Dilemma with crown gap!!! Help - Dental Health Message Board

surreal · 09-05-2004, 07:33 AM

I have this ongoing swollen gum and food getting stuck between my crown and the next teeth.... Here it is the story:
Next to the molar crown are two healthy natural teeth. Next to one natural teeth, there is no tooth (i had it pulled out, which i regret).. Once it was pulled out, the natural teeth shifted and left a gap between it and the crown... Now i am stuck with this annoying gap (mm) and the gum in the crown is swollen, receding.. I been thru scaling (root cleaning), antibiotics & different mouthwashs for the gums...
Now i asked my dentist to make the crown wider so that it will fill the gap enough. This way it will touching the natural tooth... But he says that it will push the natural teeth out further... Which i don't understand because the natural tooth is already settled and can't be pushed further unless with braces. I just want the gap to be filled. He told me that is expensive(new molar crown) and may not work.

Is he bluffing? or should i go ahead and do it? My last option is a bridge which

I had this dilemma for over 1 year and is annoying. My dentist told me that is okay and just to just floss... But once food gets stuck there and i chew, the gums get swollen and hurt like hell. I can't brush in that spot because it's too sensative and i just rinse with salt water which makes it calm down... I want to rinse with listerine (which i loved) but it just irritates it further.

surreal · 09-07-2004, 10:22 AM

Twenty reviews and no one has an answer.. Anyone out there had same problem... I really appreciate it...

Tick Tock · 09-07-2004, 10:56 AM

Sorry no one has replied. I have not had the same problem, but have had many crowns and crown replacements.

I love my dentist, but I know he doesn't know it all. There is also much of dentistry that is as much art as science (IMHO).

I always think about the motivation when I'm not sure about something. Do you believe that your dentist has your best interest / care in the forefront? This usually comes from having developed a long, trusting relationship with the dentist. Second, this is there job. The denist has a financial benefit to going with your idea and making a new crown. So, unless they really believe it's not right, why would they not do what you ask and make the money.

Based upon what you've posted, I'd guess that the opinion is correct. If you don't trust them, maybe go have it checked out by another dentist - maybe an orthodontist consultation or something.

Hope that helps some and good luck to you!

dabner · 09-21-2004, 07:33 PM

I don't know about filling in the gap between your teeth pushing the natural teeth forward when they are already settled in, but it sounds like a bridge might be the best thing. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the teeth behind it naturally move forward to fill in the vacant space. You see, the reason your teeth must touch is to keep them in place within the arch. Another reason teeth touch is too keep out food and other harmful materials. Are you seeing a pattern here?
As far as the pain and swelling around the crown, it souds like you may have microleakage, which is when dangerous materials (food and bacteria) flow under the crown because it is not properly sealed at the edges or the gums. This can cause a serios infection and should be treated immediately or another root canal (if you've already had one) or extraction may result.
A second opinion never hurt.

I assum you are seeing an oral surgeon or endodontist if you have had a root canal, as most general dentisits do not specialize in root canals on molars, as they have more than one root.