[7779]

My son had an exam and x-rays. I was told he would need a root canal and then a crown on the same 1st molar. Root canal was done, and there was no mention of the condition of the tooth. 2 days later my son went in for the 1st visit for the crown - the impression, cutting down of tooth, etc. After this was all done, I was sent to the financial counselor who told me my son needed crown lengthening, an additional $695. At what point should I have been told about this? My son is now being referred to a periodontist for a consult fee of $250, not covered. Can a 2nd dentist remove the temp crown on the tooth and give me a second opinion about the CL and whether what the dentist told me is accurate? This dentist also recommended 3 molar extractions for my son. His molars are impacted and he is only 17. The molars are not bothering him. He has very straight teeth.

Back to the CL. Is there anything I can do now, after the cutting down of the molar, to verify what the dentist is telling me is accurate and necessary? I don't know one person who has had this procedure done. I know several people who have gotten crowns, too.

[flossie]

Crown Lengthening Article | Periodontal Disease | Colgate® Oral Care Information Check-ups & Dental Procedures

The above website may answer some of your questions about crown lengthening.

I would think that the dentist should have known that this procedure was going to be necessary before he did the crown prep. You should have been informed BEFORE the procedure was started. I question why the dentist has to refer your son to a periodontist to do the crown lengthening and why do you need a consult if you've already been told that is what is needed?? A good dentist should be able to do the crown lengthening him/herself.

Honestly, I'd say your dentist and the periodontist may be in kahoots (not sure if that's a word OR how to spell it, sorry). It sounds like a scam to me, but here in Canada we do things a little differently.

A lot of dentists won't crown a tooth until 3 or 4 months after the root canal is done to be sure that the nerve is OK and healing well. Why was your dentist in such a hurry to get this done so quickly?

There is no reason why you couldn't go for a second opinion to another dentist. You have every right to do so.

As for the impacted teeth. I am guessing your son has 3 wisdom teeth that are impacted? There is no room for them to come into his mouth? They are laying on an angle that might cause problems with his 12 yr molars (2nd molars)? It IS better to have these teeth removed when you are young as the healing is quicker with younger people.
They could be removed anytime from now until he's in his 20's if they aren't bothering him.

[flossie]

I guess I'm fortunate. I work in an office that both dentists do exquisite dental work. They have both done abundant continuing education over the years and are very good at what they do.

I was giving you my professional opinion. Dentists like to stick together and perhaps your dentist doesn't know how to do crown lengthening. If that's the case then your son is much better off to see the specialist but I am still astounded by the consultation fee he is going to charge! It will be interesting to see how much time the consultation will take.
Our fee guides our based on time spent and difficulty of procedure.

A consult may include an x-ray (which you could take the one of the completed root canal your dentist took which will save you the cost of another xray), looking in the mouth and perhaps doing a couple of measurements, he might take an impression (which your dentist should have taken (you could ask him for it to take with you if needed)).

I still say your dentist should have been well aware that crown lengthening would be needed BEFORE he did the crown prep.

[KISS]

I actually was in a situation where I was going to get a crown. I mentioned it to my peridontist and he said I would need crown lenthening and told me the reasons I needed it.

My dentist said that sometimes he doesn't know ahead of time and he does not do the procedure. The procedure seemed more surgical than dental.