[radar2229]

At routine checkup and cleaning dentist told me #13 upper bicuspid needs to have porcelain crown replaced. Said decay was starting underneath. Tooth had prior root canal and crown and is at least 8 years old. Dentist said I need gingivectomy on tooth.

On #20 lower bicuspid I was told gold onlay needs to be replaced with porcelain crown. No previous root canal and he didn't think I would need it. Again, wants to do gingivectomy on tooth.

This office does their own crowns and I was told the appointment would take about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish including gingivectomy, tooth prep, impressions, crown made and inserted.

I was a dental assistant and hygienist in the Army (learned on the job and worked about 2 1/2 years in this field about 40 years ago).

My instinct is telling me that the gingivectomy is unnessary and even if it is, there should be time for healing before doing the crown. I have my teeth cleaned every 6 months and my mouth is very clean, no perio involvement. My gums are strong, no bleeding and I have had many crowns over the years and never needed a gingivectomy.

In adddition, I am used to having a new crown temporarily cemented in when there is no root canal just to be sure the tooth doesn't act up before permanently cementing.

I have been going to this dentist about 3 years and get a discount through my HMO, not an insurance plan. He did another crown replacement last year but that crown had come off. That time there was no mention of a gingivectomy.

I cancelled my appointment scheduled for next week but don't have another dentist to go to for a second opinion.

[flossie]

I'd suggest you ask your friends for their thoughts on the dentists they see and then choose one or two to see for a second opinion.

[Amir1981]

Sounds like they plan to do a CEREC (one visit CAD/CAM fabricated crown) they are pretty crappy!! Plus, unless he is doing ACTUAL crown lengthening he should not bill for it... sounds fishy to me. Id go to a different guy I don't trust anyone who uses CEREC