Dental Crowns

Sasha · #1 03-18-2014, 04:31 PM

I am not one to go to the dentist often, but I am now in a position to have crowns on at least 11 teeth, but I'm having 6 done right now and attack the others later.

I'm not familiar with these things because dentistry positively frightens me, but I'm having a little difficulty that may be normal.

For those of you who have crowns, was it hard to adjust to them? Was chewing food difficult as well? How long have they lasted before you have had them replaced or additional work done on them?

And I may have more questions later. I had three placed today and will have the other three April 10th. They weren't fitting right so they have to redo them.

Reader · #2 03-18-2014, 05:41 PM

If they are properly done, you shouldn't have to adjust to them, other than the crowns feeling smoother in your mouth than your real teeth. From when they are first put on, you should be able to eat and chew normally. If not, something is wrong.
The main problem with crowns is they don't last and you may not know of problems under the crown until the tooth starts giving you trouble. Crowns could last just a few years to many years. I believe insurance will pay for a new crown after 5 years.

I had one where the cement disintegrated. While I didn't notice, it allowed decay to form underneath and that did not show in the x-rays. When that happens, you normally have to have a new crown because the old won't fit properly when the decay is removed.

I would delay putting in crowns if at all possible. Some dentists are too quick to call for crowns. (I believe there is a good profit on them for the dentists.)

KeptByTheWord · #3 03-18-2014, 06:24 PM

Maybe get a second opinion? Is this a dentist you have built a trustworthy relationship with, or one you just picked up a phone book, and chose? Needing 11 crowns sounds like a lot to me. I would feel better getting a second opinion, I think, unless I just really had a lot of confidence, and a good understanding with my dentist, and knew he wasn't just trying to make some extra $$ off me.

Sasha · #4 03-18-2014, 07:18 PM

The bigger problem is, my dentalphobia. This prevents me from getting second opinions. However, my current dentist was somewhat of a second opinion in that I had to go to him as he does sedation dentistry and the other guy didn't.

As for profiting, I'm sure that has a lot to do with it, however, I can count on one hand how many times I have been to the dentist in the last 30 yrs, so I'm sure whatever the conclusion is could be pretty accurate. I had a dentist about 25 yrs ago tell me my teeth were like cottage cheese and I wouldn't have any in 6 months. The only ones I'm missing are my wisdom teeth.

ILG · #5 03-18-2014, 08:29 PM

The best book I can recommend for you is Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye by Ellie Phillips DDS. A MUST READ! I went from having my teeth drilled constantly to no cavities for three check-ups by following her advice! Don't know how much that can help you now but it will probably help some. See her website at www.cleanwhiteteeth.com

Sasha · #6 03-19-2014, 08:46 PM

Thanks, ILG.

ILG · #7 03-20-2014, 07:49 AM

You're welcome. Here is her blogspot. It has a lot of Q&A.

http://askdrellie.blogspot.com/

KeptByTheWord · #8 03-20-2014, 08:44 AM

ILG.... I have tried to use xylitol as a sugar substitute, but my stomach cannot tolerate it. Have you tried the "zellies" she talks about? Is this like a gum that you chew, or is something you eat? Just wondering.

ILG · #9 03-20-2014, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

ILG.... I have tried to use xylitol as a sugar substitute, but my stomach cannot tolerate it. Have you tried the "zellies" she talks about? Is this like a gum that you chew, or is something you eat? Just wondering.

I use the gum and mints from epicdental.com (cheaper than zellies). I buy it in bulk and use it every day. At the very first, I noticed some mild digestive issues but only for a few days as you only use, I think, 6-8 grams a day.

As far as the sugar substitute, the only time I use granulated xylitol is mixed in water at my bedside as a middle of the night quick rinse.

KeptByTheWord · #10 03-20-2014, 07:02 PM

Maybe I can use the xylitol sitting in my pantry for something else, other than a sugar substitute then. My stomach just couldn't handle even very little amounts of xylitol. I'm going to check the library to see if they have her book available. It sounds like a much cheaper alternative than expensive dentistry work!