I've posted this before but this is an update.

I had a root canal about 3 years ago. It infected and there were a lot of problems. I then had the root canal redone by an Endodontist who crowned the tooth.

I had pain for a considerable period but within the past year or so the tooth has "calmed down."

I had my teeth cleaned last week and somehow in the process the Dental Hygienist pulled the crown off. I had a flash of pain and she was holding the crown in her hand.

The Dentist recemented the crown and told me I need to have a new crown made OR I could have an implant.

I am somewhat concerned by the Hygienist's "oh, whoops" attitude but, more importantly, I have spent 3 years and over $2,600 on this one tooth. Should I get a new crown made? Get the implant?

Any thoughts?

Crowns shouldn't come off during regular cleaning appointments unless there is decay under them. There shouldn't have been any discomfort if a root canal had been done successfully. The decision is whether to have the tooth removed and implant placed. I guess it depends how much a nuisance this tooth is to you. If you rate it on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being not much of a nuisance) and it's 6 or above you may very well decide to go with the extraction and implant.

I would ask the dentist though if he will discount the treatment being that the crown hadn't even been in your mouth 5 yrs. Dentists I have worked with in the past would reduce the fee by 50% the first year down to 10% in 5 yrs.

I am SO glad that you were available to respond - you basically said what I had thought and researched. The x-ray showed no problems with the tooth or around the tooth. I never had a problem with the crown - it wasn't loose, it didn't rock.

I had no pain before the crown came off. Right now my gum is very sore from replacing the crown - and they intend to remove it tomorrow, make an impression, replace it.

I am going to ask for a consideration in the price.

Thank you.

I'm glad I could help Judy! :)

Dentist refused any type of "discount." He says he never offered any type of warranty. "Usually" the life is 10 years (give or take) but "sometimes" a crown doesn't last that long. He was pleasant and I was pleasant but...

Sorry to hear that Judy. Why did he say the crown had to be remade? What did he cement it back on with temporary or permanent cement? Is the tooth still bugging you?
If not, you could leave it as it is if there is no discomfort and your bite feels fine. It will buy you a little time.

He said I need a new crown and today took off the "old" crown, made impressions (?), put the "old" crown back on (again with temporary cement) and will put the "new" crown on permanently in 2 weeks.

I would leave it as it is but he really frightened me that it could crack and I could swallow it... so I went ahead. I suppose it has to be done at one time or another. That one tooth has GOT to be worth more than my whole BODY!

Ching, ching, ching.

LOL... I'm sure it must feel that way!