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Mark Kwon Replied at Fri, Jul 8, 2011 1:32 AM

Hi Mandeep, You can definitely remove the crown as if you are removing regular PFM (ie. cut it and pry it open) If pin retained (you dont see often) follow dr. jin's instruction If cement retained, just get simple bird-beak exo forcept and gently wiggle the crown out. Remember!: First one is always the hardest. get's easier...

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Bernard Jin Replied at Fri, Jun 17, 2011 8:00 PM

Hi Mandeep, Sounds like the retention pin is a gold foil pin. Same principle. I think if you drill out the pin - the retention should give. If this still doesn't release the crown, then you're still left with the other 2 options. :)

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Mandeep Sidhu Replied at Fri, Jun 17, 2011 5:57 PM

Thanks Dr. Jin...the dark spot on the lingual is filled withh gold(?foil maybe)

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Bernard Jin Replied at Fri, Jun 17, 2011 12:54 AM

Hi, Looks like #12 is possibly pin retained by a composite on the lingual surface. If so, using a small bur to drill out the composite thru the lingual pin hole will release the retentive portion of the crown from the abutment. If doing so does not release the crown from the abutment, then you might need to consider 2 options: 1) score & remove the the crown from the abutment as carefully as you can as if you were performing a standard pfm crown removal. You should see the cement line as you prep thru the coping. 2) estimate where the abutment screw access is and try to find it using a bur. in essence, you're trying to punch thru the crown to the screw that hold the abutment in place. if you're successful, you can remove the abutment and crown in one piece. then you can deliver it to the lab who can fire it to separate the abutment from the crown. the problem with this option is that you're guessing the angulation of the abutment on the implant. if the abutment was custom made, this could be very difficult. Just my 2 bits. Hope it helps. Bernard