White crown fitted on a rear molar tooth showing exposed metal. Can I expect it to be replaced with a new one?

Question

I’ve had a white crown fitted on a rear molar and it has had to be ground down so much to fit, that the metal part of the crown has been exposed. It now looks like a tooth that’s had a silver filling which defeats haveing a white crown fitted in the first place. Can I expect it to be replaced with a new one.

Joseph H. Hidalgo, DDS · Answer

I can understand your frustration with the current crown which shows metal after having the bite adjusted. Please understand that your tooth is not at risk because of the metal showing. Sometimes on a 2nd molar your bite can shift when the dentist is shaping your tooth which can cause a very thin bite on the second molars. If this happens then your dentist has no alternative but to reduce more of your tooth to leave adequate room for your crown which is not always possible or to reduce your upper opposing tooth to make room for the crown. It sounds like your dentist opted most conservatively to reduce your crown with the compromise of metal showing. So, to answer your question, if the tooth is so far in the back that people cannot readily see the metal then does it really make any difference? Again this is a personal choice that you have to make. All the best.

Ramin Mahallati, DDS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The best way to answer this is with an in-person evaluation. From your description, it sounds like the crown needs to be replaced. I recommend following up with your Dentist or consulting a Prosthodontist. A Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth and can create a customized treatment using the latest techniques in dental crowns.

Amber Garcia, DDS · Answer

Discuss this with your dentist. In my office, I would replace the crown if it had been placed by me recently (less than a year). Anything you aren't happy with, discuss it with the dentist that placed it.

Val Alexander Daniyar, DMD · Answer

If the crown had to be reduced that much as to show the metal substructures that means that your restorative doctor was rather conservative in reducing the height of the tooth that was capped.  There could be a reason for it. Otherwise it can be redone. Ordinarily, this is not a problem from a structural point, but cosmetically it is compromised. If this is something that bothers you so much then see your doctor to resolve this situation. Good luck, Dr. Daniyar

White crown fitted on a rear molar tooth showing exposed metal. Can I expect it to be replaced with a new one?

Answers (4)

Answer: White crown with metal exposed

Answer: White crown with metal exposed

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White crown fitted on a rear molar tooth showing exposed metal. Can I expect it to be replaced with a new one?

Answers (4)

Answer: White crown with metal exposed

Answer: White crown with metal exposed

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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.