Cracked off the corner of an already decades ago filled molar a week or two ago. Left a hole, sharp edges, but zero pain. Finally got around to finding a new, in-network dentist in the area where our second home is as we expect to sell primary next spring and live here full time. Might as well start finding local services now. Picked a large practice that rated 4.9/5 on Google, with 550+ reviews, outside the capitol city.
As expected, doc said the only solution was a crown. Already went through this on the other side a couple years ago. Got a quote, he said we can do this now, or later. I said do it now, since I was already there. $$ was about what I expected after insurance.
Impressed with the place on many levels. Looked very new, lots of latest tech. Doc very professional, thoroughly explained every step before starting. Said they make crowns on site, will have to sit for an hour while they make it once I am all prepped. Even the novacaine injections were the least painful that I have ever had. Numbed up quick, drill, grind. Drill, grind. Not fun, but it doesn't bother me that much.
They turned me loose for an hour, I went to a Harbor Freight across the street and bought 5 things, 4 that I really didn't need (that's what HF is for, right?). Came back, was taken back to the chair.
Tech test fit the new crown. Took an X-Ray of it for doc to review. Doc came in a glued it up, then left. Tech scraped away the excess cement, said I was just about done. Said that she needed to take one more X-Ray for doc to review....
Then things got weird.
She left for a minute, then came back in hurriedly, and said "I have to do one more thing, open please." She grabbed a pick and said "this thing has to come out, I'll explain later. And I'll have to pull hard."
But she couldn't get it out.
Then she started to explain that the doc was picky, and put the last X-Ray on a screen that I could see, then doc came in. He showed me a tiny gap between the crown and the tooth base. I'd guess 1/32" or less. Said that the cement was supposed to "squish in" there, but it didn't for some reason. He said I had a functioning tooth, and didn't have to have it re-done for a while if I didn't want to. But he didn't feel leaving it as it could possibly cause problems later.
I went out to the front area with the tech to make an appointment. The girl said "How about 9:30 tomorrow AM?"
Ugh. But why not. Took it. So gum needles back in tomorrow.
I am still impressed with the practice, and really with the fact that the doc would not let this tiny imperfection walk out the front door.
Was thinking about showing up with a caulking gun on my belt.
