Quote:
Originally Posted by Trish Crocker
I'm not defending this dentist...there are some unscrupulous people...but there can be decay under a crown that an x-ray will not pick up. A lot of crowns have metal bases under porcelein or ceramic and the x-ray cannot penetrate this. If there is an opening at the base of the crown (possibly from decay) bacteria can get in and cause the tooth under the crown to decay and not be discernible with an x-ray.Although crowns are absolutely wonderful, they don't always last forever. If there is decay under the crown, you want to address it while the tooth is still viable. If you don't, you will end up needing an implant. Please see another dentist! If you get a dentist with an intra oral camera, he (she) can show you exactly what they are seeing. You may find that the dentist that diagnosed this problem was, in fact, doing a good job and that the hygienist found a problem before it caused you a lot of money. It's cheaper to replace the crown after cleaning up the decay than it is to wait until the tooth is destroyed and have to put in an implant or bridge.
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Just wanted to add one other thought...If there is tarter or calculus built up around the base of the crown, by removing it like the hygienist was doing, this would make the decay apparent...something the doctor would not see with a visual examination. If the doctor is indeed underhanded, he should be exposed. I just hate to see a professional's reputation destroyed without defense.