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Why Do My Gums Hurt After I Eat?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Man frowning and holding the side of his face, portraying gum pain after eating, for Monroe, LA Bayou Dental GroupLast week I got in-office teeth whitening, and it looks great. I scheduled the whitening two months ago but did not tell my dentist that my gums had been sore between my upper right first and second molars for the past three weeks. I do not have pain or sensitivity between either tooth. After whitening, the pain is more frequent after I eat. It goes away after an hour or so. I figured that the whitening made it worse. Should I wait a bit to see if the pain improves or schedule an appointment with my dentist? I’m a little embarrassed that I didn’t tell my dentist about the issue before I got teeth whitening. Thanks. Trevor from KY

Trevor,

Thank you for your question, Trevor. Dr. Finley, Dr. Henderson, or Dr. Coughran would need to examine your gums to determine the cause of your pain, but we will provide general information.

What Causes Gum Pain Between Teeth?

A gum pocket or periodontal abscess between teeth can cause pain between your teeth. Food particles lodged between your gums and teeth can breed bacteria and infection. A deep cleaning from your dentist or periodontist may resolve your symptoms.

How Can You Prevent Gum Pain?

When trapped food particles cause gum pain, you can prevent pain with regular flossing. Some people with flossing challenges find a water flosser more effective in flushing away debris from between their teeth. Also, six-month exams and cleaning from your dentist and hygienist help. A hygienist has tools that clean beneath your gumline and remove any debris or plaque you cannot reach.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your gum pain and get an exam. Although you did not tell your dentist about your gum pain before your in-office teeth whitening, reporting it now can save you time-consuming and costly care later. If your dentist cannot identify the cause of your concerns, you may get a second opinion from a periodontist (gum specialist). A periodontist has specialized diagnostic tools that are not available from most general dentists.

 

David Finley, DDS, a 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.

Do you have a question you would like to ask a dentist? Click here to ask a dentist.

The Color of My Teeth Doesn’t Match After Zoom Whitening

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed Zoom whitening earlier this week, but my teeth don’t match. It all went pretty well, and I had very little pain or sensitivity after. It didn’t burn my gums or anything like that.

But now I can’t help but notice my right front tooth is lighter than all the others! At first, I thought I imagined it, but I’ve looked at it under different lights, and it’s lighter. My girlfriend noticed it, too. Why would this happen?

Thanks,

Ron

Hi Ron,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group regarding the results of your Zoom Whitening. One of our doctors would need to examine your teeth to explain your treatment results. Still, we will provide general information.

What Might Cause Inconsistent Results with Zoom Whitening?

If you get inconsistent results with Zoom whitening, the reasons may relate to tooth condition, gel application, or original tooth shade.

Consider these factors:

  • Tooth condition. If nearby teeth have more filling material than others, a tooth could appear lighter because it has more natural tooth structure left for whitening.
  • Application of bleaching gel. The unevenly applied gel can make some teeth whiter than others.
  • Original tooth shade. Shade differences can occur naturally. If the actual shade of a tooth is lighter than others, bleaching gel may make it more noticeable.

How Zoom Works

In-office teeth whitening gel being applied to teeth

Skilled cosmetic dentists ensure your teeth match after whitening

Teeth bleaching whitens natural tooth structure but not tooth-colored fillings or crowns, whether porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or veneers. Zoom whitening places a hydrogen peroxide gel on the teeth. When a dentist shines a Zoom light on your teeth, it activates the gel.

What Can You Do About Uneven Teeth Whitening?

If teeth whitening produces uneven results, call your dentist for an evaluation. The correction may take a few appointments. Your dentist may do a touch-up to get a compatible match with your teeth.

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.

