Archives for December 2023

A Veneer or Crown for My 11-Year-Old’s Chipped Front Tooth?

Posted on December 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I hope you can provide some information before I take my daughter to her pediatric dentist. She is 11 years old and fell off her bike and chipped her front tooth almost in half. It’s her permanent tooth, so I wonder if a porcelain veneer or crown would be best. I want it to look natural so she doesn’t get teased in school. My sister is a dental hygienist and said that because my daughter is so young, her pediatric dentist isn’t going to recommend either a veneer or a porcelain crown. Is this true? Thanks. Sivani

Sivani,

Your daughter’s pediatric dentist will first test the tooth and check for damage to the nerve in it. The dentist will recommend treatment depending on the tooth’s condition.

A Crown or a Veneer for a Child’s Chipped Front Tooth?

Porcelain crowns and veneers are a challenge to stay in place as a child’s teeth and jawbone are still developing. The restoration would need to be periodically replaced as your daughter grows and develops. A single porcelain veneer can be costly. A dental crown is also an investment that you should weigh carefully. Porcelain restorations are more expensive than other options.

Why Is Dental Bonding Effective for a Chipped Front Tooth?

Dental bonding is effective for a child’s chipped front tooth because it is easy to replace as the child grows. Bonding is a mixture of quartz or silica with dental resin. It is applied to the tooth in the dentist’s office using the following steps:

The affected tooth will be roughened and etched.
Dental bonding will be selected and blended to match your daughter’s tooth shade.
The bonding will be applied, shaped, hardened, and polished.

Although some pediatric dentists offer the service, a skilled cosmetic dentist who treats children has the tools and composite materials to ensure the bonding matches your daughter’s teeth. Usually, it only takes one appointment to restore the tooth’s appearance.

Although replacing porcelain veneers or crowns as children develop can be costly, dental bonding can be touched up and polished or replaced if necessary.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who enjoys having children as patients.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Before and after photos of a child's chipped front tooth

Consult Bayou Dental Group for restoring your child’s chipped front tooth

Is 45 Too Old for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Posted on December 25, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My lower left wisdom tooth is beginning to hurt, and I am 45 years old. I scheduled an appointment with my dentist for an exam. She will refer me to an oral surgeon if the tooth is impacted. Is age 45 a high risk for wisdom tooth extraction? Is there a risk of jawbone damage or breaking? Six years ago, a surgeon removed my right upper and lower wisdom teeth. I regret declining to have them all removed. I want this all behind me because I am scheduled to begin Invisalign treatment in February. Thank you for your reply. Maikala

Maikala

45 is not too old to have your wisdom teeth removed. Although extractions earlier in life have a lower risk of complications, if the tooth is getting painful, it is probably infected. Also, removing the tooth is your only option. Delaying treatment for an infected tooth will create more long-term problems.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If your teeth are impacted, or the roots are deep, an oral surgeon should perform the extractions. But is unlikely that you will have any jawbone damage or breaks. Of course, any surgeon will ask you to sign a consent form that lists every possible risk. But surgeons must protect themselves legally. The risk of serious complications is rare.

Remove Wisdom Teeth in Pairs

Although your lower left wisdom tooth is hurting, removing the upper left will prevent future complications.

Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth

Upper and lower Invisalign aligners, available in Monroe, LA from David Finley, DDS

Resolve your oral health concerns before getting Invisalign invisible braces

If you decide not to remove your remaining wisdom teeth, be aware of the risks. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons lists the following risks of delaying wisdom teeth removal:

Damage to neighboring teeth
Cysts, abscesses, or tumors
Cavities your dentist cannot restore
Infection or periodontal disease

Be sure to keep your exam appointment with your dentist so you can get the treatment you need. Delayed wisdom tooth extraction can lead to a flare-up that interrupts your Invisalign treatment.

Can Dental Bonding Lighten a Dark Tooth?

Posted on December 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist bleached my upper right front tooth. I had a root canal on the tooth in 2018 but the tooth darkened, so my dentist bleached it. In certain light, the tooth still looks dark. Regardless of the light, I can tell the tooth is darker than my left front tooth. I do not want tooth structure removed for a crown or veneer, so I am considering a composite veneer on the dark tooth or both front teeth if needed. My concern is what happens when the bonding gets old. Will a dentist have to grind off tooth enamel every time I need new bonding? Thank you. Shem from GA

Shem

Dental bonding is ideal for a slightly discolored tooth. However, don’t expect your family dentist to achieve a perfect match. Applying bonding to look natural and match your surrounding teeth requires advanced cosmetic dentist training.

Composite Bonding for a Discolored Tooth

A trained dentist can conceal your dark tooth with composite bonding.

Traditional dental composite

A cosmetic dentist will take these steps:

Remove plaque from your teeth
Lightly shave some of your tooth enamel to make room for the bonding material and prevent your teeth from looking bulky
Combine various stints and composites to achieve the right shade and translucence
Apply the composite to your tooth
Shape, harden, and polish the composite

How Long Does Dental Composite Last?

A single porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Dental bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers

Traditional dental bonding lasts about five years before the surface begins to deteriorate. Although bonding doesn’t last as long as porcelain veneers, quality bonding from a cosmetic dentist supports the longevity of your dental bonding. Also, a cosmetic dentist can help maintain your bonding and polish away stains.

As the bonding ages, a skilled cosmetic dentist can remove and replace it.

Consult with an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

Schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss how composite can lighten your front tooth and match the color of your surrounding teeth.

Should I Feel Pain Two Months After Getting Crowns and Veneers?

Posted on December 8, 2023 by AllSmiles.

In early October, I received 3 lower left crowns and eight veneers on my upper teeth. I have severe pain in my lower jaw. My gums don’t hurt. I have jaw pain. One lower tooth hurts so badly that I can’t eat soft bread. My dentist told me to keep taking ibuprofen because I had a lot of dental work done in a few days. He said I might need a root canal for the tooth that hurts. I think I’m taking too much ibuprofen, although the pain is so intense. It doesn’t help that I am starting to grind my teeth at night because of the stress and pain. Should I still be in pain after two months? I’m afraid that I might lose my teeth and need implants. How do I know that a root canal will work? I cry about this almost daily. I no longer trust my dentist but am afraid to switch to a new one. How can I resolve this? Thank you so much. Lystra from TX

Lystra,

Please avoid taking excessive amounts of ibuprofen, which can damage your liver or kidneys.

How Long Should You Feel Pain After New Crowns and Veneers?

When you get new dental crowns or veneers, they should not hurt. Tenderness or sensitivity for a few days is common, but what you are experiencing is abnormal. You should never feel pain for two months after cosmetic dentistry treatment.

Get a Second Opinion

Man sittng up in a hammock on the oceanside portraying relaxation with sedation dentistry

Ask about sedation options to relax you during procedures

Quickly find another dentist for a second opinion to examine your restorations. Consider whether you can benefit from dental sedation to calm your anxiety, and speak with the dentist about it. You might need digital X-rays to identify the source of your pain. Your current dentist may be right about your painful tooth needing root canal treatment. It sounds like faulty dental work might have damaged your tooth. It’s best to proceed with root canal treatment if you need it to prevent an extraction and dental implant.

Although it can be difficult, be patient about achieving your long-term goals for your smile. Your dentist’s work needs correcting before it worsens. Focus on regaining good oral health.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley, Dr. Henderson, and Dr. Coughran do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Bayou Dental Group

Comprehensive Family Dentistry

and Award-Winning Smile Makeovers