Archives for July 2024

How Long Can I Delay a Tooth Extraction?

Posted on July 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

How long can I wait for a tooth extraction? Years ago, I got a gold cap on a second molar tooth. Then, in 2010, I had to get a root canal on it. The gum around the tooth got infected recently, so my dentist gave me some antibiotics and sent me to a specialist. The specialist said the tooth is cracked and won’t survive another root canal. She suggested pulling it out. She prescribed antibiotics first.

The infection’s gone now, thanks to the antibiotics, but I’m really not looking forward to losing the tooth. I’m thinking about leaving it alone and only pulling it if it gets infected again. Does that sound reasonable, or are there any problems with waiting? – Thanks. Dylan

Dylan,

We understand your hesitation about extracting the tooth, but we wouldn’t recommend waiting for it to become infected again before acting.

While penicillin has helped manage the infection, it hasn’t eliminated it. Once the antibiotic course is complete, the infection will likely return and worsen, leading to increased discomfort and potentially more complex treatment.

Additionally, extracting a tooth with an active infection can be less ideal. Addressing the infection first with antibiotics minimizes risks associated with the extraction process. The tooth can feel better after completing antibiotics, but it still requires extraction to prevent recurring infections, dental emergencies, and antibiotic resistance.

We recommend discussing this further with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your oral health.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post.

Can I Get a Refund If Dental Bonding Peels Off?

Posted on July 21, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I got dental bonding to address fluorosis stains on my upper teeth. Unfortunately, the bonding keeps peeling off, making my teeth look worse!

The initial bonding was uneven in color, showing underlying stains. By the evening of the day the dentist placed it, the bonding fell off three teeth. I returned two days later, and the dentist applied a thicker layer. My teeth looked thick, and the bonding fell off again.

The bonding fails despite a new mouthguard for a potential bite issue. I have been diligent in avoiding hard foods. The dentist claims this is a regular occurrence and that the bonding will eventually last five years. Why would it last five years if it keeps peeling off? Is it time to ask for a refund? Thanks. Tyler from IL

Tyler,

We understand your frustration.

Securing a refund for cosmetic dental work can be challenging, especially when the primary complaint is aesthetic dissatisfaction. However, there are specific circumstances where patients have more substantial grounds for a refund.

Dental bonding that doesn’t adhere to your teeth is grounds for requesting a refund. A fundamental standard in dentistry is the durability of restorations. If the bonding has fallen off, it represents a clear breach of this standard. If your dentist resists, explore options like consulting a peer review committee, contacting the dental board, or involving the insurance company (if applicable).

Understanding Fluorosis and Its Treatment

Before addressing your dental bonding concerns, it’s essential to clarify fluorosis. This condition arises from excessive fluoride intake during tooth development. Mild cases exhibit subtle white spots, while severe cases present more pronounced brown stains. Treatment often involves cosmetic dental bonding to mask the stains.

Evaluating the Dental Work

Based on your description, your dentist lacks the expertise required for successful cosmetic dentistry. The inability to match the bonding color with your teeth shows it. Moreover, compensating for errors by applying thicker layers makes the situation worse.

Consult an experienced cosmetic dentist. They have the necessary skills and materials to create a restoration that looks natural. Fluorosis stains are usually superficial and can be treated by removing the discolored enamel and applying a layered composite resin. The result should blend with natural teeth.

Ensuring the Longevity of Dental Bonding

The correct application of dental bonding involves etching the enamel, applying a bonding agent, and curing the composite resin. When done correctly, the bonding should be exceptionally durable. Any issues with premature detachment indicate a procedural error.

It’s important to note that dental bonding on the front teeth typically does not necessitate dietary restrictions or using a nightguard also, if you want whiter teeth, complete teeth bleaching before getting dental bonding.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Do I Need Dental Supervision Near the End of Invisalign?

