If Veneer Comes off During Cavity Repair, Does the Tooth Have to Be Crowned?

Question

I have a cavity on the top edge of a front tooth that has a veneer. My dentist stated that while repairing the tooth, the veneer may come off and then she would have to put a crown on the tooth. Couldn't I just have the cavity filled and then get a new veneer? My veneers are about 15 years old. I REALLY don't want a crown on my front tooth if I don't have to.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

If the cavity is small, then sometimes a filling can be placed at the edge and below some of the veneer.  Your dentist is just giving you "the worst case scenario", just as any surgeon or anesthesiologist would give you the risks and complications.

	It may be very well possible that you won't need a crown.  Many times one can make a veneer that covers over more of the problem area without doing a crown.  And I do agree with you, if it was my own front tooth I would rather have a veneer than a crown.

Hank D. Michael, DMD · Answer

You can still have a veneer placed after repairing the decay with a bonded filling... but it may not be the best solution.  Keep in mind that a veneer is basically a 3/4 of a crown (all-porcelain crown).  Veneers are more conservative than a crown when preparing a tooth without any fillings for a cosmetic enhancement. However, when a tooth is structurally compromised, such as those with large fillings, a crown is the restoration of choice.  Again, the visible aspect of a crown or veneer are identical since their composition is identical... if the same porcelain is used - and it should be.  Empress, e.max or feldspathic porcelain are cosmetic materials popular today.  Porcelain fused to metal crowns are falling out of favor. Regardless of the restoration you chose, be sure to discuss your diet with your dentist and try to determine what caused the decay.  Recurrent decay can happen to crowns or veneers... it is important to determine the source (usually sugar in diet) in order to prevent further issues.

	Hank D. Michael, DMD - Cosmetic Dentist in Sarasota, FL

Lilya Horowitz, DDS · Answer

You may not have enough tooth structure after all the decay is removed to support a veneer. Your dentist should be able to make a crown match your existing veneers.

If Veneer Comes off During Cavity Repair, Does the Tooth Have to Be Crowned?

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If Veneer Comes off During Cavity Repair, Does the Tooth Have to Be Crowned?

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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