Archives for February 2024

None of My New Porcelain Veneers nor My Bridge Fits

Posted on February 29, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist replaced my eight veneers and a dental bridge last October to replace worn cosmetic work and open my bite. I had not complained of bite issues, but what do I know about it? I was so uncomfortable wearing the temporary teeth that my dentist replaced them twice. I lost seven pounds because eating was so painful. The dental bridge fell out twice. I should not have given my dentist approval to make the permanent teeth, but I was exhausted and hoping that someone would get it right between my dentist and the lab.

I have my final veneers and bridge now, but I am experiencing dry mouth, veneers sticking to my teeth, and air bubbles between them. My anxiety is so high that I am rubbing my tongue along the gums of my back teeth and making them sore. My dentist’s attempts to adjust my bite have failed. I just wanted to refresh my veneers and dental bridge for a better smile, but this ruined my life. My mouth is either in pain or feels weird daily. I no longer look forward to any meal. Will I need to repeat this process with another dentist, or can I save my veneers and bridge? Thanks. Dionna

Dionna,

Unfortunately, you need new dental work to restore your teeth and bite. Regardless of what your dentist says, please don’t allow him or her to try to adjust or repeat the work.

How Can a Dentist Open Your Bite?

To open your bite, a dentist must complete crown work on at least every tooth in one arch. Often, opening your work requires restoring every tooth. However, a dentist must harmonize your bite with temporary crowns, or the final ones will not work. We don’t understand why your dentist moved forward with the final restorations, even if you agreed.

When you experience bite collapse from worn down teeth, a dentist opens the bite to restore your vertical dimension to its previous state. It seems your dentist opened your bite, although you had no concerns. Perhaps your dentist wanted more of your upper teeth to show when you smile.

The signs and symptoms you are experiencing with dry mouth and your lips reflect bite disruption. Your oral health and discomfort require repeating your case. Although we don’t have details of your case, it sounds like you deserve a refund. You may qualify for a dental malpractice case.

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist

Porcelain veneer

We recommend finding two dentists with advanced cosmetic dentistry training and occlusion and bite training. Research their credentials and patient reviews before scheduling a consultation. Ask the dentist you choose for your full-mouth reconstruction with porcelain veneers and crowns to contact your current dentist, explain the findings, and request a refund. You can complain to the dental board or consult a lawyer about whether you have a legal case.

Most importantly, consult an expert cosmetic dentist to restore your teeth and quality of life.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Watch a patient testimonial from one of Dr. Thomas’s dental implant patients.

My Root Canal Tooth Is Still Dark Despite New Crowns

Posted on February 27, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I got two crowns in 2020, one on which was a root canal tooth. The crowns are on my front left tooth and the one behind it. During my dental cleaning and exam two months ago, my dentist noticed that the root canal tooth looked darker than the other. I had noticed it, too. My dentist took an X-ray and said there was a cavity in the tooth. She recommended removing the crowns and replacing them with veneers to match my surrounding teeth. Her recommendation seemed reasonable.

When the veneers arrived from the lab, my dentist said I could keep wearing the temporaries while she sent the veneers back for color correction. The new veneers look slightly better, but the tooth shape is off. Also, you can still see that the root canal tooth is darker than my other teeth. This time, my dentist wasn’t so eager to send the veneers back but tried to get me to say that I liked the improvement. I’m unsure of how long this process will continue, but is asking for a color match unreasonable since the root canal tooth is darker than the others? Joan from Tulsa, OK

Joan,

Expecting porcelain veneers or crowns to match your surrounding teeth is not asking too much. However, only a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry and esthetics training can achieve a perfect match.

Do You Have Dental Crowns or Veneers?

You have dental crowns if your dentist shaved all sides of your teeth to prepare them for restorations. Although you mentioned getting new veneers, you have dental crowns. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, while a porcelain veneer only covers the front. Unfortunately, we occasionally hear reports of patients who think they are getting veneers when receiving dental crowns instead.

Can You Hide a Dark Root Canal Tooth with a Crown?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can hide a dark root canal tooth with a dental crown and perfectly blend the crown with your natural teeth.

