Should My Dentist Have Checked My Crown Before It Was Cemented?

Posted by AllSmiles

I relocated last year and went to a new dentist for a crown in July 2026. The hygienist placed the permanent crown, and I was surprised the dentist didn’t return to check it. The crown still feels like it has some movement or “play” and may not fit well. My dentist hasn’t called to check on me either. Should I trust him to correct it, or will he refer me back to the hygienist? – Thanks. Jamison from NV

Jamison,

In some states, a dental assistant who completes the required expanded-function education can perform certain procedures beyond the duties of a traditional dental assistant.

The person who cemented your crown may have been an expanded-function dental assistant rather than a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists primarily clean teeth and perform screening examinations. A properly trained expanded-function dental assistant may do the following:

• Place fillings after the dentist prepares the tooth.
• Adjust a permanent crown outside the mouth.
• Perform the final cementation of a permanent crown.

What Is the Dentist’s Responsibility with a New Crown?

We would expect the dentist to check the crown and make sure it fits properly, although state regulations may not require the dentist to check it at a specific phase of the procedure. However, some level of direct supervision may be required.

Regardless of the exact wording of the regulations, we believe the dentist should evaluate the crown to make sure it meets appropriate clinical standards before it is cemented. That check is an important part of making sure the crown fits and functions properly.

Why Might a New Dental Crown Feel Loose?

It is difficult to know exactly what you are feeling without examining the crown. However, a new crown should feel natural. You should not have an ongoing sensation that something is moving or feels strange. Ideally, a well-fitting crown should feel like a natural tooth, so you don’t notice it.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist and ask him to examine the crown. There should be no charge to check a recently placed crown that doesn’t feel right.

After the exam, if you are still uncomfortable with the explanation or the way the crown feels, consider getting a second opinion from another dentist. A second examination can help determine whether the crown fits and functions as it should.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.