pediatric dentist Archives - Bayou Dental Group

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

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers as a Teenager?

Posted on October 17, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Can teenagers get veneers? I just turned 16. After 2 years of wearing braces, I still hate my teeth. No two teeth next to each other seem the same length. Also, I don’t like the shape of my teeth. I love that the braces made my teeth straight, but none match, if that makes sense. I am in early college and don’t want people looking at my teeth. My pediatric dentist wants me to wait until I’m finished growing, but my teeth are embarrassing. I give up. How old do I have to be to get porcelain veneers? Thank you. Jazzlyn

Jazzlyn –

We understand your concerns and being self-conscious about your teeth. Your pediatric dentist’s concerns are valid.

Can You Get Porcelain Veneers as a Teenager?

You can get porcelain veneers as a teenager with your parents’ consent. However, most dentists advise waiting until your jawbone growth is complete. If you receive veneers before the growth is complete, your gums may not fit around the veneers well. You and others will notice a break between the veneers and your gumline, showing the tops of your natural teeth behind the porcelain veneers.

One porcelain veneer can cost $1,500 to $3,500, depending on where you live in the US and the dentist’s fees. You will need eight porcelain veneers to cover your upper teeth that show when you smile. Talk with a parent to help you decide if you want to invest in veneers immediately, although you may need to replace them in a few years when you finish growing.

Is There an Alternative to Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?

Dental bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers for teenagers. A skilled cosmetic dentist can use dental composite to reshape and even your teeth. We recommend consulting a cosmetic to explain your concerns about your teeth and what you like and don’t like about them. The cosmetic dentist will explain your options and the results you can expect with porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

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.

Can Tooth Infection Cause Salivary Gland Infection?

Posted on October 7, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My 14-year-old had a root canal last December. She also had salivary gland infections on both sides in the past eight months. We are waiting to get two cavities filled in early November. That’s the earliest appointment we could get with her pediatric dentist. The X-ray shows cavities only without infection. Could tooth infections cause salivary gland infections, too? Thank you. Alexis from KS

Alexis,

We understand your concerns about the cause of your daughter’s salivary gland infections.

Can a Tooth Infection Cause Salivary Gland Infection?

Bacteria from a progressive tooth infection can spread and affect the salivary glands. However, if you have tooth decay without infection, it will not spread to the salivary glands. However, if your daughter’s dental X-rays show no signs of infection, there is nothing to spread to the salivary glands.

According to a Medical News Today article, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of salivary gland infections. Other causes of salivary gland infections include the following:

Coliform bacteria
Coxsackievirus
Herpes virus
HIV
Influenza A virus
Mumps virus
Parainfluenza types 1 and 2
Streptococci bacteria

By practicing good oral hygiene, you can minimize the risks of bacteria overgrowth in your mouth. Floss daily and brush twice daily. Also, get regular dental cleaning and exams. Your daughter’s dentist can determine her exam and teeth cleaning schedule to maintain her oral health.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read about Dr. Henderson’s, Dr. Finley’s, and Dr. Coughran’s commitment to offering their patients some of the best dental care in Monroe.

Does My Son Really Need All His Teeth Extracted?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Does my son need all his remaining teeth extracted? His addiction started at age 16, and now, at 20, he is recovering and has been clean for 8 months. When he was 16, his pediatric dentist talked to him kindly about the effects of smoking and drugs on his teeth. Two weeks ago, he had his first dental visit since the one with the pediatric dentist at age 16. I convinced my son to see a dentist, and he agreed that we could see a dentist who is 1.5 hours away so that no one would know him or be able to spread his story to people who know him. We found a few dentists during a Google search and scheduled an exam with one.

My son and I were surprised to hear the dentist recommend extracting all his teeth, including impacted wisdom teeth. This sounds extreme. My son wishes to return to his pediatric dentist for compassionate care, but we know it is impossible. Could drugs damage all his teeth beyond the ability to save them? Does this mean he will be a young adult with dentures at age 20? This hurts us so deeply. Thank you. D. Williamson from Illinois

Hello, D. Williamson,

Your son’s recovery is commendable. It’s challenging to experience a disappointing dental visit when someone tries to improve their life and smile, affecting their confidence. It’s good that your son had a kind pediatric dentist. We recommend moving forward until you find a dentist with advanced restorative training and skills who is also compassionate.

Although one of our dentists would need to complete a comprehensive exam and take X-rays of your son’s teeth, the recommendation to extract them all does sound extreme.

What to Consider Before a Dentist Extracts All Your Teeth?

If a dentist recommends extracting all your teeth, consider the consequences and how they will affect oral health. Below are factors to think about.

