Archives for March 2022

How Can I Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist?

Posted on March 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I live 70 miles from your office. I am looking for a cosmetic dentist that is closer to home. I do not want to have five consultations and x-rays from each dentist. My time is limited, and I would like to narrow my choices at home before scheduling appointments, especially since I have a weak immune system and the pandemic is not quite over. I am interested in teeth whitening and dental bonding. And I may need a veneer for one tooth. Will you please give me tips on what to look for in a cosmetic dentist? Thanks, Vanya

Vanya

Thanks for your inquiry. There is a lot of information online about dentists and their practices. Yes, we have suggestions.

1. Check patient reviews

Look for online reviews about the dentist. You can check Google My Business pages, Yelp, and Facebook reviews. You can type a dentist’s name, followed by the word “reviews,” to find other sources.

2. Look for the dentist’s website and a smile gallery.

An accomplished cosmetic dentist has a website. Look for credentials or membership with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Read the doctor’s bio to learn about their training, experience, continuing education, and experience. Also, look for a smile gallery of the dentist’s patients and before-and-after photos of the dentist’s work. Look for current pictures with cases like yours.

3. Schedule a complimentary visit

Most cosmetic dentists offer a complimentary consultation. Tell the scheduler that you want to see the office, meet the dentist, and talk about treatment options. Many dental practices will schedule five or ten minutes with the dentist or staff and talk about your smile goals. You will have an opportunity to decide if you would feel comfortable at the dental practice. Visit at least two cosmetic dentists before you choose a provider.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

My Dental Crown Still Hurts After Two Adjustments

Posted on March 27, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Two months ago, my dentist placed three crowns on my back teeth. One tooth hurts so bad that I wonder if I will lose it and need a dental implant. When I chew anything slightly hard or crunchy, it feels like a nerve is exposed. My dentist shaved the crown twice. Most recently, my dentist blamed the problem on the way I chew. Before the crowns, I didn’t have pain when chewing, so why is it a problem now? I am avoiding chewing around the tooth until I can get this resolved. Could the way I chew really be causing the pain? And if it continues, will I lose the tooth and need an implant? It seems it will be another year before I can get Invisalign. Thank you. Lance from AZ

Lance,

Thank you for your inquiry.

What Causes a New Crown to Hurt When You Are Chewing?

Dental crown

If a new crown hurts when you chew, two likely reasons are your bite that is too high or you have a tooth infection. In either case, a skilled dentist can correct the problem and help you eat comfortably again.

Bite too high – A high bite occurs when your dental crown sits too high compared with your other teeth. When you chew, your opposing teeth will hit the crown harder than your other teeth. The repeated force on the crown will make the tooth sensitive.
Tooth infection – Inflammation of the ligament that connects your tooth and jawbone can lead to infection. Your tooth can be painful when you chew, or you might have a constant toothache.

When Your Crown Is Still Too High After Adjustment

If your dentist repeatedly adjusts your crown and bite, but you still feel pain, the crown is probably not the issue. Your dentist should x-ray your tooth to check for infection. But sometimes, signs of infection on an x-ray are subtle. If that’s the case, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist or root canal specialist. An endodontist’s diagnostic skills can detect the cause of pain.

Your treatment options may include root canal treatment, which the endodontist can perform. If your tooth is savable, an endodontist or a dentist with advanced root canal training can do it. Root canal treatment is the preferred option before extraction and dental implant. Prompt treatment can help you avoid losing the tooth.

Although the concerns with your crown are delaying your Invisalign treatment, it is better to resolve them before you begin Invisalign. If you decide to see a new dentist, let them know about your plans for Invisalign to ensure your treatment plan is comprehensive.

Dr. David Finley, a Monroe, Louisiana dentist and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, sponsors this post.

Will My Son’s Chipped Tooth Grow Back?

Posted on March 23, 2022 by AllSmiles.