 

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Side Effects Last?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

How long do teeth whitening side effects last? I am scheduled for teeth whitening in a month and would like to know if I need to reschedule due to possible side effects. I got engaged last week, and now my friends are throwing an engagement party the day after I was supposed to get my teeth whitened. I do not want to be in so much pain that I cannot enjoy the party or smile for pictures. I called the dental office where I am getting the whitening, and they said I would not have side effects that would be so uncomfortable that it would prevent me from my routine. Will you please confirm that? Thank you. Journee from Fishkill, NY

 

Journee,

Thank you for contacting Bayou Dental Group regarding in-office teeth whitening. Congratulations on your engagement! Generally, any discomfort after in-office teeth whitening will be minimal. We will explain what you can expect.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Side Effects Last?

Photo of Zoom whitening gel being applied to a patient's teeth

Zoom whitening

Sensitivity after in-office teeth whitening, such as Zoom Whitening, may last two to four days. However, your dentist can anticipate the level of sensitivity you may experience and condition your teeth to minimize sensitivity. Also, your dentist may adjust the bleaching gel strength or the number or length of whitening sessions.

Some dentists offer suggestions to increase your comfort. The recommendations may include the following:

  • Use Sensodyne toothpaste at least two weeks before your whitening appointment
  • Manage discomfort with ibuprofen
  • Avoid very cold or hot foods and drinks for a day or two after whitening
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and Sensodyne toothpaste after the whitening treatment
  • Wait until sensitivity decreases before using at-home follow-up whitening

Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Whitening?

Your teeth may be sensitive after whitening because the teeth-whitening process opens tiny tubules in the enamel that break down stains in the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). As the bleaching gel moves through dentin pores, it can reach nerves and cause sensitivity.

You can talk to your teeth whitening dentist about your concerns. The dentist can prepare you to minimize discomfort if your teeth are generally sensitive to heat or cold. After speaking with the dentist, you can decide whether to keep or reschedule your teeth whitening appointment.

Monore, Louisiana, accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

When Can I Whiten My Teeth After Gum Surgery?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I recently had gum surgery to correct receding gums around my upper front teeth. I’m so happy with how my smile looks that I’m now considering whitening my teeth because they are yellow. How long do I have to wait after gum surgery to get my teeth bleached? Thanks. Elijah from UT

Elijah,

Thank you for your question. There are a few things to consider before you brighten your smile.

When Can You Whiten Your Teeth After Gum Surgery?

You can whiten your teeth after your gum tissue heals from surgery.  Depending on your dentist’s surgical technique or the graft, you can expect between four to eight weeks for complete healing.

Do You Qualify for Zoom Whitening?

In-office Zoom whitening requires good oral health. Your dentist will examine your teeth to ensure that none of these conditions exist:

  • Broken or missing fillings
  • Tooth decay
  • Active periodontal disease
  • Remaining calculus clinging to the teeth

Also, gum surgeries must be fully healed. Your dentist will follow this procedure for in-office whitening:

  • Isolate your teeth with a rubber dam
  • Place a gingival barrier agent around each tooth to fully protect the gums
  • Apply the whitening agent, hydrogen peroxide, to lighten the tooth shade while keeping it away from the gums to avoid chemical burns
  • Use a blue LED light to activate the hydrogen peroxide and speed the process
Photo of Zoom whitening gel being applied to a patient's teeth

Zoom whitening

You can expect the whitening appointment to take approximately an hour and a half.

Your decision to correct the recession before proceeding with whitening was wise. The active compound in the bleaching gel must not touch exposed root surfaces to prevent irritation and sensitivity. After your gums heal, you may ask your dentist for an exam to determine if your teeth and gums are ready for whitening.

Monroe, Louisiana accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry Ruined My Smile

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I think that cosmetic dentistry ruined my smile. My dentist whitened my teeth last December and placed six crowns on my front teeth in February. The crowns are supposed to be ceramic, but they are already turning yellow. Even if I drank coffee or smoked, I don’t think my crowns would be this color. My natural teeth and crowns do not match. Although my dentist says there is only a slight difference between my teeth and the crowns, the color is noticeable when I smile. My sister asked me what my dentist would do about my crowns. People notice my mismatched teeth, but my sister is the only one brave enough to say something. I am getting more embarrassed and self-conscious. I am afraid to ask my dentist to correct the crowns because I do not think she is capable. At the same time, I know she is responsible, and I should not have to pay another dentist for new crowns. What’s your advice? Thank you. Tyson from Oklahoma City

Tyson,

Thank you for your question.

