There are several ways to determine if crown fits properly

Anca Bazile, DDS answers: Is there a definitive way to determine if crown fits properly?

I recently had all porcelain dental crowns installed on my four front teeth. When I floss two of them at the gumline, I can taste and smell a foul bacterial scent on the floss.

The dentist poked around with a dental instrument and says they fit properly, but I disagree. None of my other teeth (crowned or real) produce the odor, so something isn't right. He told me x-rays won't necessarily show whether or not they fit, so is there a definitive way (i.e., special type of x-ray, MRI, etc.) to determine if the fit is correct?


Anca Bazile, DDS
25 days ago
By Anca Bazile, DDS - New York City Cosmetic dentist

First, the crown has to fit perfectly over the tooth so that its margins meet the margins of the tooth preparation. Once the crown is "down" on the tooth, the contacts between the adjacent teeth should be adequate: floss should snap on either sides without breaking and without just sliding through. A quick snap is indicative of good contacts.

Lastly, the bite (occlusion) should be checked. The crown should not modify the feel of the existing bite. If there are any interferences, which make the crown feel "high", that should be adjusted.

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