During soccer practice last week, my 12-year-old son took a direct hit in the mouth from another player’s head. My son always wears a mouthguard, but his left front tooth chipped anyway. He is still young, and I know his jaw and bones are still growing. His pediatric dentist says that the tooth will not grow back, but I want to verify whether that is true. Will any part of the tooth grow back? Shawna T. from KY

Shawna,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concern for your son’s tooth. But his pediatric dentist is correct.

Will a Chipped Tooth Grow Back?

A chipped tooth will not grow back because tooth enamel does not regenerate. However, if you have the piece that chipped off, a skilled cosmetic dentist can bond it back onto the tooth.

A cosmetic dentist will conceal a chipped tooth with these steps:

Clean the tooth
Roughen the surface
Etch the tooth and apply a bonding agent
Select and blend dental composites that match the tooth shade
Apply and shape layers of composite
Harden the composite
Reshape and polish the composite to match surrounding natural teeth.

A cosmetic dentist will restore your son’s tooth in one visit while he relaxes in the dental chair. According to the American Dental Association, tooth enamel will fuse with the bonding, which strengthens the tooth and helps it look natural. The bond will be seamless, and you will not be able to tell where the tooth chipped.

Dental bonding before and after photos

Quality dental bonding can last up to five years if you take good care of it. A cosmetic dentist will need to refresh the bonding periodically.

When a large portion of a tooth or the entire tooth breaks, a dentist will need to complete root canal treatment and protect the tooth with a dental crown.

Will Dental Insurance Pay to Repair a Chipped Tooth?

Dental insurance will provide some benefits toward repairing a chipped tooth. But insurance will not cover the entire cost. Sometimes, medical insurance plans offer some coverage toward accidental injury to teeth. Ask dental and medical insurance companies about plan benefits.

Schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist who treats adults and children to examine your son’s tooth and explain treatment options.

Dr. David Finley, an accredited cosmetic dentistry Fellow in Monroe, Louisiana, sponsors this post.

Is There Any Hope for My Gray Teeth?

Posted on March 9, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My teeth look gray. Is there any hope for my gray teeth and whitening them? Should I ask a dentist for whitening treatment? My teeth haven’t always been this shade, but the problem has worsened over the past eight years. The stains are not on my teeth. They look like they are coming from the inside. I am disappointed that my dentist does not seem more concerned because I’ve had the same dentist for the past ten years. I’ve decided to see a different dentist about the staining. But before I schedule an appointment, can you give me an idea of what to expect for treatment? Thank you. Levi from Illinois

Levi,

Thank you for your question. Gray spots that are intrinsic—or naturally a part of the teeth—are beneath the enamel.

What Causes Gray Teeth?

Factors that may cause gray teeth stains or discoloration include:

Medication – Medication, particularly tetracycline, taken during childhood while teeth are developing can cause teeth to stain. Tetracycline binds to calcium ions in developing teeth. When teeth erupt and the tetracycline is oxidized, it turns dark in color, and yellow, brown, or gray spots become a part of the inner tooth structure. Certain antibiotics can cause tooth discoloration in adults.
Trauma – Trauma or an accident that impacts your teeth or mouth can disrupt the blood flow and cause teeth to discolor.
Dental work – Metal used in fillings or dental cement in tooth restorations can show gray spots or streaks through the enamel.
Medical conditions – Nutritional deficiencies, specific acquired and hereditary diseases, and genetic defects can cause gray teeth.

What Are the Treatment Options for Gray Teeth?

Zoom whitening gel being applied to teeth

Teeth bleaching with Zoom

Treatment for gray teeth can include one or more cosmetic treatments to improve the color. A skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend bleaching, dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or ceramic crowns, depending on the cause of discoloration and condition of your teeth.

Visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for an oral examination and a thorough review of your health history. They will determine the cause of the gray spots in your teeth and the best way to treat them. The cosmetic dentist will discuss your treatment options.

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited Fellow and Monroe, Louisiana dentist, Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

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