Your Age

A dental implant with the crown, abutment, and screw labled

Consult with a trained, skilled dentist to discuss options for saving teeth.

A young patient will likely have some savable teeth. Although it may require more work for a dentist to save the teeth, restoring them will help preserve the jawbone. If a person is a senior and has lost most of their teeth, it is not unusual for a dentist to recommend extractions if the remaining teeth are not savable or would threaten oral health.

A skilled dentist can determine whether your son’s teeth are savable or if some require extractions and dental implants.

Jawbone Shrinkage

After your teeth are missing, the jawbone will begin to shrink because there are no tooth roots to stimulate them. If your son is 20 years old, by age 40, jawbone shrinkage will be so severe that a denture will fall out of his mouth because there will not be enough bone to support it.

Facial Collapse

The jawbone supports facial muscles, so the face will sag and shrivel when it shrinks. As your son matures and becomes more concerned about his appearance, he will want a solution for jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse. A jawbone graft and implant-supported dentures are the only solutions.

Intensity of Oral Surgery

Removing all upper and lower teeth is an intense procedure and may require multiple visits. Get a second opinion from a dentist with advanced training and years of experience. You can expect a comprehensive exam and X-rays before a dentist makes any recommendations.

We recommend finding at least two more dentists with general and cosmetic dentistry credentials. Look for training from the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Should I Be Concerned About My Toddler’s Teeth Grinding?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My 3-year-old son grinds his teeth at night, and I am concerned about it. His pediatric dentist says he will grow out of it, but what if he doesn’t? I know these are his primary teeth, but can we do something to help him break the habit now? Is it best to get a second opinion, or am I overly anxious? Thank you. Heather.

Heather,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group in Monroe. We understand your concerns about your son’s oral health. We will explain the basics of teeth grinding (bruxism) in children to help you decide whether you want a second opinion.

How Common Is Sleep Grinding in Children?

Sleep grinding is common in children. According to a 2021 article on sleep bruxism in children, 13 to 49 percent of children grind their teeth.

A few facts:

Most children grind their teeth during non-Rapid-Eye-Movement (REM) sleep.
Bedwetting, nightmares, or fear of the dark often accompany nighttime bruxism.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder may be associated with teeth grinding.
Children who snore may also grind their teeth.
Allergies, certain prescription medications, and sleep apnea can cause the habit.

Why Do Kids Grind Their Teeth?

According to the Sleep Foundation, psychological concerns, environmental factors, and family history can trigger teeth grinding. The Sleep Foundation article on teeth grinding in children lists the following causes of teeth grinding:

Anxiety
Dental issues
Second-hand smoking
Sleep and mental health disorders
Stress

Should You Be Concerned About Teeth Grinding?

You should be concerned about your child’s teeth grinding and its causes. Persistent bruxism can lead to headaches, neck pain, earaches, or facial pain. Although your child may grow out of the habit, you will want a dentist to watch its effects on your child’s teeth.

A dentist and pediatrician can check for underlying problems, such as teeth misalignment or psychological factors. You deserve to feel comfortable about your child’s oral health; a second opinion with a pediatric or family dentist can help.

Can I Use Teeth Whitening Strips for My Child?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My daughter has some weird stains on her teeth, and I wonder if it is safe to use whitening trips on her teeth. She is eight years old and has some weird teeth stains that her pediatric dentist says she wants to watch and wait to see how my daughter’s teeth progress. Now that school has started, kids are teasing my daughter about the stains. We brush her teeth twice daily and floss them nightly. I limit my kids’ snacks to the weekends, bake whatever they eat, and use less sugar than the recipe. I am sensitive to my daughter’s self-esteem and want to try whitening strips if it’s okay. Thanks for your help. Angelina

Angelina,

Thank you for your message. We understand your concerns about your daughter’s self-esteem from kids teasing her about the stains on her teeth. Dr. Finley would need to examine her teeth before recommending treatment.

Can You Use Teeth Whitening Strips on a Child’s Teeth?

You should not use whitening strips or any other type of whitening on a child’s teeth without the supervision of a dentist. A dentist must examine and x-ray your child’s teeth and review her dental and medical histories for these reasons:

Determine the type and cause of teeth stains
Check teeth and gums for signs of disease or decay
Determine whether any cosmetic treatment will improve her teeth or make them look worse
Explain treatment options that match the problem

The Policy on the Use of Dental Bleaching for Child and Adolescent Patients published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends consulting with a dentist for guidance in planning and timing teeth whitening in children.

We understand your concern for your daughter’s well-being and her pediatric dentist’s decision about watching and waiting. We suggest looking for a cosmetic dentist who provides dental care for children. Sometimes medication or a medical condition can cause teeth stains. The dentist will thoroughly review your child’s oral health, physical health, and prescription medications, if any, to identify the cause of the stains. The cosmetic dentist will also explain whether cosmetic dentistry treatment is appropriate at this time.

