Do I really need a tooth crown?!
Question: Do I really need a tooth crown.?
I bit on a piece of prune seed last nigh and a piece of my tooth in the back is broken off. I also have a big filling on that tooth. I went to the dentist this morning and they took an x-ray and the dentist looked at it. Then the assistant told me I need a crown, that will fix it. I hate when the dentist just leave and leave me with an assistant who can`t explain a thing, just tell me that it will be $719. I am also 3 months pregnant, I don`t know if I they will give me an anesthesia, or will I really need any.? (They know I am pregnant, they got a note from my OB) also, is it hurtful.? I appreciate any respond. Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Hello...OK, to begin with you will need the crown to insure you can keep the tooth...But, if you decided not to get the crown and the tooth began to decay, it might put decay infection into your blood stream and that could harm your unborn baby..."seriously"...and I do mean seriously. The fee for the crown is in the lower range most DDS charge...Did the DDS mention anything about having to possibly do a root canal.? IF the tooth is broken off deeply and close to the nerve chamber, that could be a possibility...And I totally agree with you about the DDS not discussing the entire procedure himself.....I never allowed my office staff to discuss procedure or cost...patients need to get their questions answered right from the person who is going to do the work. Good luck and I wish you well.Health Question & Answer
well chances are if you have a filling on that tooth and a piece broke off the you will need a crown no other way they can fix it. but instead of a crown i suggest you look into implants because crown in a way is just for looks and not practical. by that i mean over time your bone in that area will start to deteriorate as you grow older because the only thing there is a stub where your tooth was and the crown that sits on top. with an implant it basically has a higher chance that your bone won't deteriorate. also with a crown there is also a good chance in the future you might have to get a root canel if you have a cavity under the crown itself. so in order for them to get to that cavity they have to remove the crown which is a good chance that the crown will break in the process, i been an assistant and seen alot of it. so an implant is a better investment, cuz once it goes in you no longer worry about this and that, granted u take care of your teeth.Health Question & Answer
If the assistant told you, you needed a crown then I am sure that is what the dentist told her or wrote on your treatment plan..If you are not sure call back and ask questions..You are the patient and you have the right to have any questions about your treatment answered..Be a part of the treatment you receive. Do not feel bad about asking questions it is your health. That being said since you already had a big filling and it obviously failed you probably do need a crown. Different offices are different with anesthetic again call and ask you have the right to know. But if you got a note from your OB you are probably cleared already for anesthetic..Hopes this helpsHealth Question & Answer