[Rob Aiello]

I have had to replace a crown on my front tooth 4 times in the last 1.5 years because the crown will not adhere to what's left of my tooth. Each time the crown falls out, my tooth and the post is completely black - almost charcoal black in colour. My dentist does not know what is going on, says he has tried different cements and has used a steel post, and therefore believes that there must be a crack in my tooth causing saliva to get in and erode the post. He believes the next step for me is an implant to ensure he can attach a crown more permanently? Does anyone know what may be causing this...it looks really weird - my tooth, well what's remaining of it, as I had a root canal many, many years ago, is still solid but it turns completely black. My dentist scrapes the black colour off of the post but this time (today was the most recent visit) he could not clean the black off of my tooth. My dentist is now saying that a dental implant is the next best step but I am wondering if there is anything else that can be done - is there a different cement to hold the crown in place? Is there a different type of post? Do I really need what's left of my tooth removed and an implant put in...I am really scared to have this done....does anyone have any advice? Should I be seeing a specialist? If so, what kind and does anyone have any references for someone in Toronto Canada? Thanks in advance anyone and everyone...

[marlaw]

I have all my top teeth crowned or veneered. Last August, one of my front teeth abcessed and it turned visibly black under the crown. None of my other root canalled teeth have ever turned black...now I have to have the crown ground off, the tooth lightened, and the crown replaced. I asked if the crown could be popped off and my dentist said no, the glue is very permanent. Also, the tooth is filled, sealing it in a way, so saliva shouldn't be able to seep in.

I will ask my dentist about your situation. Implants are a big step.

-Marla in Calgary

[Dr Pav Khaira]

It is not possible to tell you exactly what is going on without a full consultation.

Implants are not necessarily a drastic step, sometimes they are the best step!

I would recommend you discuss this further with your dentist

Kindest regards

[prosman]

Originally Posted by Dr Pav Khaira

Implants are not necessarily a drastic step, sometimes they are the best step!

this is most likely the best option if the teeth either side are in good condition

nick fahey