My dentist wants to replace one of my veneers with a crown because of a cavity beneath the veneer. Is it possible to remove the veneer, treat the cavity, and bond the veneer back on or replace it? I told my dentist that I need time to think about it because I don’t know my options. My dentist says that is the only option, so am I asking your office for advice. Thank you for your help. Lydiah from NV
Lydiah,
Dr. LeSage would need to examine your tooth, cavity, and veneer for an accurate diagnosis. So without saying your dentist is wrong, we can offer some things to consider.
Matching the Crown to Your Other Veneers
Unless your dentist has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, he probably does not work with a laboratory that can precisely match your crown to the rest of your veneers. Many patients are disappointed with the results unless a skilled cosmetic dentist does the work.
How Large Is the Cavity Beneath Your Veneer?
A large cavity beneath a veneer might require a dental crown after treatment. If the decay consumes at least twenty percent of your tooth, it might justify using a crown. When a dentist recommends replacing a veneer with a crown, it might suggest that the dentist feels more comfortable placing crowns than veneers. And your dentist may not have the training, tools, or materials to bond your veneer or replace it with a new one and attach it to last. Still, even with a large cavity, an advanced cosmetic dentist may be able to preserve your tooth and prevent the need for a crown.
Cavities and Porcelain Veneers
Plaque and bacteria can build up with or without porcelain veneers. And food particles can get trapped around your gumline where a tooth and veneer meet.
What can you do to help prevent decay beneath a veneer?
- Avoid snacking frequently
- Minimize your sugar intake every day
- Keep your veneers maintained by a cosmetic dentist and hygienist trained in caring for veneers
Reasons to Get a Second Opinion
Porcelain veneers are less invasive than crowns
If your family dentist maintains your porcelain veneers do not have advanced cosmetic dentistry training, consider getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist. Although many family or general dentists claim to be cosmetic dentists, few have extensive post-graduate training—and an artistic eye—to do beautiful work.
Brian LeSage, DDS of Beverly Hills, sponsors this post. Dr. LeSage is an accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.