Dentist snags a hunk-a hunk-a tooth

EAU CLAIRE, WIS. - A dentist has purchased an unusual bit of Elvis memorabilia -- a porcelain crown that covered a gap in the King's teeth and the plaster mold used to make it.

Last update: August 17, 2007 - 8:03 PM

EAU CLAIRE, WIS. - A dentist has purchased an unusual bit of Elvis memorabilia -- a porcelain crown that covered a gap in the King's teeth and the plaster mold used to make it.

"He had nice teeth," said Dr. Jim McCarthy, 58. "From a dentist's point of view, I find it interesting."

McCarthy received the crown this week from the son of the dentist who made it. The crown came with affidavits from the dentist's family.

Lewis Weiss, 59, said Elvis Presley lived next door to his grandmother in Memphis. His father, Henry Weiss, was the Presley family dentist.

His father kept a mold and spare crown in case Elvis needed one in an emergency. That happened in February 1971, when Elvis cracked his crown on a microphone while performing in Las Vegas at the International Hotel, now the Hilton.

Elvis died 30 years ago Thursday at age 42. Dentist Henry Weiss died in 1990.

McCarthy, a colonel with the Wisconsin National Guard, cut a deal to buy the mold and crown from Lewis Weiss while serving his second tour in Iraq. His son Patrick is a big Elvis fan and will inherit them, he said.

His examination revealed something else as well: "I tend to think maybe he did some grinding.

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