Yaksuyeok Dental Clinic: Precautions for Re-treatment of Old Front Tooth Crowns

Yaksuyeok Dental Clinic: Precautions for Re-treatment of Old Front Tooth Crowns

Hello,

This is Dr. Kim Tae-young, the head director of Bareunyoung Dental Clinic at Yaksuyeok, personally explaining cases we have treated.

A significant number of patients visit our clinic for aesthetic prosthetic treatment of their front teeth.

I believe that for aesthetic prosthetics, while the dentist's judgment is crucial, understanding the patient's needs is equally important.

I tend to spend a long time consulting and explaining.

Therefore, especially when performing aesthetic prosthetic treatment, we engage in extensive conversations with patients to gather a lot of information,

which we then refer to when designing the prosthetics.

That's why patients often have long consultation times with me.^^

Just as our bodies develop wrinkles due to aging,

gums recede over time as they are absorbed.

When prosthetic treatment, such as a crown, is initially placed on a tooth, it looks very natural and aesthetic.

However, as time passes, the gums contract, exposing the boundary between the tooth and the prosthetic, which can become aesthetically bothersome when smiling or speaking.

The general recommendation from academic societies is that the lifespan of prosthetics is about 8-10 years, and periodic replacement is advised to evaluate the internal condition.

However, realistically, it's not possible to replace all prosthetics at every interval,

so we recommend replacing old crowns if secondary decay is suspected or if they are difficult to maintain.

This is because contamination can also occur inside prosthetics that have been in place for a long time.

Especially for front teeth, rather than molars, re-treatment of old crowns for aesthetic reasons is common.

Today, I will explain how Bareunyoung Dental Clinic performs treatment and what precautions should be taken during front tooth treatment.

I want to replace my old front tooth crowns.

This is one of our existing patients who came for a regular check-up after a long time.

They recalled being satisfied with a previous re-treatment of a molar at our clinic,

and this time, they wanted to replace their front tooth crowns, stating they didn't look good.

Even from the photo, the boundary of the old crown was exposed, and the inner surface of the tooth appeared dark,

suggesting secondary decay.

Before starting treatment, there are several considerations for front tooth prosthetics when planning.

When drawing a white midline, observing the angle of the symmetrical teeth on both sides (blue)

shows that the tooth axis, or the angle at which the teeth erupted, differs between the natural tooth and the crowned tooth.

Additionally, the gum lines marked in yellow are all different, so these gum lines need to be reshaped.

Considering aesthetic factors, it would be ideal to treat even teeth with misaligned axes for symmetrical tooth shape, but

the patient only wanted to treat the existing crowns, so we began re-treatment for the three existing crowns.

Gum Height Contouring Using Temporary Teeth

After shaping the teeth, we adjusted the gum height using only temporary teeth, without gum surgery.

Such gum contouring cannot be achieved with conventionally made temporary teeth,

and although it's shown as a single image,

through multiple adjustments during periodic visits while in the temporary tooth state,

especially by adjusting the volume of the area where it meets the gums,

we were able to match the gum level with the surrounding teeth.

Even though it's not the final prosthetic stage and is in an incomplete temporary tooth state, it already looks much better than before.

Although not visible in the photos, the patient lacks canines, and the premolars act as canines,

so we designed the tooth shape with that in mind.

Final Prosthetic Fabrication Stage

After confirming that the gums have adapted in the temporary tooth state,

the final prosthetic is fabricated to match the current gum level.

The shape and color are made to be as natural as possible by comparing them with the surrounding teeth.

These are the final photos.

It would have looked even more natural if the slightly misaligned tooth axis had also been treated,

but even with this level of re-treatment, it looks much more natural compared to before.

Fortunately, the patient was also pleased with the gum level, tooth shape, and color.

Thus, front tooth prosthetic treatment can be much more aesthetically pleasing not only in color,

but also through harmony with the shape, gums, and surrounding teeth.

This requires an increased number of visits and a temporary adaptation period.

However, when they see the results, most patients understand and are satisfied.

While we cannot 100% prevent gum recession,

the issues arising from gum aging can certainly be treated,

so if you have similar concerns, we recommend visiting us for a diagnosis.

Today, we looked into re-treatment of old front tooth prosthetics at #YaksuyeokDentalClinic.

I hope your questions have been answered,

and I will greet you next time with another helpful case.

Thank you.^^

▼Related cases to read

We believe that proper treatment leads to proper results.My ideal dental clinic is one where all patients who visit with worries leave feeling reassured and confident. – Bareunyoung Dental Clinic –

DirectionsJYJ Building, 2nd Floor, 179 Dongho-ro, Jung-guRight in front of Exit 6 of Yaksuyeok (towards Yaksuyeok Market)Village Bus 5 (Yaksuyeok)Village Bus 12 (Namsan Town, Yaksuyeok Police Station)Bus Stops (Yaksuyeok Heights, Sindang Social Welfare Center, Gaondogwan, Geumho Tunnel Entrance)From Yuyu Pharmaceutical towards Geumho Station

This post was written directly by Bareunyoung Dental Clinic for the purpose of providing medical information and hospital advertising (in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do old front tooth crowns need to be replaced?

Yes, replacement may be necessary. Over time, gums can recede, exposing the crown margin, or contamination can occur inside the prosthetic, leading to suspected secondary decay. Academic societies generally recommend a prosthetic lifespan of 8-10 years and periodic replacement.

What should be considered when re-treating front tooth crowns?

For front tooth prosthetics, aesthetic factors are crucial, so the treatment plan comprehensively considers the symmetrical shape of the teeth, gum line, and tooth angle. Understanding the patient's needs and gathering information through conversation is also important.

Can gum height be adjusted without gum surgery?

Yes, it is possible. By using special temporary teeth, rather than conventional ones, and making periodic adjustments, the volume of the area where it meets the gums can be controlled to match the gum level with the surrounding teeth.

How does the front tooth re-treatment process proceed?

First, we have a thorough consultation with the patient to understand their needs, then shape the teeth, and use temporary teeth for a gum adaptation period. Once the gums have adapted, the final prosthetic is fabricated with a shape and color that harmonizes with the surrounding teeth.

What is the typical lifespan of a front tooth crown?

Academic societies generally report the lifespan of prosthetics to be around 8-10 years. However, since it's difficult to replace all prosthetics at every interval, replacement is recommended if decay is suspected or if maintenance is difficult.

What is the satisfaction level after front tooth re-treatment?

Yes, most patients are satisfied. Although it requires an increased number of visits and a temporary adaptation period, the gum level, tooth shape, and color become more natural, leading to significant aesthetic improvement.