We understand your frustration with trusting a dentist to improve your smile, but now your smile embarrasses you. Although Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your crowns to determine why they are turning yellow, we will provide insight into what may be the culprit.

Why Causes New Dental Crowns to Turn Yellow?

New dental crowns may turn yellow if they are damaged or if they are a non-ceramic material. Consider these possibilities:

  • Damage during crown manufacturing or placement – A dentist may grind your crowns to adjust your bite and mistakenly damage the glaze during the adjustment. Also, the dental lab may not have glazed your crowns properly. Dental glazes are glass powders that make crowns look glossy, like natural teeth.
  • Damage while getting your teeth cleaned – Power instruments that blast sodium bicarbonate on your teeth to clean them will damage the glaze on your crowns. Also, an acidulated fluoride treatment will etch the glaze and discolor your crowns. A dental hygienist can mistakenly use the incorrect tools or chemicals on your teeth.
  • Crowns made of non-ceramic material – If your dentist placed composite restorations on your teeth and not ceramic crowns, they would discolor. You can ask your dentist for a copy of the paperwork that shows what kind of crowns you have.

Get a Second Opinion

In-office teeth whitening gel being applied to teeth

Skilled cosmetic dentists perfectly match dental crowns to your whitened teeth

Schedule an appointment with an advanced—preferably accredited cosmetic dentist—for a second opinion. You will need an examination by the dentist to identify the cause of your yellow crowns. A skilled cosmetic dentist can restore your smile with new custom crowns that match the shade of your newly whitened teeth.

Dental crowns should last for at least five years, so your dentist owes you a refund. Before requesting a refund, get documentation from your second opinion dentist of the work needed to restore your smile.

 

Monore, Louisiana, accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

My Crowns Don’t Match My Whitened Teeth

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I got new crowns in February, and they did not match my teeth. My dentist recommended whitening my teeth first and matching the crowns to them. I trusted my dentist at the time, but now I have regrets. Well, my natural teeth are less brighter than when my dentist first did Zoom, but my new crowns look dark. I gave it some time to see if I could adjust, but the crowns are too noticeable. My dentist says that my teeth and crowns are a close match, but that is not good enough for me. Is it too late to do anything about this? Thank you. Kelli

Kelli,

Thank you for your question.

Whitening your teeth before getting new crowns can help a dentist and dental lab match the crowns to your new tooth color.

Why Don’t Your Crowns Match the Color of Your Teeth?

When new crowns do not match the color of your teeth, the reasons may include:

  • Your dentist did not finish your whitening sessions. A dentist must complete all Zoom whitening sessions before choosing your crown color. If the dentist must complete another session, or if you do at-home touchups, your teeth will be whiter than your crowns.
  • Your tooth color did not stabilize. It can take another week or two for your tooth color to stabilize. If a dentist color matches your crowns before the color of your teeth settles, your crowns will be too dark.
  • Your dentist requested the wrong crown shade from the lab. Dental ceramists at laboratories make crowns based on your dentist’s requests. Your dentist may have ordered the wrong color.

Your dental records include the instructions that your dentist sent to the lab. But you would not be able to determine if your dentist’s request matches your new tooth color. We recommend speaking with your dentist again to ask why your crowns and teeth do not match.

If you do not get satisfying answers and your dentist is unwilling to correct your crown color, you can ask for a copy of your dental records. Afterward, you can request a refund and find an advanced cosmetic dentist to give you a beautiful smile.

 

Monroe, Louisiana accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.

Does It Matter What You Eat After Teeth Whitening?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

White close-up smile portraying what to eat after teeth whiteningTeeth whitening breaks down years of embedded stains in your teeth. But if you are concerned about getting the best results, you may wonder if what you eat affects how bright your teeth get. We will discuss the results of five studies and how you can decide what is right for you.

