Reusing an existing crown in a bridge?

Question

Can a dentist reuse a crown from a tooth that will be extracted and then a bridge created between the other back teeth? The old crown, can it be used as part of this bridge?

Elizabeth Reiser-Loeber, DMD · Answer

Hello,As the prior answer indicated, you cannot reuse a crown. It would be good to use it in a temporary. So, the dentist could take an impression before the tooth is extracted, make a bridge preparation and then put on a temporary over the extraction site.A bridge is made in one piece for strength. If you have an old crown that was mostly gold, then it is yours and you can have it melted down. There are some companies that would do that for you, you just have to indicate to the dentist you want the crown instead of having them throw it away in bio-hazard. They may charge you for crown removal, so I'd see if it's worth it.

Robert L. Knudson, DDS · Answer

No.  Bridges are made as a single piece for strength.  Is this something about saving money?  Would be harder and more costly for the dentist to try that so why would there be a lower fee?

Reusing an existing crown in a bridge?

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Reusing an existing crown in a bridge?

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