Understanding Gold Crown Removal: What to Expect

As much as we'd like to think gold crowns are permanent, the fact is they often aren't. There are many reasons why a gold crown might have to be removed. The tooth structure underneath can re-decay after a period of time, necessitating a new crown, or the tooth can develop an abscess and require a root canal, which also requires remaking the crown. No matter the reason, the only way a gold crown can be removed is by a dentist.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment to see a dentist. If you have a regular practitioner, all the better. If not, many websites can provide you with information about local dentists.

• 2

  Tell the dental staff what kind of symptoms you are having. They will likely take an X-ray of the tooth to see what's going on.

• 3

  Seek a second opinion if you have reason to question a diagnosis. Removing a gold crown inevitably means replacing it, and if it needs a root canal or other procedure, it is very expensive. You must be willing to pay for another office visit and more X-rays.

• 4

  Schedule an appointment for the procedure once you've accepted the diagnosis. When a crown needs to be removed, there is something wrong, and not attending to it leads to more complications down the road, including possible loss of the tooth.

• 5

  Ask the dental staff what is involved in the procedure. If you need a root canal, be clear as to what it's for and what will happen. After a root canal through a gold crown, sometimes the original crown can be saved. If the crown needs to be replaced because of re-decay underneath the procedure involves a new crown preparation and impressions. The old crown is removed by making cuts into it with a dental hand piece (drill), then it's pried off with instruments. You are given an injection of local anesthetic so it won't hurt.