What Should You Eat After Getting Your Teeth Whitened?

Does it matter what you eat when getting Zoom whitening? Some dentists recommend avoiding foods that stain during the whitening treatment. But what do studies show?

The article, White Diet: Is It Necessary During Tooth Whitening?, published in Operative Dentistry, reviewed five studies of patients during their whitening treatment. Participants did not have any dietary restrictions during their whitening treatment, but they answered questions about their diet. The results reveal how eating and drinking staining foods before, during, and after whitening treatment affects tooth shade. What did researchers find after reviewing five studies?

Before whitening

Survey participants who drank a lot of tea and coffee before whitening their teeth had darker teeth than non-tea and coffee drinkers. And their color change was more dramatic after whitening.

During whitening

Researchers in one study found no effect of coffee on tooth bleaching before completing treatment. Still, researchers in a separate study concluded that patients should avoid brown staining while bleaching their teeth. Researchers also concluded that adhering to a white diet during teeth whitening did not improve the outcome.

After whitening

  • Tea stains – Does not significantly stain bleached tooth enamel
  • Coffee – Little effect on color change after bleaching, but has more staining effect than cigarette smoke
  • Wine – Win increases the risk of teeth stains

What’s Wrong with Following a White Diet?

Not all dentists agree with the research. Some dentists recommend a white diet—or avoiding staining foods—during and after the whitening process. While others say eat whatever you want. Still many patients prefer to avoid coffee, tea, berries, and dark foods and drinks. Talk to your dentist and decide what is best for you.

What Can You Expect with Zoom Whitening?

Before Zoom whitening, your dentist will explain the results you can expect. After completing treatment, your tooth color will stabilize in two to three weeks and may not be as bright as at first. Talk to your dentist if you want to lighten your teeth further.

If you want to keep drinking coffee or tea after whitening, you may need to do touch-ups more often to keep your teeth as bright as you wish.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

 

How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can a Tooth Infection Last?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Man holding the side of his face, perhaps with a lingering infection after wisdom teeth removalThree years ago, I began feeling pain in my lower wisdom teeth. And now, at 52 years old, I had all four teeth extracted. It has been a painful recovery. Two weeks after surgery, the painful lump in my lower jaw hurt even more. My oral surgeon prescribed another antibiotic, but it did not help. I returned to the office, and the surgeon cleaned the socket and prescribed more antibiotics. Although the lump is smaller, it is somewhat tender and hurts sometimes. I have two days of antibiotics left. Is it possible that some infection is left in the socket? I am scheduled for Zoom whitening in November, and I want to do whatever I can to finish it before the holidays. Thank you. Luke from Kansas City

Luke,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Finley would need to examine your tooth socket to determine if it is still infected. But your description sounds that you need to continue antibiotics after your current prescription runs out. Contact your oral surgeon and explain that you have not healed completely and need more antibiotics. If your symptoms do not improve in a few days after the new prescription, keep taking the medication to avoid a relapse.

How Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can a Tooth Infection Last?

A tooth infection can last several weeks after wisdom tooth removal. And an infection can begin as late as three to four weeks after removal. At times, patients stop taking prescribed antibiotics too soon. Or they assume that a lingering infection will go away if they have taken all their medication. But you need to take antibiotics until the infection is gone to prevent the bacteria from growing and becoming antibiotic-resistant.

When Should You Get Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Although each patient’s case is different, you should have your wisdom teeth removed as early in life as possible if they are problematic. Even if you do not feel pain, your dentist should monitor your wisdom teeth to see their position. If teeth are impacted or so far back in your mouth that they are challenging to clean, an infection will develop eventually.

Ask your dentist or oral surgeon to remove your wisdom teeth before they get infected or begin to hurt. The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons confirms that tooth roots grow deeper and jawbone hardens as we age. Both factors can make wisdom teeth removal and recovery more challenging.

We wish you a progressive recovery. After you are in good oral health, you can begin Zoom whitening treatment without a relapse.

 

David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry.

