter taste. If the yeast infection doesn’t go away, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic called Nystatin to resolve it. If you continue to have concerns about your dental crown or oral health, you can get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brian LeSage, sponsors this post. Dr. LeSage’s conservative approach preserves as much tooth structure as possible. He prefers and uses dental onlays whenever possible.

Will a Gingivectomy Stop My Dental Crown from Falling Off?

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Two dental crowns

Dental crowns

Will a gingivectomy stop my dental crown from falling off? The crown on my upper left first molar tooth has fallen off three times since August. The crown is new, and my dentist bonded the crown two weeks ago but said I would eventually need a gingivectomy or the crown would fall off again. He says that the gingivectomy exposes more tooth structure for bonding the crown.

Why wouldn’t my dentist notice I needed the procedure before I got the crown? Also, the base of the tooth is darkening. I have not returned for a gingivectomy because I am unsure if it is the solution. Do dentists use a gingivectomy to help crowns fit, or should I get a second opinion? Thank you. Becky from Salem, OR

 

Becky,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns. A dental crown that repeatedly falls off can be frustrating and inconvenient. Dr. LeSage would need to examine your crown and tooth to determine why it falls off and is darkening. Dr. LeSage prefers porcelain onlays to restore severely damaged or decayed teeth conservatively, but he replaces crowns when an onlay is impossible.

Can a Gingivectomy Help a Dental Crown Fit?

A dentist may perform a gingivectomy, or crown lengthening, to help a dental crown fit. The procedure trims gum tissue and some bone to expose enough tooth structure to retain a crown.

Before and afte porcelain onlay pictures from Beverly Hills cosmetic denist Dr. Brian LeSage

Porcelain onlays are a conservative alternative to dental crowns

After an x-ray and exam of a decayed or damaged tooth, a dentist who places crowns should determine what will be required to secure the crown. Your dentist should have known to include crown lengthening as part of your treatment plan.

Can Crown Lengthening Be Avoided?

Sometimes, a dentist can avoid the need for crown lengthening if a tooth is not broken off or severely decayed. A skilled cosmetic dentist may use this conservative approach:

  • Prepare the tooth with a very slight taper
  • Cut grooves into the sides of the tooth
  • Bond the crown to your tooth

Get a Dental Crown Second Opinion

When a dental crown repeatedly falls off, and your dentist cannot correct it,  your dentist should reimburse you because the crown does not function as intended. We suggest getting a second opinion for your dental crown from a trained, preferably accredited, cosmetic dentist.

Beverly Hills accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Brian LeSage, sponsors this post.

 

Will a Gingivectomy Stop My Dental Crown from Falling Off?

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– Thích Nhất Hạnh

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