Archives for December 2021

Last summer, I got three dental implants. In November of 2020, my dentist placed the final implant crowns. I gradually saw the crowns darkening and mentioned it to my dentist. He told me the crowns are white but not stark white and can look different depending on the lighting. The crowns are beige in sunlight, fluorescent light, bright light, and candlelight. The lighting does not matter. And I am trying not to be furious because I mentioned this to my dentist months ago. I am a suspicious person by nature, but when my dentist told me that crown color depends on the lighting, I felt he knew he was at fault. What kind of battle can I expect with a dentist who probably won’t admit he is at fault? – Thanks for your help. Angela T. from MD

Angela,

We understand your disappointment in receiving implant crowns that detract from the time, effort, and money you spent to improve your smile.

Why Are Your New Implant Crowns Discolored?

If your new implant crowns are discolored, it could be due to surface damage, faulty construction, or the composition of the crowns.

• Faulty construction – If the glazed surface were damaged when the lab tech made your crowns, they would progressively darken.
• Damage by your dentist – Sometimes, a dentist can grind away the glaze when adjusting the front surfaces to fit your mouth well.
• Damage during a hygiene appointment – If a dental hygienist uses power cleaning instruments or acidulated fluoride treatment on your teeth, it will damage the glaze. Your crowns will attract stains and darken.
• Crown composition – Some patients who complain of yellowing crowns or porcelain veneers discover that they have composite—not porcelain restorations. Although most dentists do not misrepresent your treatment, it happens.

Determining Why Your Implant Crowns are Beige

Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist and schedule an appointment for a second opinion. If you cannot find an accredited dentist, look for a dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training. The dentist will examine your implant crowns to determine why they darkened.

You have good reason to request a refund from your current dentist. But before you ask for a refund, get a second opinion and documentation of the issues with your crowns.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.