Archives for March 2024

Dental Bonding Won’t Stay on My Chipped Tooth

Posted on March 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My lower right front tooth broke. The edge of the tooth is jagged, so it’s more irritating than noticeable because the chip isn’t large. My dentist bonded the tooth three times, but the bonding fell off within a week. Will I need a porcelain veneer instead of bonding? – Thanks. Rebekkah

Rebekkah,

When you close your mouth, your upper and lower incisors meet, hitting the upper and lower teeth together. Bonding composite to the tooth can fix the chip, but teeth that hit together face intense stress.

A dentist with post-graduate training and bite understands the need to minimize occlusal stresses on the teeth. Apparently, your dentist doesn’t realize what’s required to repair the incisor and ensure the bonding stays intact.

Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist who will evaluate the position of your teeth and determine whether adjacent or opposing teeth need adjustment to ensure proper occlusion and a lasting repair.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who has post-graduate occlusion and bite training.

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.

What Will Happen If I Pull Out a Loose Dental Implant?

Posted on March 26, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Last year, in February, my dentist placed three dental implants. I got the final implant crowns in August. Now, the first molar implant on the top left is loose. After I left a message with my dentist, he called back and said he wanted to refer me to a periodontist who could save the implant. But my appointment with the periodontist is not until late next week. If the implant continues to loosen, can I pull it out myself? Or should I call for an emergency appointment with a dentist in the practice? Thank you. Raj from Denver

Raj,

We understand your concerns. However, don’t try to resolve the issue yourself.

Should You Pull Out a Loose Dental Implant?

We advise you not to pull out the loose dental implant. If a periodontist can save it, you decrease the chances by pulling it out. As with natural tooth roots, the surgical site will fill in with tissue when an implant is missing. Contact the periodontist’s office for an urgent visit rather than scheduling an urgent appointment with a general dentist.

What Causes Loose Dental Implants?

Loose dental implants can occur after implant surgery or after placing your final crown. A dentist must wait until the implant and your jawbone fuse before placing the implant crowns. But what can cause implants to loosen?

Early dental implant loosening

Improper placement
Smoking during the healing process
Not enough bone volume
Gum disease
Medical issues that affect wound healing
Trauma during implant surgery

Late dental implant loosening

Infection
Gum disease
Poor-fitting or incorrectly placed implant crown, bridge, or denture
Faulty implant roots or parts
Oral trauma

How Will a Doctor Treat Your Loose Implant?

How a doctor treats your loose implant depends on why it is loose. The periodontist will take x-rays and determine what caused the looseness by examining these areas:

Gums
Bone
Implant root
Implant crown
Abutment (connector between the crown and implant)

If the issue is with the dental implant root, the periodontist must remove it. You may require bone grafting to support the next implant. Afterward, you can expect three to four months of healing if the periodontist removes the implant and you need bone grafting.

After an examination and X-rays, the periodontist will explain your treatment options.

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

Do I Really Need 17 Teeth Extracted?

Posted on March 17, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I lost several teeth due to bone loss from gum disease. After gum disease treatment, my dentist wants to extract my 17 remaining teeth and replace them with upper and lower dentures. Some of my teeth are stable, and I don’t have any problems with them. Is my dentist’s recommendation overtreatment? Is it risky to keep my teeth since I have a history of gum disease? Thanks. Wynn from Georgia

Wynn,

Dentists with a conservative approach strive to preserve teeth whenever possible. However, saving a tooth can be challenging for some dentists. You are not at risk by saving healthy teeth.

Replacing only the unsavable teeth may be better to reduce the stress on your remaining teeth and help them last.

You can get a second opinion from another dentist without revealing your dentist’s recommendation to remove your remaining teeth. It’s better for your oral health if your dentist or another dentist is willing to try to save as many teeth as possible.

Maintaining healthy gum tissue requires a dental hygienist to clean your teeth and roots to remove tartar accumulation thoroughly. Some dentists recommend more frequent dental or deep cleanings for patients with a history of gum disease. Your dentist and hygienist will also closely monitor your teeth and gums. You must also commit to diligent oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings and checkups. Floss between your teeth daily and brush at least twice daily to protect your remaining teeth.

If you need complete dentures, consider stabilizing them with dental implants to preserve your jawbone. Otherwise, individual implants can restore the function of your missing teeth and your smile.

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.

My New Partial Denture Burns My Lips and Tongue

Posted on March 12, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My new partial denture makes my lips and tongue burn. I’ve had a bad taste in my mouth since getting the partial, too. My dentist says I am allergic to the metal in the denture and recommends a $4,500 bridge. Is there another way to replace my two missing teeth? The denture is so uncomfortable. My dentist gave me liquid lidocaine to swish in my mouth three times daily, but it only numbs my mouth. It doesn’t resolve the problem. What else can I do? – Thanks. Alden from TN

Alden,

It does seem that you’re having an allergic reaction to the partial denture. However, we are concerned with two things your doctor told you.

Although a fixed dental bridge could replace your teeth, it’s not within your budget. Your dentist should explain metal-free alternatives for a partial denture.

Strangely, your dentist prescribed a lidocaine rinse for your burning lips and tongue. You’ve only experienced temporary relief for about 15 minutes. If you are allergic to your partial denture, stop using it to prevent further irritation. Ask your dentist about other partial denture materials or find a skilled cosmetic dentist to explain your options.

What If You’re Allergic to Your Partial Denture?

Metal-free partial denture

Partial dentures can be made of metal, acrylic, or thermoplastic resin. Metal or acrylic are more likely to provoke a reaction. Thermoplastic resin, including a Valplast partial denture, is more durable and flexible than acrylic. Although we are unaware of allergic reactions to thermoplastic resin, some people may react.

Partial dentures that contain metal are more likely to cause a reaction, with nickel being a common culprit. You may want to see an allergist for testing to determine which metals and materials you should avoid. Afterward, you can present the list to a dentist to determine which materials are best for your new partial denture.

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