crown needing re-doing, help!

[nutzforcats]

I went to the dentist this week and my dentist said i need a new crown due to a space that bacteria can get into, there is no infection or cavity now but that could happen. Is there any other procedure besides replacing the crown that could be done? I only had this crown done 5 years ago and am on disability so $1400(i have no coverage for crowns) is a lot of money to put out and all the anxiety i suffer with to have to have this done again is stressing me out. Could a filling work instead? Also, how long does it take to get an old crown removed approx.? She made me fear that will take a long time and has allowed an hour and a half to re-do it, which is stressing me out as well, as my tooth is already prepared, won't it take less time?

 

[Gordon]

Is there any other procedure besides replacing the crown that could be done?

Can't really say without seeing the problem. Possibly but it depends where the problem is and whether it's accessible or not.

Also, how long does it take to get an old crown removed approx.?

In the good old days you could remove an old crown in a few minutes with a sort of sliding hammer tool (not as bad as it sounds, honest!), because the cements weren't very good.

Unfortunately nowadays the cements are excellent and removing crowns can take a while, the crowns themselves are made of pretty strong material so cutting them off can take a while.

Now, I don't know what kind of crown it is and what it was cemented with, so it might still just take a few minutes and your dentist is being very pessimistic (or wants a long coffee break...) but it might take longer. Sorry.

 

[nutzforcats]

okay, thanks. I have a porcelain one so i am hoping it will only take 5-10 mins. max as i just don't know if i can sit that long while she does it.