Are a root canal and crown right for tooth root calcification?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After my dentist examined my upper right front tooth, she did an x-ray. The tooth is stained, and my dentist wanted to check it out before she did Zoom Whitening. I switched dentists about 7 months ago because my previous dentist didn’t do Zoom whitening. The x-ray shows that the tooth root is getting calcified, so my dentist recommends root canal treatment and a crown. I feel like my dentist is rushing me through the root canal and crown so we can complete the Zoom Whitening. She mentioned Lava and e.max crowns. How am I supposed to know which one to choose? – Thank you. Russ from MO

Russ,

Although Dr. Finley would need to examine your tooth, why is your dentist recommending root canal treatment? If a tooth’s root canals are getting calcified, it doesn’t always mean they are infected.

What Is Tooth Root Calcification?

Tooth root calcification is a condition that reduces the size of the pulp chamber in a tooth. It is the result of extra dentin deposits in the tooth. Sometimes calcification requires root canal treatment.

What Causes Tooth Root Calcification?

  • Traumatic injury – After trauma, a tooth releases extra dentist to protect against infection in its canals.
  • Aging – Tooth canals slowly get calcified as we age.
  • Decay – A large amount of tooth decay can result in decalcification.

Lava Crowns vs. e.max Crowns

Different companies make Lava and e.max crowns. But they both have a lithium disilicate foundation overlaid with feldspathic porcelain. The crowns require aggressively grinding down your natural tooth, which will further weaken it.

Even if you need a root canal treatment, you do not necessarily need a crown on your front tooth. An advanced cosmetic dentist can preserve most of your healthy tooth structure with this process:

  • Remove the root canal filling material
  • Strengthen your tooth with a fiberglass post
  • Place a thin porcelain veneer to correct tooth color
Photo of a woman wearing goggles and reclined in a dental chair with the Zoom whitening LED light over her teeth.

Verify if Zoom in-office whitening will work for you

Although Zoom whitening will brighten your teeth, discoloration from within a tooth needs an alternative treatment. A porcelain veneer can correct it.

We recommend that you get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist to determine if you need root canal treatment and explain options for concealing the discoloration in your tooth.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Dentist wants me to pay to correct a tooth bonding mistake

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist told me that I should get tooth bonding after Zoom whitening so the bonded would match my teeth. I went with my dentist’s recommendation, and she used bonding to fix a gap between my front teeth. She also used bonding on each tooth on either side of the center front teeth to make them slightly larger. The problem is that the front teeth don’t match the side teeth, and none of them match the color that Zoom made all my other teeth. My dentist says that the bonding looks good because side teeth naturally aren’t the same color as front teeth. Why did she ask me to complete Zoom whitening first if my teeth were not going to match? And why is she asking me to pay another $875 to redo the bonding work? – Thanks. Jackie

 

Jackie,

Although Dr. Finley would need to examine your teeth, your dentist is right about your side teeth (lateral incisors). They should be slightly lighter than your center front teeth. Otherwise, it seems that your dentist is trying to excuse her shoddy cosmetic work on your teeth.

Zoom Whitening or Dental Bonding First?

Yes, a dentist should complete Zoom whitening before applying composite to your teeth and matching your tooth shade. But your whitened teeth and the bonding should not clash. If a cosmetic dentist doesn’t have artistic talent, it’s best not to insist that your dentist gets it right.

Get a Second Opinion

Photo of Zoom whitening gel being applied to a patient's teeth

We brighten your smile with Zoom before applying bonding to your teeth

But you can look for an advanced cosmetic dentist, request a consultation, and ask about your options. If your dentist’s cosmetic work is faulty, she should refund you the cost of having another dentist redo your dental bonding.

After you find a new cosmetic dentist, he or she might be willing to contact the dentist who originally completed your Zoom whitening and cosmetic bonding to ask for a refund. It might help if you contact your dentist and threaten to leave negative online reviews on social media and any dental review platforms that your dentist uses.

Best wishes on a speedy resolution for a smile that you will love.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

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