Crown on #9 broke off of a previously root canaled tooth

[dentalcustomer]

My #9 front upper tooth on 69yo had a crown and root canal done some years ago just broke off, and there is a small hollowed portion of root slightly exposed at gum line. The two adjacent teeth are crowned.

Is it possible to re-crown this using a post, and building up the base for support? Can the root be sufficiently examined to determine if there are any fractures? I've read that the upper jaw bone is not as good for implants as lower jaw. The two adjacent teeth on each side are crowns. Any suggestions? Can crown be reused? Thanks.

Please see my profile as to why I'm asking on a forum.

 

[rob wain]

Hi
the root can potentially be reused if there is sufficient tooth remaining to get a grip - you need a 2mm ferrule (I'm assuming that as an engineer you'll understand this)
If not then possibly the two adjacent crowns can be removed and a three unit bridge placed - depends upon the state of the adjacent teeth.
Upper jaw bone is not quite as dense as lower jaw bone, however this is a bigger issue at the back of the mouth. Front of the mouth implants can be very successful
hope that helps
Rob

 

[dentalcustomer]

Hi
the root can potentially be reused if there is sufficient tooth remaining to get a grip - you need a 2mm ferrule (I'm assuming that as an engineer you'll understand this)
If not then possibly the two adjacent crowns can be removed and a three unit bridge placed - depends upon the state of the adjacent teeth.
Upper jaw bone is not quite as dense as lower jaw bone, however this is a bigger issue at the back of the mouth. Front of the mouth implants can be very successful
hope that helps
Rob

Thank you for the reply. My US dentist recommends an implant at about $5k. I've been told that today implants have become the standard of restoration. The cost is another matter. Our US insurance does not cover it?

Dentists says that for a crown, I need a tooth(root) to crown ratio of about 1:1. The root is partly exposed below gum and is not fractured except where it broke off. Are there any techniques or type of hardware or manufacturers that represent a better standard of repair to put on a post - crown that are stronger and have a better chance of longevity than others? Do they ever cement supports on rear of crown to adjacent teeth (crown and natural tooth with a facing veneer)?

At almost 70 I could drop over dead tomorrow with a $5K tooth and it would do me no good. Aside from cost, the implant is an invasive procedure that might involve anti-biotics (got c-diff one time from them) and am on blood thinner Plavix. So I'm leaning towards crown but it concerns me if the dentist is going to be committed and all in on the procedure. Thanks again.