Is There a Definitive Way to Determine if Crown Fits Properly?

Question

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?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Taking an xray of the crowns should help, as well as a dental explorer (the metal pick that dentists use all the time).  If the xray looks great and the explorer feels smooth, then the problem is likely something else.  Try dipping toothbrush bristles in hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing the area 2 times per day for a week and see if things change.
A $4000 MRI is not really a good choice here, and the details given aren't precise enough to determine fit.

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS · Answer

Well done porcelain dental crowns ought to settle in and last for years with no more than minor issues. We always check the fit of any new crown we fit with an X-ray. Your dentist is correct that not all issues with the fit show on X-rays, but it is still the single most useful test to verify the fit. There are no other types of X-rays or MRI's that are helpful or pragmatic.

	Often all porcelain crowns are actually bonded. This adhesion process is very technique-sensitive. If the edge of the crown is under the gum line, this can affect the adhesion process. Sometimes the gum irritation is not from a bad fit of the crowns, but from some extra cement left behind. This does often show on an X-ray. 

	The most practical way to proceed right now is to request an X-ray. Check both the fit of the margin and check for any excess cement. You may need some time with the hygienist and possibly even be numbed so she can do some additional fine cleaning there. In our office our hygienist is trained with the laser. The laser is sometimes an exceptional tool to help improve very fine or delicate gum problems.

Ted Murray, DDS · Answer

Whether the crowns are a good fit or not BEGINS AT THE BEGINNING. When the dentist FIRST begins tooth shaping the margins must be placed so the biology of the gum tissue (gingival sulcus) is not compromised. Go too deep and the gum tissue will always be inflamed after the crowns are placed. A crown can be a good fit but be too deep in the gum and it will always be red and puffy.  If the preparation (shaping) of the tooth doesn't result in clearly defined margins which are recorded in the impression the crowns won't fit correctly. Then there is the responsibility of the dental lab. A good lab can't make well-fitting crown with a flawed impression. An inferior lab can't make a good crown from a good or bad impression. In the end it is always ultimately the responsibility of the dentist. Determining whether a crown fit is good is pretty simple. When in doubt it's always okay to get another dentist's opinion.

Kimberly Johnson Genc, DDS · Answer

Yes, you can determine if a crown fits well.  First, by feeling the margin (where the crown fits the tooth) of a crown with an instrument.  Secondly, by an x-ray.  These two things will give the diagnostic information needed to determine if a crown fits well.

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

An x ray will show if there is a gap between the crown and the gum. If there is an odor around these two new crowns at the gumline, there are some plausible explanations besides the fit of the crown. The odor you find when you floss in this area could be caused by decaying food or the presence of bacteria under the gum.  I would have my teeth cleaned.  Have the dentist check for periodontal pockets around the teeth.

	Flush the gum area with a waterpik with hydrogen peroxide or dip your tooth brush in the peroxide and brush that area and see if the smell improves or  goes away.  Hope these suggestions are helpful and i am sorry you have to go through this after having new crowns on your front teeth!  Make sure your dentist resolves this problem. Crowns are expensive and you should be happy with yours!

Is There a Definitive Way to Determine if Crown Fits Properly?

Answers (8)

Answer: You can determine the fit of a crown.

Answer: You can determine the fit of a crown.

Answer: What is the cause of odor around my new crowns?

Answer: What is the cause of odor around my new crowns?

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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Is There a Definitive Way to Determine if Crown Fits Properly?

Answers (8)

Answer: You can determine the fit of a crown.

Answer: You can determine the fit of a crown.

Answer: What is the cause of odor around my new crowns?

Answer: What is the cause of odor around my new crowns?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.