Today I heard about a company that will provide patients will mail order crowns and dentures without seeing the patient. This is an interesting concept, but patients should be aware that if you have lost a crown, there may be some underlying pathology that needs to be addressed prior replacing that crown. It is important to have your dentist evaluate the tooth prior to placing a new crown. The same is true for replacing a denture or a filling. Completing a professional evaluation will save you time and money in the long run.