tooth crown enamel/porcelain repair

worried_jim

I have a crown for a rear molar. It is gold with a porcelain outer, I think, it was ten years ago when it was fitted and I am sure that is how the dentist described it.

Soon after having it fitted I had an absence on the same tooth and then had root canal. The dentist drilled and worked through the crown as if it was the original tooth, so in effect I have a crown with a filling.

Tonight whilst eating a few pieces have broken off exposing more of the filling on the top of the tooth.

Can these be repaired or is it a case of replacing the complete crown? I am a bit peeved as it was done privately and I paid a fortune.

Toothsmith

They can be repaired, but its a very tricky procedure, and not all dentists will have the right kit to do it.

Generally, you would only try and repair the porcelain if it was a bit broken off a very big complicated bridge that would be very expensive, and very damaging to other teeth to try and replace.

For a single unit crown, it would be much simpler, and cheaper, to replace it.

Having said that, just because a bit of porcelain has broken off doesn't automatically mean it needs replacing. It depends how it's broken. The porcelain just covers the metal. OK, it won't look as good, but functionally it might be fine.

It would probably only NEED replacing if the break meant that food was now packing between the teeth. (However, trust the opinion of the dentist who can SEE it above some bloke on the internet who can't)