Re:Crown lengthening
Added: February 09, 2009 - 4:38 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Lawrenceville, GA
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Provide Cost Estimate:
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X-rays Available:
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Case Summary
Root Canal
Broken Tooth
Bridge
Teeth: 2,3,4,5
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: December 2008
Last Cleaning: 5 yrs ago??
Case Description
I just had RCT on tooth #2 and tooth #3 (permanent bridge on tooth #3,4,5) in December, incomplete/ no crown. I know I'd need a crown on tooth #2,3, and 5; but I have yet to decide whether I should go with an implant for the missing #4 or a new bridgework. Regardless, my Endodontist told me that I'd need Crown Lengthening on #2 and #3. Unless it is really absolutely positively necessary,have to be done, I prefer to avoid CL. It is not covered by my (and most) dental insurance, and there seem to be mixed reviews and/or expert opinions on its prognosis,effectiveness, My questions: 1. If either option (re-bridge vs. implant) would lessen the need for Crown Lengthening 2. Despite recent RCT on tooth# 2, I'm now considering extraction instead of a crown. Perhaps, later on I will consider an implant to replace it. Am I being reasonable?
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Reply: Re:Crown lengthening
added: February 09, 2009 - 5:17 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Greetings,From the your description, I can offer my opinion on your situation. Crown lengthening is typically prescribed when there is decay or loss of tooth structure that comes within 3mm of the level of your bone. This 3mm is what we call the "biologic width". If it is not preserved a constant pocket of inflammation and possibly infection will usually follow. If there has been tooth loss due to decay that is close to the bone level, I would not recommend doing a crown or a bridge on the tooth if you did not wish to proceed with the crown lengthening. Getting an implant is certainly an option to replace #4 and long term, it will be your best option. Neither option will lessen the need for crown lengthening. Regarding the extraction of #2, that certainly would be an option as well. However, since you have already invested in the root canal, that money would be lost. CL usually runs about $500-600 and a crown is usually $750-1000, so you are looking at another $1250-1600 on top of what you paid for the RCT. An implant is going to run between $3500-4500 so neither option is going to be really inexpensive. If money is not a factor and you really prefer to avoid CL, extract #2 and go ahead with the implant. Even though you will spend more up front, you will save much more in the long run as the implant will not usually have to be replaced. I hope this helps.Dr. Kegler
Reply: Re:Crown lengthening
added: February 09, 2009 - 8:54 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Hello,Crown lengthening is needed for a crown to be made correctly, so it someone diagnoses a need, you may be better off with it done than without. If you count the millimeters from bone to crown margin on your tooth, you need five mm mimimum. Any less will cause more problems later in the gums.Root canals on hopeless teeth are going out of style and implants are the standard of care in dentistry over bridges and hero work to save very damaged teeth. However, there are still good cases for root canals and other hero dentistry for some cases.We would be happy to give you a second opinion any time...call for an exam and Consult.Bill Williams, DMD, MAGDsuwanee dental care
Reply: Re:Crown lengthening
added: February 10, 2009 - 7:35 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
You are absolutely being reasonable. It''''''''s great that you are investigating all options. I almost always prefer an implant to a bridge. However, after a consultation appointment with you, I will be better able to customize a treatment plan for you. I have not done a crown-lengthening in years, however , sometimes it is necessary. Please schedule a consultation visit with me so we can discuss all of your options. We will take digital images of your teeth and together come up with a plan that best suits you. We offer excellence in dentistry in a pampering spa environment. And we understand the importance of customer service. Call us (770) 998-3838 or e-mail me to help you schedule your visit (susanestep@gmail.com). I look forward to seeing you soon! Sincerely, Dr. Susan Estep
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