Do you have a tough issue in your dental office that you would like addressed? Each week the experts on Team Troubleshooter will tackle those issues and provide you with answers. Send questions to [email protected].
QUESTION: The other day I tried in a PFM crown but was unable to remove it! Everything looked good and it clearly fits well, but I'm worried because there's no cement layer. What should I do?
ANSWER FROM CHRIS SALIERNO, DDS, editor of Dental Economics:
I think every dentist has at least one case like that! I'm not aware of any research that follows this type of situation so I can't say that there are any definitive negative outcomes to expect.
Here's what I would do. First, try removing the crown without damaging it. GC America makes GC Pliers that work great! Next, if the crown still doesn't come off, it's important to inform the patient and note the dilemma in the chart. Let the patient know that there is a chance the crown may exfoliate some day and that he or she should be careful, especially in the first few weeks after insertion. If the crown continues to stay in, then I would monitor it a little more closely on recall visits. You may want to take a bitewing radiograph there more frequently to ensure that the interproximal margins are still looking good.
Hope this helps!
RECENT THURSDAY TROUBLESHOOTERS
Dental assistant disturbed by unfair salaries
Does this commission-only RDH have a prayer for a raise?
Dental team tired of treating people when they're sick
Send your questions for the experts to answer. Responses will come from various consultants, many of whom are associated with Speaking Consulting Network, Academy of Dental Management Consultants, Dental Consultant Connection, and other expert dental support and human resources organizations. Their members take turns fielding your questions on DentistryIQ, because they are very familiar with addressing the tough issues. Hey, it's their job.
Send your questions to [email protected]. All inquiries will be answered anonymously every Thursday here on DIQ.
