I have more teeth missing than I have left. I’m so frustrated that if anything else goes wrong, I’m going to get implants dentures and forget about trying to save any more teeth. I’ve always had a slight gap between my teeth, but now it’s noticeable. My dentist used crowns that are too small, and now whenever I eat, food gets stuck between them. Right after he placed the crowns, he had me look at them and sign an agreement that I liked them. It was a rushed process that I should have refused. Now what?
If food regularly gets caught between your teeth, it’s not just uncomfortable—bacteria will grow and lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If your dentist doesn’t correct the issue, you can get an infection in your gums or teeth that results in tooth loss. Although you might feel like giving up and getting implant dentures, it’s best to save your teeth if it’s possible to do so without compromising your oral or overall health. If you need dentures, dental implants will help them feel and look natural.
Although your dentist asked you to sign a document stating that you liked your crowns, he is still responsible for ensuring they are healthy.
Protocol for Healthy Crowns
When a cosmetic dentist provides new crowns, before cementing them, he or she takes the following precautions:
- Temporarily cement the crowns on your teeth
- Check the way your upper and lower teeth contact each other
- Determine if he or she needs to adjust your bite
- Ensure your smile is aesthetically pleasing
Talk with your dentist about your concerns and assume that he will want to correct the issue and ensure you like your smile. Your dentist will likely need to replace one—if not both—of your crowns. Don’t compromise. Poorly fitting crowns will cause problems in the future, and you’ll still need to address the issue. Don’t wait for your oral health to decline—schedule time to talk with your dentist.
Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.