crown (why)

regedit

visited my dentist today. She told me (by hitting my decayed tooth with a small but blunt metal object) that it would need root canal treatment and then a crown. I asked her could they not just use composite materials to build up the "missing" (decayed) section of tooth number 6 (up) and she said that it could be a temporary measure but will not offer long term solution.
She was not very talkative so removed the decay and she put some temp filling which she said would last some 4-6 weeks.
Does that sound OK?
She said that root canal is a complex matter and would have to revere me to some orthodontist. The cost would be some 600+ Euros and than for a crown< I would be charged some 800 Euro.
This is the first time that I've had dealings with a dentist in the State. Does the price sound too high and would someone recommend a dentist up the North who works on a Saturday? Any help appreciate.

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Just found out that VHI dental will cover 70% of the cost of each. The max they will pay is 500 euro for each which is not that bad.

BryanL

this is why you need a crown as well, espically if it's been done by an endodontist

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055326101

regedit

BryanL wrote: »

this is why you need a crown as well, espically if it's been done by an endodontist

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055326101

Thanks Bryan. the root canal is going to be done by an endodontist I was told. My dentist said that it was a highly specialised job and they would not do it. They will, however make the crown.
The only reason i was asking about building up the "tooth" with a latest generation of composite is that I have heard that composites of the newest generation are stronger than porcelain.

BryanL

composites can be stronger than porcelain in some area and application, but....

It's your tooth that'll be weaker not some much the composite and the strenght of bond between dentine and composite is never enough to depend on long term after most root canals.
it's a good sign that your dentist is referring you, more concerned about quality work.
the crown is like a thimble or upside down cup, it slides down over the tooth and binds the remaining tooth together.The main strenght of the crown is from the metal or zirconium core, the porcelain outside is mostly aesthetic in it's function.
Bryan

regedit

BryanL wrote: »

composites can be stronger than porcelain in some area and application, but....

It's your tooth that'll be weaker not some much the composite and the strenght of bond between dentine and composite is never enough to depend on long term after most root canals.
it's a good sign that your dentist is referring you, more concerned about quality work.
the crown is like a thimble or unside down cup, it slides down over the tooth and binds the remaining tooth together.The main strenght of the crown is from the metal or zirconium core, the porcelain outside is mostly aesthetic in it's function.
Bryan

Getting the picture now.
Thanks for the info.