Posted on July 16, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I am three months away from finishing Invisalign. I relocated last month to be closer to my parents. Do I need a new dentist, or can I finish the treatment on my own? I have all the aligners I need. I’ll just need a retainer when I’m finished. Thanks. Tyrell from Indiana

Tyrell,

If you’re nearing the end of your treatment and have relocated, you might wonder if continued dental supervision is essential. While completing your treatment without additional appointments is possible, establishing care with a local dentist supports a smooth transition and ensures proper treatment completion.

Do You Need Dental Supervision If You’re Almost Finished with Invisalign?

The level of dental supervision required for Invisalign treatment can vary significantly from person to person. While some cases may necessitate regular check-ins, others may need minimal oversight, especially toward the end of treatment.

Understanding Your Treatment Needs

Several factors can influence the need for dental appointments during your Invisalign journey. These may include:

Minor Tooth Adjustments: Sometimes, slight alterations to tooth shape may be necessary to accommodate the aligners.
Attachment Placement: Small “buttons” might be bonded to your teeth to enhance the aligners’ grip and effectiveness. Your dentist will eventually remove the buttons.
Treatment Complications: Occasionally, minor issues requiring professional attention can arise.

Safeguarding Your Smile with a Retainer

Once your Invisalign treatment concludes, wearing a retainer is crucial to maintaining your newly achieved smile. Fortunately, your final set of aligners can often double as retainers.

To gradually reduce retainer wear, follow these guidelines:

Initial Phase: Wear your aligners continuously for a month.

Transition Period: Gradually decrease wear to nighttime only for a few months.

Testing Your Progress:

Experiment with wearing retainers every other night.
If your teeth shift, resume nightly wear.
If stable, extend the interval between wears.

Maintenance: Once your teeth demonstrate consistent stability, you can reduce retainer use to once a week or as your dentist advises. However, keep retainers handy in case you need them.

Neglecting retainer wear can lead to a relapse, undoing the hard work and expense of your Invisalign treatment

Considering Your Options for Invisalign Care

To understand potential costs, consider contacting dentists in your new area to inquire about fees for taking over an existing Invisalign case. Your previous dentist can provide the necessary medical records to facilitate a seamless transfer of care.

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

Could My Dental Hygienist Damage My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on July 4, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I have eight veneers on my upper front teeth. I switched dentists after relocation from the West Coast. My new dental hygienist has a heavy hand. During my last hygiene appointment, I was concerned that she might chip a porcelain veneer if her hand slipped. I appreciate her thoroughness, but can a hygienist’s tools loosen or chip a veneer? – Thank you. Norris from KY

Norris,

Although a hygienist cannot pull off or break a porcelain veneer, some dental tools can chip it or damage its surface.

What Dental Tools Can Harm Porcelain Veneers?

Some dental tools and materials that can harm porcelain veneers include acidulated fluoride, coarse polishing pastes, heavy-duty manual scalers, power polishing equipment, and ultrasonic scalers. Consider when these tools and chemicals can affect veneers.

Acidulated fluoride – If a dentist or hygienist recommends fluoride treatment, acidulated fluoride will etch and remove the glaze from a porcelain veneer’s surface. A hygienist trained in caring for veneers will use a neutral fluoride gel.
Coarse polishing pastes – Polishing pastes that contain coarse pumice can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers a little and significantly scratch composite at the veneer’s margin. Ultra-fine polishing pastes without pumice are safe to use.
Heavy-duty manual scalers—The margin of a porcelain veneer can chip without careful attention to detail when using a heavy-duty manual scaler. Skilled hygienists use the scaler gently around the margins to avoid damaging porcelain veneers.
Power polishing equipment – A prophy jet or other power polishing units spray sodium bicarbonate and water to quickly clean teeth. The instrument is safe for natural teeth but can destroy the glaze on porcelain veneers, causing them to stain.
Ultrasonic scaler – If used near the margins of porcelain veneers, an ultrasonic scaler can make small chips on veneers’ edges where stains and plaque can accumulate.

Ask your dentist whether your hygienist is trained in handling porcelain veneers. If not, ask for a trained hygienist. If necessary, switch to an experienced cosmetic dentist whose staff is trained to clean and protect cosmetic dentistry work.

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.

Bayou Dental Group

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