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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Is Replacing My Veneer with a Crown the Solution for a Cavity?

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My dentist wants to replace my porcelain veneer with a crown because I have a cavity in the veneer tooth. I have eight veneers. Is this my only option? Thank you. Stacie from CT

Stacie,

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

A cavity in a porcelain veneer tooth is rare. Consult a cosmetic dentist.

We recommend getting a second opinion before allowing your dentist to replace your porcelain veneer with a crown. A second opinion can help you feel confident about your treatment choice.

Several reasons for concern are:

  • Matching the Crown to Your Veneers – Matching a dental crown to surrounding veneers is challenging for most dentists. Perhaps 2% of dentists have advanced cosmetic dentistry training and experience to do it.
  • Determining Treatment Based on Cavity Size—A dentist should only recommend replacing a porcelain veneer with a crown for a cavity if the cavity is large. In that case, removing the decay may require removing so much tooth structure that the tooth cannot retain a porcelain veneer. If the cavity is on the edge of your tooth, your dentist may not have the training or equipment to fill the cavity. Preparing a tooth for a dental crown will require grinding it on all sides to ensure it fits over it.
  • Your Dentist’s Experience = Most family and general dentists don’t do cosmetic dentistry often enough to skillfully remove a cavity from a porcelain veneer tooth. Often, the dentist will recommend a crown instead because they are more comfortable with crown placement.

We cannot say that your dentist’s treatment recommendation is wrong. However, if you are uncomfortable with replacing your porcelain veneers with a crown, get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist. Search online for cosmetic dentists, look at their bios on their websites, and check for extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.

It is unusual to get a cavity on a porcelain veneer tooth because it covers the front of the tooth. Floss diligently between your teeth and limit snacking. You may also want a cosmetic dentist to check the quality of the bond between your tooth and the porcelain veneer.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

 

What can people with lactose intolerance eat or drink for healthy teeth?

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Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth. In fact, 99% of your body’s calcium is stored in your bones and teeth to support their function and structure. When calcium intake is low, bones and teeth weaken and lose density. Deficiency of this nutrient promotes tooth decay.

Milk and dairy products made from milk provide a good source of calcium. But many people—both adults and children are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance affects an estimates 30 to 50 million American adults. What can you do to ensure you get enough calcium to keep your teeth healthy?

Suggestions:

  • Check with your medical doctor to confirm that it’s okay for you to take calcium supplements. Let your doctor know about any herbal supplements or prescription medication you take. Note that some experts suggest that children who are lactose intolerant receive their intake from calcium-rich foods. Consult with your child’s pediatrician before giving him or her calcium supplements.
  • Eat foods that are rich in calcium, including green leafy vegetables (e.g., Chinese cabbage, kale, and broccoli), orange juice, soya products, tofu, legumes, nuts, fish, and other calcium-fortified foods.

If you need to improve your calcium intake, supplement it through diet, and speak with your medical doctor for suggestions. If you think insufficient calcium intake is affecting your teeth, speak with your dentist. He or she will have suggestions on how to protect your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Can dental sealants be used for adults?

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Are dental sealants only for children? I have read several articles about them and it seems like they are for kids. – Thanks Monica from Cleveland

Monica – Dental sealants are frequently used on children’s and teenager’s teeth, but adults can benefit from them.

Sealants are more frequently used on children’s teeth, because children are more likely to develop cavities. Their brushing and flossing habits may not be as thorough as that of an adult, and a sealant will help prevent tooth decay.

Sometimes brushing and flossing teeth are not enough. Some people have teeth with very deep depressions and grooves, where food can easily get trapped. Dental sealants seal off the teeth and keep food and plaque out.

A sealant is a thin coating of plastic that is brushed on the chewing surface of your teeth. Often a light is shined on the sealant to harden it. A sealant blends in with your teeth and can last for years before it needs to be re-applied.

If you frequently get cavities, ask your dentist if your teeth might benefit from dental sealants.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Is it possible to get a cavity beneath a crown?

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I have a tooth that has been crowned for 4 years or so. It’s been hurting consistently, so I went to my dentist. She says there is a cavity beneath the crown. I thought crowns protected teeth, so how could there be a cavity in the tooth? – Shelli

Shelli – It is possible to get a cavity beneath crown, but it’s unusual to get the cavity beneath a crown that is only four year sold.

When a crown is placed, the margin—where the crown meets your tooth—should have no gaps. The smallest gap will leave room for plaque. Plaque will attract decay.

Insurance companies usually require that a crown be in place five years before it is replaced. Dentists expect crowns to last much longer than that.

We recommend that you have the crown examined by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.