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

Looking for a Snap-On Smile that My Child Can Wear While Eating

Posted on May 27, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My son is embarrassed because his two front teeth are almost broken in half. Although I’ve repeatedly told him that he is as handsome as ever to me, he is in school and wants to fit in. He says that the kids are not teasing him, but he is still embarrassed.

Neither tooth hurts, and my son’s pediatric dentist says the tooth roots are fine. I would like to know if something like a snap-on smile will work for him. But I need a version that he can keep on all while at school. If he takes it off to each lunch, I am afraid that he will lose it. He is 9 years old and still a little forgetful and loses things a lot, even if they are important to him. Can he wear a snap-on smile or an alternative for kids until he is old enough for crowns? – Thank you. Emilia from AL

Emilia,

We are sorry to hear about your son’s broken teeth and embarrassment. A Snap-on Smile may work okay for adults or children with all their permanent teeth. But it may not be healthy for your son.

How Does a Snap-On Smile Work for Children?

Although a dentist can have a Snap-on Smile made for a child, you can expect several issues depending on the child’s age.

Bulkiness – The appliance fits over your son’s teeth and will make them look bulky. Your son may still be embarrassed by bulky teeth that do not look natural.
Losing the appliance – Most children would lose a Snap-on Smile. And if your son is already forgetful, you would need to get a new appliance every time he loses it.
Mixed detention – Your son has a mixture of primary and permanent teeth. As your son’s teeth continue to grow and develop, you will need to replace the Snap-on Smile as often as every few months. Also, the appliance may interfere with tooth eruption and development.

Restoring a Child’s Broken Front Teeth

A skilled cosmetic dentist can restore a child’s broken front teeth with porcelain or composite bonding. And the dentist will use a technique that does not weaken your son’s teeth or disrupt his bite. When his teeth are fully developed, the dentist can restore your son’s teeth with crowns.

But the repair is beyond the skillset of a pediatric dentist, so look for an advanced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist who regularly treats children.

Best wishes for your son’s teeth and restoring his confidence.

David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post.

Our 9-year-old is bedwetting. Is this hereditary or sleep apnea?

Posted on March 29, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I read online that bedwetting after age 7 is a reason for concern. Our son will be nine years old in September, and he wets the bed regularly. I looked at so many references about this online that I cannot remember where I read what. I’m still looking for the websites I saw that say bedwetting might be related to sleep apnea. Our family dentist does not offer the mouthpiece for snoring, so I am unsure what to do next. Is this hereditary? Thank you. Layla from GA

Layla,

According to the Mayo Clinic, family history can be a risk factor for bedwetting, but there are other causes. If either or both parents experienced bedwetting as children, their children might wet the bed at night.

Causes of Bedwetting in Children

Some causes of bedwetting in children include:

Inability to recognize when their bladder is full
Small bladder
Hormonal imbalance
Urinary tract infection
Diabetes
Chronic constipation
Urinary tract or nervous system structural malformation
Sleep apnea

Nerves that control the bladder suppress urination while we sleep. But if nerves are slow to mature or a child is a deep sleeper, suppression may not work well.

Suggestions for Bedwetting

If your child is bedwetting past age seven, three suggestions to help include using nighttime pull-ups, awakening them at night to use the bathroom, or considering if sleep apnea is a contributing factor.

Use nighttime pull-ups – If your son’s pediatrician cannot find a medical reason for his bedwetting, you can try a nighttime pull-up until your son grows out of it. Most reports indicate that bedwetting issues usually resolve by the teen years.
Awaken your child – Schedule a time to wake your child up at night to use the bathroom.
Consider sleep apnea – Children who snore at night may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea deprives the body of oxygen and can cause them to awaken at night. And while awake, the bladder may release and cause bedwetting. If your child is diagnosed with sleep apnea, the Vivos System™ is an orthodontic system that widens the oral cavity and can treat sleep apnea in adults and children. You might be able to find a dentist in your area who provides the appliance if your child has a sleep study that confirms sleep apnea. Or the sleep specialist may prefer alternative treatment.

Your family dentist or primary care doctor will be able to refer you to a sleep apnea specialist.

David Finley, DDS, of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post.

I think I ruined my son’s tooth

Posted on December 29, 2020 by AllSmiles.

My 15-year-old son had a cracked molar tooth, and his pediatric dentist gave us a referral to an endodontist. We were thinking about switching our son to our family dentist, so instead of going to the endodontist, I scheduled an appointment with the family dentist first. The family dentist prepared my son’s tooth for a crown. While my son wore the temporary crown, his gum was sore, he felt pain when biting, and the tooth was sensitive to cold. The pain didn’t linger, so our dentist placed the permanent crown.

