How Dentists Remove Dental Crowns

Why Would a Dentist Remove a Crown?

A crown sits over a tooth and is usually held in place with dental cement. That cement is meant to keep the crown stable during chewing so removing the crown is not usually as simple as pulling the crown with your fingers. Good thing.

The dentist first checks the crown and the tooth underneath. An X-ray may be taken if there is concern about decay or infection below the crown. The goal is to figure out what needs to happen before disturbing the crown.

The Crown May Be Saved

If the crown is still in shape the dentist may try to remove the crown without damaging the crown. This is especially useful if the problem is underneath the crown and the same crown can go on later.

A dentist may use a crown-removing instrument that applies controlled pressure. The movement is careful and measured. The crown usually needs to loosen from the cement than being yanked away.

What Happens If the Crown Won’t Come Off?

• A loose crown may come away with controlled pressure though the dentist still checks the tooth underneath before deciding what happens next.

• Strong cement is the part. A crown that has been firmly bonded may need to be cut than forced.

• Local anesthetic keeps the area numb. The crown removal mainly feels pressure and vibration instead of pain.

What About a Crown on a Root Canal Tooth?

Root canal teeth sometimes need the crown removed so the dentist can reach the tooth and treat it again. In that situation the dentist has to work around a tooth that has already been weakened by treatment.

That is why force matters. Much pressure could damage the remaining tooth structure so the dentist generally chooses the removal method based on the crown and the condition of the tooth beneath the crown.

What Happens After the Crown Is Removed?

Once the crown is off the dentist examines the exposed tooth. The dentist may clean away cement and check for decay or damage. If the tooth needs treatment that comes next.

If the original crown can be reused the dentist may clean the crown. Put it back after the tooth has been treated. If the crown was cut apart or no longer fits properly the dentist will need a replacement.

Does Crown Removal Hurt?

Usually the answer is no, not in the way people imagine. The dentist numbs the area when needed especially if the tooth needs treatment after the crown is removed.

Afterward the tooth or surrounding gum may feel tender for a while. If the patient has pain, swelling or something feels seriously wrong the patient should tell the dentist rather than trying to tough it out.

The trick is to let the dentist worry about getting the crown off. The patients job is mostly to stay and say if something hurts. The whole process often feels quicker once the patient stops watching every move and just lets it get out of the way.

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