Archives for April 2022

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Worth the Risk for Me?

Posted on April 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I still have all my wisdom teeth. I am 42 years old, and after my last dental x-ray, my dentist said that two teeth are partially impacted. One tooth has a cavity and is impacted by the bone and gums. My dentist referred me to an oral surgeon for an evaluation. The surgeon said that my tooth roots are long, so nerve damage is a risk. Also, my dentist says that one impacted tooth is angled beside a root canal tooth. I am anxious about dental appointments anyway, and I have never had any surgery. Is it worth the risk? Thank you. Alexis from Savannah, GA

Alexis,

Thank you for your question.

Anxiety About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Although wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, your anxiety is not unusual. Tooth roots lengthen as we age, thicken in dense bone, and sometimes get entangled in nerves. Removing the teeth becomes increasingly complex and risky the longer you wait. Still, you can have successful wisdom tooth removal. It is a common surgery, and oral surgeons and dentists trained in oral surgery remove impacted wisdom teeth regularly.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Risks

Oral surgeons and dentists with oral surgery training must explain the risks of wisdom teeth removal, including teeth that are entangled in nerves or affecting other teeth. Usually, a skilled oral surgeon can navigate nerves and avoid long-term damage. Remember, a dentist with oral surgery training and experience and oral surgeons complete thousands of wisdom teeth extractions.

An impacted tooth with a cavity will eventually spread the infection to your gums, bone, and adjacent teeth. So, removing it is wise. An angled wisdom tooth beside a root canal tooth requires extra care. When practical, an oral surgeon will cut a tooth into sections for easier removal and to decrease the risk of damaging adjacent teeth. After examining a 3-D CT scan of your teeth, the oral surgeon may recommend removing all your wisdom teeth to prevent future problems and another surgery.

Sedation for Wisdom Teeth Removal

An oral surgeon or dentist may use a local anesthetic and a sedative for wisdom teeth removal. The local anesthetic will numb your gums and teeth. Oral or IV sedation can relax you and block pain. Speak with an oral surgeon or a dentist trained in oral surgery about sedation options during wisdom teeth removal. Also, ask questions about your concerns to increase your comfort in wisdom teeth surgery.

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

Bonding on My Teenager’s Broken Front Teeth Looks Horrible

Posted on April 25, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My son Jackson fell and broke his two front teeth. Only a little of the top and sides were left on both teeth. Our family dentist put bonding on Jackson’s teeth, but it looks horrible. It is lumpy and does not match his other teeth. Although his friends do not tease him, they have noticed the bonding. Jackson is self-conscious and tries not to smile. He will be 13 years old in July. I don’t want a hormonal teenager to be burdened with worrying about his teeth. Would a cosmetic dentist work on a child’s teeth? Our dentist said she could try the bonding again, but I don’t want to increase Jackson’s anxiety. Thank you. Trish

Trish,

Please do not hesitate to find an experienced cosmetic dentist to correct your son’s front teeth. Many cosmetic dentists treat adults only, but search for a cosmetic dentist willing to treat children. If you cannot find a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who accepts young patients, call a few offices, and explain that your son can sit still during treatment.

When a Family Dentist Cannot Apply Front Teeth Bonding Correctly

When a family dentist cannot apply front teeth bonding correctly, they probably lack cosmetic dentistry training. Dentists apply bonding by hand, which requires skill and artistry. Additionally, cosmetic dentists stock an assortment of tools and materials to achieve natural-looking results, including:

Bonding materials
Dental composites
Tints

The assortment helps a cosmetic dentist blend composite and bonding to perfectly match your natural tooth color, tint, and translucence.

Your family dentist deserves commendation for conservatively treating your son’s teeth with dental bonding instead of grinding them down for a dental crown. The tooth preparation increases the risk of damaging the tooth pulp and leading to root canal treatment. Also, your son’s permanent teeth may erupt more and require more cosmetic work.

