I have four porcelain veneers on my teeth. One of them now has a cavity. My dentist wants to remove the porcelain veneer and replace it with a dental crown, which will also take care of the decay. Is this the standard procedure for dealing with a cavity on a tooth with a porcelain veneer? I’m not too keen on getting a dental crown if I do not need one.
Lillith
Dear Lillith,
There are a few things to consider here. I wish I knew more specifics about your case. However, here are the considerations.
First, very few dentists are able to match a single crown to porcelain veneers. I would estimate only about 2% of dentists are able to do that. I would be very careful with who you have do that if you do go that direction. Please make sure they let you see it with a temporary try-in paste first and you get to look at it in several different types of light. If it doesn’t match completely, then do not let them bond it on.
Second, while you did not say how large the decay was, in order for decay to warrant a crown, you would need about 30% of the tooth to be decayed. If it is less than that, and I suspect it is if you have porcelain veneers, then a dental crown is a massive overtreatment.
My suggestion is that you get a second opinion on this tooth. It may be best for you to see an expert cosmetic dentist for that second opinion. Often, dentists who recommend a crown instead of a porcelain veneer, do so because they are not comfortable with their skill level with porcelain veneers.
When it comes to decay with porcelain veneers, they are most susceptible at the margins. It will be important that you floss regularaly in order to prevent that decay. Please get a second opinion before moving forward on this.
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