Hi, I have a cavity in a tooth with a veneer on it. My dentist wants to remove the veneer and replace it with a crown. That sounds a bit odd to me. Do you have any advice? – Thanks. Jael from Pittsburgh
Jael,
We recommend getting a second opinion before replacing a porcelain veneer with a crown.
Do You Need a Crown for Porcelain Veneer Tooth with a Cavity?
Whether you need a crown for a porcelain veneer tooth with a cavity depends on several factors, including the cavity size. While veneers are minimally invasive, crowns require significant tooth reduction. A cavity would need to be quite large to necessitate a crown. Given the conservative nature of veneers, it’s more likely that your dentist is unfamiliar with veneer procedures and prefers the more familiar crown treatment. Additionally, cavities often occur at the veneer’s edge, requiring specialized skills and equipment to repair without compromising the veneer’s integrity.
Matching a Crown to Porcelain Veneer Teeth
The chances of successfully matching a crown to your existing veneers are low. Very few dentists possess the skill to achieve this delicate match. I’ve received numerous messages from patients disappointed with the results of crown-veneer matching attempts.
Finding the Right Dentist
It’s essential to differentiate between general dentists and cosmetic dentists. While many general dentists offer cosmetic services, achieving exceptional results demands specialized expertise and artistic ability. I recommend seeking a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist with a proven track record.
Preventing Future Cavities
Reduce snacking frequency and floss daily to minimize the risk of future cavities around your veneers. These habits will help protect the vulnerable areas where the veneer meets the tooth.
While it’s possible that your dentist has a valid reason for recommending a crown, we advise obtaining a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.