Crowns Gone Wild !

This patient received a total of 22 crowns to mask out her tetracycline stained teeth.  The case result was compromised on multiple levels. The most severe problem in this case is the inflammation of the gum around each tooth.

The margins of the crowns were placed too deep inside the gum pockets.  This problem is known as "violation of the biologic width."  In such situations the gum is unable to remain healthy.  Severe inflammation occurs in the initial stages, and the inflammation will eventually cause bone loss in the same area.  You can see a line of redness around the neck of the teeth.  Light pressure in these areas is enough for the gum to bleed profusely.

Furthermore, the diagnostic X-rays reveal root canals were done for all the front upper and lower teeth.  According to the patient, the root canals were done in conjunction with the crown treatments... for no apparent reason.

This truly is a case of "Crowns Gone Wild!"

To change a tetracycline stained smile, we do not need to crown every single tooth.  We also don't need a root canal for every crown we place.  Likewise, the gum should not be chronically inflamed.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.