Is This a Proper Fit? Or Should the Crown Be Far Enough Down That Flossing Doesn't Pick Up on the Crown's Edge?

Question

When flossing my crown, there is a slight catch. In other words, floss when coming upward, catches slightly on the metal edge of the cap where it sits over the tooth. The floss doesn't break. There's -no- food or smell when I floss there. I have no other crowns. It's on a back bottom molar. Thanks!

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

See your dentist and have them take an X-ray.  It is probably cement left under the crown that can be removed fairly easy.  If no cement is found, it may be a bulky margin and your dentist can evaluate for the proper means of treatment.  Worst case scenario is that you would have the dental crown remade.

Bill Williams, DMD, MAGD · Answer

What you describe is called an overhanging margin. This is not acceptable dentistry and should be remade. The shelf created by the misfitting crown is a food and plaque trap which leads directly to decay and disease, bone loss and tooth loss over time. Now is the time to fix that, before it creates an undesirable outcome.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

There should not be an edge that catches floss.  Sometimes that is just a little excess dental cement that the dentist can smooth off.  If the crown doesn't completely fit the tooth and there is a gap, that is also a reason why your floss catches.

	I suggest you return to your dentist, tell him your concerns.  He can evaluate the crown he did for you, probably take an x-ray.  Sometimes these problems are only caught on x-rays, and most dentists don't take x-rays immediately after placing new crowns because of the hypersensitivity of many people to the cost and thought of "too many or unnecessary x-rays". 

	The last thing your dentist would want would be an improperly fitting crown that might later give you some problems.

	BTW, congratulations on being such a great flosser.  That is the best thing you can do to insure you will keep your gums healthy and prevent unnecessary cavities.

John Heimke, DDS, MPH · Answer

The issue may be a piece of retained cement, that could be removed. Also, it may be an edge that is over bulked and can be smoothed. No matter, the solution is to see yopur Dentist get it evaluated and then a plan can be made to address it if needed.

Murray Bruckel, DDS (retired) · Answer

A well fitting crown should have not ledges.  Have your dentist check for excess cement and if that does not solve it, have the crown remade.

Is This a Proper Fit? Or Should the Crown Be Far Enough Down That Flossing Doesn't Pick Up on the Crown's Edge?

Answers (5)

Answer: Floss Catch on a Crown

Answer: Floss Catch on a Crown

Answer: Fit of Crown

Answer: Fit of Crown

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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Is This a Proper Fit? Or Should the Crown Be Far Enough Down That Flossing Doesn't Pick Up on the Crown's Edge?

Answers (5)

Answer: Floss Catch on a Crown

Answer: Floss Catch on a Crown

Answer: Fit of Crown

Answer: Fit of Crown

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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.