My son’s symptoms got worse, so we returned to the dentist. The dentist did an x-ray and cold and pressure tests. My son did not feel pain with the pressure test. Our dentist said that my son could feel pressure in the crown for one to three months. There is no improvement in the tooth. It is sensitive to hot food, but the sensitivity doesn’t linger. Is his tooth nerve dying? I feel guilty because now I think I ruined my son’s tooth because I didn’t listen to his pediatric dentist. I should have taken my son to an endodontist. Thank you. Leah

Leah,

We understand your concern. You did what you thought was right. But you were also relying on your family dentist for help, too. Thank you for your description of your son’s symptoms. Although Dr. Finley would need to examine your son’s tooth, it seems that your son’s pediatric dentist was right. Your son should see an endodontist right away before the tooth gets worse.

Although we will not criticize you or your dentist, we think he should have taken more precautions. It is not normal for a tooth with a new crown to be sensitive to pressure for more than a few days. And your dentist explained that it could take one to three months?

Several factors should have alerted your dentist:

Cracked tooth – It began with a cracked tooth. A crack can easily lead to infection and cause the pulp (the living tissue inside a tooth) to die.
Sensitivity to cold after crown preparation – Maybe your dentist incompletely sealed your son’s temporary crown. Or extra irritation could have increased sensitivity. You didn’t mention if it was done, but your dentist could have chosen to coat the tooth with a desensitizing product.
Temporarily cement the crown – Temporarily cementing the crown is less irritating to a tooth. If the symptoms don’t resolve, it is easy to remove the crown for root canal treatment. But permanently cementing a crown can further irritate a tooth and lead to root canal treatment.
Sensitivity to heat – Now, your son’s crown is sensitive to heat. Although we will not say the damage is irreversible, it is getting close.

Diagram with five steps during root canal treatment, including, numbing the tooth, determining canal length, widening and cleaning canals, filling canals, and restoring the tooth.

Careful root canal treatment can often save a tooth

Schedule an appointment with an endodontist right away. They are specialists with experience that most general dentists do not have. An endodontist will notice any subtle changes in the tooth ligament and let you know if they can save your son’s tooth with root canal treatment.

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

Options when your adult teeth grew behind your primary teeth

Posted on October 26, 2020 by AllSmiles.

My adult teeth are behind my primary teeth, and I turned 17 years old in August. It’s been several years, but my primary teeth are not loosening. My pediatric dentist suggested braces, but I don’t understand how that would help. The problem is that it’s like I have two sets of teeth. How can this be corrected? Thank you – Erin

Erin,

Thanks for submitting your question to us. Although Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, we’ll tell you what we can.

Permanent Teeth Behind Primary Teeth – Can Orthodontics Help?

Orthodontics can reposition permanent teeth that are behind primary teeth if the permanent teeth have erupted. An orthodontist or a dentist trained in orthodontics can attach brackets to your permanent teeth to assist with the movement. So, your pediatric dentist is correct.

Extractions – The exact method with orthodontics depends on how many of your permanent teeth erupted behind a primary tooth. An orthodontist or dentist will extract the primary teeth and perhaps some permanent teeth if they are crowded.

Preventive Care for Primary Teeth that Don’t Come Out

If a primary tooth doesn’t come out and make room for a permanent tooth, the best practice is for an orthodontist to remove the primary tooth. Removing the primary tooth creates space and can decrease the permanent tooth’s risk of erupting in the wrong position.

Managing Primary Teeth That Prevent Permanent Teeth from Erupting

Although each patient case is unique, below are some ways that a dentist might manage primary teeth that don’t fall out and prevent permanent teeth from erupting.

Genetically missing teeth – If your permanent tooth (usually an upper incisor or lower premolar) is missing due to genetics, you won’t lose the primary tooth.
Lower premolar teeth – Some dentists maintain lower premolars with fillings if the teeth are not misaligned or disturbing your bite. Lower molar teeth often fall out because they lack a strong root structure.
Upper lateral incisors – Upper canine teeth often displace the lateral incisors and result in a missing tooth.

The photo on this page, courtesy of Dr. Thomas Chai of Sydney, Australia, shows a patient with one primary lateral incisor on her right side (our left). On the other side, the canine erupted and caused the other primary lateral incisor to be lost. An orthodontist can separate the patient’s left canine and central incisor, remove the primary incisor and replace the lateral incisors with dental implants.

Your pediatric dentist will help you find an orthodontist who can reposition your permanent teeth and give you a confident smile.

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

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