Consult with a Cosmetic Dentist for a Child’s Broken Front Teeth

We recommend looking for an accredited cosmetic dentist who enjoys working with children to restore your child’s broken front teeth. Otherwise, seek a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who accepts children as patients. After an examination and x-rays, the dentist will explain what dental care your son will need in the future to keep his restored front teeth healthy and natural looking.

Dr. David Finley, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Can I Glue a Tooth Back in Place?

Posted on April 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have a front tooth that just broke this morning, and I want to glue it back in place. Please do not recommend an emergency dentist because I do not have the time or money to get to a dentist right now. The lower-left corner broke, but I have the piece of tooth. It is a decent size chunk. In June, I should be able to afford a dentist and get time off from work. What are the pros and cons of gluing the piece back on myself? Thanks. Kevin from TN

Kevin,

We cannot give you instructions for gluing a tooth. You need to see an emergency dentist. There are no pros to gluing the broken piece of the tooth back on. We will briefly give you three reasons to see a dentist instead of trying to resolve it yourself.

Can You Glue a Tooth Back in Place?

You cannot glue a tooth back in place and get lasting results. Using glue in your mouth will create other oral health problems. And your delay in seeing a dentist can result in intense pain and costly treatment. We will explain.

Glue Does not Belong in Your Mouth

Glue is not for use in your mouth. It can be toxic. You may create more problems than you solve if you try to glue the tooth back together. Besides, your saliva will prevent a do-it-yourself fix from staying in place. You may also damage your tooth even further.

It Can Get Worse

A break in your tooth can get worse if it is not properly restored. The tooth can weaken and become infected. You can end up losing the tooth altogether. It is possible that your tooth has internal damage already.

It Is More Expensive to Wait

If you have lost a chunk of your tooth, there is no way you can continue to avoid seeing a dentist. Eventually, the broken tooth will become so painful that you will need to see a dentist to relieve it. As the condition of the tooth worsens, it will become more costly and more time-consuming to repair. If you wait too long and a dentist must remove your tooth, there will be additional costs to replace it.

You can find a dentist who will offer payment plans or other arrangements to help you get the care you need. See an emergency dentist right away.

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

Can I Get Implants Instead of Dentures After Gum Disease?

Posted on April 6, 2022 by AllSmiles.

After 25 years of poor oral care, I have finally been able to see a dentist consistently. I have advanced gum disease, and my dentist recommends dentures. I have lost seven teeth from gum disease, and my dentist thinks she will need to extract several more. But I want dental implants. I know I have bone shrinkage, but I want implants even if my dentist cannot be the one to finish my case. Should I get a second opinion? Thank you. Lyle from OK

Lyle,

Thank you for your question.

Dental implants effectively replace missing teeth because they imitate tooth structure from the root up. So, with implants, you can eat normally. And the artificial tooth roots stimulate your jawbone.

But removable dentures are not stable, reducing chewing efficiency by at least 50 percent. Without substitute tooth roots, your jawbone will further shrink, and eventually, you will not be able to keep a denture in your mouth. Additionally, your shrunken jawbone will cause your face to sag prematurely.

Can You Get Implants Instead of Dentures After Gum Disease?

If you have good health and can receive routine dental care, you may qualify for implants. But an implant dentist or specialist must take a 3-D scan to determine how much damage the periodontal disease has caused to your gum tissue and bone. After getting gum disease under control, you may need bone grafting to help your body build enough healthy bone to support your dental implants.

Photo of natural-looking upper and lower dentures.

If you need a denture, a your dentist about implants to support them.

Although your dentist recommends dentures, getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist or specialist will help determine your options. If you require tooth removal and dentures, implant overdentures may be an option instead of removable dentures. Four to six dental implants can keep your denture stable and feel more like natural teeth than removable dentures that lift, slip, or slide around.

Best wishes for getting a healthier, long-lasting smile.

Dr. David Finley, a Monroe, Louisiana dentist and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Finley’s commitment to providing patients with some of the best dental care in Monroe.

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