Archives for August 2024

Why Is My Tooth Extraction Site Sensitive to Heat?

Posted on August 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I had a tooth removed almost two weeks ago. The extraction site looks healthy, but it is sensitive to heat. Should I be concerned? – Thanks. Estacia from IL

Etacia,

It’s common to experience discomfort or sensitivity after a tooth extraction, especially a wisdom tooth. Physical exertion can increase sensitivity. However, sensitivity to heat is a different matter that may need a dentist’s attention.

Why Is a Tooth Extraction Site Sensitive to Heat?

If a tooth extraction site feels sensitive to heat, an adjacent tooth may be causing your symptoms. Sometimes, patients report sensitivity to cold or air after an extraction, but in many instances, the adjacent tooth causes discomfort. The extraction process may have exposed the root of the neighboring tooth, leading to increased sensitivity.

While mild sensitivity to cold is generally not a concern, sensitivity to heat may be a symptom of potential problems. When a tooth becomes irritated, it may initially respond to cold stimuli. If the irritation persists and the pulp tissue within the tooth dies, heat sensitivity may develop. Gases release and expand within the tooth and cause pain when you eat or drink anything hot.

We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with your dentist to assess the sensitivity and determine the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.

Could a Third Root Canal Procedure Save My Tooth?

Posted on August 25, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I had a second root canal on my bottom left first premolar four years ago. The tooth has ached for the past two weeks. I’m concerned that it is infected again. Is getting a third root canal on a tooth possible, or is an extraction likely? Thanks. Luna from Chicago

Luna,

Root canal retreatment is a standard procedure, but it’s essential to understand its limitations and potential outcomes. While it can be a successful option, factors can influence its effectiveness.

Root canal treatments require cleaning and sealing the infected pulp chamber and canals within a tooth. However, multiple or curvy canals make it challenging to fully clean and seal them. This can lead to treatment failure, even when a dentist performs the procedure correctly.

Why Might Root Canal Treatment Fail?

Common reasons for root canal treatment failures include:

Complex canal anatomy: Teeth, especially molars, can have multiple canals and branches that are difficult to access.
Incomplete cleaning: During treatment, a dentist may miss tiny fissures or side branches.
Reinfection: Bacteria can re-enter the tooth through cracks or other openings.

Can You Get a Third Root Canal Treatment?

A third treatment can be effective, but its success rate is not guaranteed. Alternatives, including extraction and a dental implant, may be necessary if multiple attempts fail.

Root canal surgery, also known as an apicoectomy, is a more invasive procedure that involves accessing the root tip from outside the tooth. The method can be effective in cases where retreatment has failed, but it may not be possible or advisable.

Whether to pursue retreatment, surgery, or extraction depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the tooth’s location, and overall dental health. It’s important to consult with a qualified dentist to discuss your specific situation and explore the available options.

Consult a dentist with advanced root canal training or an endodontist (root canal specialist) to discuss your options.

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.

Whitening Doesn’t Help the Brown Spots on My Teeth

Posted on August 21, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had brown spots on my teeth since my permanent teeth erupted. Years ago, a doctor told me the stains were from a severe illness and fever that I had for over a year as a child. My dentist has recommended so many whitening products for my teeth, but my whitened teeth make the dark spots more noticeable. Last month, my dentist said wanted to try removing a little tooth enamel to eliminate the discoloration on my teeth, but how would my teeth look after that? Isn’t that almost the same as preparing teeth from porcelain veneers? Should I see another dentist about teeth whitening? Thanks. Eirini from MI

Eirini,

We understand your frustration with your current dental experience. Working with a dentist knowledgeable and experienced in cosmetic dentistry is essential.

Based on your description of the brown spots on your teeth, your dentist isn’t prepared to resolve your concerns. Skilled cosmetic dentists understand that bleaching often makes brown spots on teeth more noticeable. If your dentist doesn’t understand that principle, she would not have recommended bleaching.

Neither is removing enamel from your teeth a solution for brown spots without some form of cosmetic dentistry for aesthetics.

How Can You Treat Brown Spots on Teeth?

Depending on the cause and severity of brown spots on teeth, there are a few potential treatment options:

Microabrasion: This procedure may be effective for certain white spots but is less likely to be successful for embedded brown spots.
Direct Tooth Bonding: Applying a composite resin material to the affected teeth may conceal the brown spots while matching the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain Veneers: A cosmetic dentist can work with a dental ceramist to craft thin, custom-made shells to cover the fronts of your affected teeth. Veneers typically require removing a small amount of tooth enamel to ensure they look natural, not bulky.

We recommend consulting a cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training in aesthetics. The dentist will have the training and experience to conceal the spots on your teeth. Although many dentists offer cosmetic dentistry services, look for one or two dentists with advanced training before scheduling consultations.

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

Can a Dentist Remove Mismatched Bonding without Damaging Enamel?

Posted on August 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Can a dental laser or air abrasion remove the mismatched composite bonding on my center front teeth without damaging the enamel? My dentist reapplied the bonding three times, but my center front teeth don’t match each other or the surrounding teeth. I want to switch dentists and get the bonding color right. Thanks. – Karmen from GA

Karmen,

We understand your concerns about mismatched dental bonding. The color discrepancy, especially on the front teeth, can make you uncomfortable with your smile.

Can a Dentist Remove Mismatched Dental Bonding?

Composite bonding is a versatile dental material that a dentist can easily remove without harming the tooth if the original bonding is only on the tooth’s enamel and not the underlying dentin. A cosmetic dentist may use the following tools for this purpose:

Sandpaper Disks: These are the most common and user-friendly option. They create a smooth, polished finish and are flexible enough to conform to the tooth’s shape.
High-Speed Carbide Drills: While faster than sandpaper disks, these drills require a lighter touch to prevent enamel damage. They can leave behind streaks, making a final polishing with sandpaper disks necessary.
Air Abrasion or Micro-Etchers: Although effective, these methods are less accessible as they require specialized equipment. They are most useful as finishing techniques rather than bulk removal.

Are Lumineers Reversible?

Lumineers are often marketed as a reversible treatment since they do not require tooth reduction. However, this claim is misleading. Porcelain, the material used in Lumineers and other veneers, is durable. Removing it without damaging the underlying tooth is a complex, rarely successful procedure.

While some dentists may promote the reversibility of Lumineers, consumers should approach this claim skeptically. Requesting before-and-after photographs of successful Lumineer removals can be valuable in assessing a dentist’s claims. Most cosmetic dentists who excel in their field have never encountered a patient who wanted successful porcelain veneers removed. Overwhelming satisfaction with their new smile typically outweighs wanting to reverse their veneers.

Look for one or two advanced cosmetic dentists and schedule consultations for the dentists to examine your bonding and explain your treatment options.

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

Bayou Dental Group

Comprehensive Family Dentistry

and Award-Winning Smile Makeovers