Is it normal that a molar crown leaves a gap?

Question

I recently had an implant, abutment, and crown fitted where I used to have tooth #19. There is no pain. However, food gets trapped in between 19 and the other teeth. This was not a problem with my natural tooth. I went back to the dentist and he said that the crown had good contact with the other teeth and would be more concerned if there was a gap at the top of the crown. He said because the implant is not like natural roots, it will not cover the entire gum area. Truth?

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:What your dentist is telling you is true.  The shape and width of the implant is not the same as the natural tooth,Best,Dr. Maddahi

Michael Mazaheri, DDS · Answer

Hello,Implant crowns do sometimes have a tendency to trap food more often vs. natural teeth due to the diameter of the implant and the abutment being smaller than natural teeth.Dr. Mazaheri

Chas M. Carpenter, DMD · Answer

That outcome is not ideal but at times happens.  There are limitations to the implants and many other factors that can affect the outcome.  We, as dentists, try to minimize those factors but sometimes just can't.
Just going by what you stated and not seeing a picture, x-ray, or knowing pre-op condition I probably would have said the same thing as your dentist did.

Amber Garcia, DDS · Answer

It depends on the type of implant you have. If a narrow implant was placed, it may be difficult to get the correct contours of the crown. If you have a broader, wider implant closer to the size of a natural molar, it is easier to achieve the desired contours to more closely simulate a natural tooth. We can get very close to a natural tooth but there's nothing quite like your own tooth. In either case, it's very important that you brush and floss daily to keep the implant clean.

Is it normal that a molar crown leaves a gap?

Answers (4)

Answer: Crown contour

Answer: Crown contour

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Is it normal that a molar crown leaves a gap?

Answers (4)

Answer: Crown contour

Answer: Crown contour

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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