Will a silver crown that has fallen out and opened up be reused?

Question

My #14 molarcrown came open when I blew on it to clean out some "debris". It looked like a little crab! I quickly put it back tog. I saw a dentist the next day; told his hygienist what happened. She could not make it reopen.Do silver crowns somehow reseal themselves? Will I get decay if a crack is still there?if decay forms, how long will that take to show up and what are the symptoms? It wad decided to reglue the crown in place. Thank you for your very kind response.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS · Answer

I think your best option would be to have that crown replaced. It shouldn’t be possible to remove it as you describe. If there is a crack there, it can and probably will decay. The metal in the crown will make it difficult to see decay on an x-ray. The first symptom will likely be pain, but at that point a dentist may not be able to save the tooth.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:It’s best to have your dentist remove the silver crown to make sure there is no decay under it.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

If a crown came off, then something isn’t right. They are not meant to come off. Even though it feels like it’s “resealed”, that crown will come off again. Yes decay will happen underneath that crown. Also, adults should not have a stainless steel crown on. Those are intended for children and baby teeth. Adults should have porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or all ceramic crowns. You’ll need to have that crown removed and replaced before more damage ensues.

Will a silver crown that has fallen out and opened up be reused?

Answers (3)

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Will a silver crown that has fallen out and opened up be reused?

Answers (3)

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