Dental Crown

annjonesy

Hi
I know this is subjective and opinions will differ. But what constitutes an open margin on a tooth crown. I can get my finger nail in a gap along the gum line where a crown is fitted. The gap does not bother me.
I have been getting pain for a number of years in the area. Very intermittent, but getting more frequent. The crown is 20 years old. 
Even if x-rays show no problems, would it be prudent to remove the crown, inspect the area and fit the old back with new cement or a new crown, if the old has to be drilled off?

brook2jack2

Only a dentist who can see you , your crown , and x rays will be able to tell you if it is a good idea to drill the crown off (very unlikely if it has been in for 20 plus years it will be able to be removed intact) with the inherent danger of damage to the tooth and root , plus the expense of a new crown or replacement of the tooth if the process of removing the crown causes too much damage. 

annjonesy

I have mentioned the problem to 3 different NHS dentists. Not one, has gave an opinion or options to me. 
I'll try a fourth, and cross my fingers at the appointment.

brook2jack2

Three dentists looked at it and no one said anything seems to say there is not much wrong with it. It's really much better to stick with one dentist you like as the best oral care comes from a long term relationship where the dentist gets a view of your oral health over the years , rather than a snap shot at a check up. 

Toothsmith

I would agree with what Brook has said above - but I'm curious to know what response you got when you mentioned the problem to 3 different dentists? Did they just completely ignore the question? 

annjonesy

I didn't say 3 looked at it. I said I mentioned it to 3.
@Toothsmith, the 1st two basically ignored me. Same practice different dentists. The same practice done the root and crown back in 2002. Without going into detail, I wouldn't go back to that practice ever.
I should not have mentioned there was 3. The 3rd was an assessment about implant and the conversation was just in passing, the appointment was private and not for the crown problem.

Toothsmith

So you mentioned it to the first 2, but they ignored you and didn't look at it? 

Were you in the chair at the surgery, or just at the pub and they were there? 

Why didn't they look at it? This gets more and more curious