A cosmetic dentist might use either approach:

Bleach the dark tooth. Create an approximate match to your surrounding teeth using an opaque buildup material.
Take pictures of your teeth and send instructions to a dental ceramist to cover the crown with an opaque porcelain layer followed by a translucent layer.

A skilled cosmetic dentist partners with an artistic dental ceramist to produce natural-looking results.

Ask for a Refund

We suggest consulting a cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. Look for dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and esthetics. During your consultation, ask to see before and after pictures of the dentist’s patients with cases like yours.

After the consultation, you can respectfully talk to your current dentist about your disappointment with the results and request a refund.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care he can.

Do I Need to Switch Dentists If My Crown Won’t Stay On?

Posted on February 16, 2024 by AllSmiles.

The crown on my left front tooth will not stay on. I had a root canal on the tooth in 2007, and my dentist then put a porcelain fused-to-metal crown over it. The crown began to discolor, so my new dentist replaced it last year, but it won’t stay on. I’m afraid that I will lose the tooth between exposing the tooth and working on it over and over again. Would it help if I tried another dentist to get the crown to stay, or could something else be wrong? All these dental appointments are making me anxious and giving me hives. It’s embarrassing. Thanks. Bryanna

Bryanna,

Why Does a Dental Crown Repeatedly Fall Off?

If a dental crown repeatedly falls off, the issue may be related to the preparation of your tooth for the crown. Removing too much of your tooth structure makes getting a secure bond between the crown and tooth challenging. The bonding or cement that a dentist uses is rarely the problem.

If your dentist overprepared your tooth for the crown, you may need a new one.

How Can You Prevent a Dental Crown from Falling Off?

You can prevent a dental crown from falling off by finding an experienced cosmetic dentist to reinforce the tooth and create a crown that fits.

Some cosmetic dentists use these steps:

Sanitize the tooth
Place a flexible fiberglass post into the tooth’s canal
Use dental cement to stabilize the post
Bond dental composite to the tooth and post
Shape the composite to allow a secure bond with the crown
Attach and cement the crown

The above technique can work if the front tooth is not broken off at the gumline. Instead, a dentist may recommend an extraction and dental implant.

Consult with a Cosmetic Dentist

Schedule consultations with at least two advanced cosmetic dentists to examine your tooth and explain your treatment options. Speak with the dentists about an appropriate level of sedation for your anxiety.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

A Tooth Cracked Beneath My Dental Bridge

Posted on February 11, 2024 by AllSmiles.

After my last dental cleaning, exam, and X-ray, my dentist said that a tooth beneath my upper left dental bridge is cracked. She wants to replace the bridge, but I’ve only had it for three years. I don’t have any pain or discomfort when biting or chewing. Do I need the bridge replaced? – Thanks Raina from Chicago

Raina,

Get a second opinion before replacing a relatively new dental bridge

When considering dental restoration options, such as a dental bridge or implant, it’s important to weigh the long-term implications and costs. Each option has distinct advantages and potential drawbacks, depending on the situation.

The Long-Term Cost of Dental Bridges

A dental bridge may initially seem cost-effective, but if any tooth supporting the bridge fails, the entire bridge often needs replacement.

A problem with one of the abutments (supporting) teeth, such as a crack, may require removing the damaged tooth and fabricating a new, longer bridge to span the gap between now two missing teeth.

The Stability of Dental Implants

Unlike bridges, dental implants are independent of adjacent teeth. Issues with neighboring teeth do not affect the implant, making it a more stable long-term option.

Concerns About a Cracked Tooth Beneath a Dental Bridge

A cracked root typically presents with sharp pain upon biting, which you are not experiencing. It’s uncommon for crowned teeth to crack since crowns are designed to fortify weakened or cracked teeth, preventing further damage.

Studies have shown that even completely fractured teeth can sometimes be saved by aligning the pieces, crowning the tooth, and thus preserving it.

Get a second opinion before agreeing to treatment.

Do not disclose the previous dentist’s diagnosis or identity to ensure an unbiased second opinion.
Provide minimal information about prior consultations to prevent influencing the new dentist’s assessment.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.