Archives for July 2016

Would smoking cause bleeding around my new implant?

Posted on July 28, 2016 by smiles4u.

I recently got a dental implant to replace my missing tooth. I love the way it looks, but I’ve noticed some blood around it and on my tooth brush when I brush. There’s not really any pain associated with the bleeding and it doesn’t seem like the implant is loose or anything. When I started the implant process, my dentist told me that I should think about giving up smoking because I would have better long-term success with the implant. I’ve tried to quit, but it’s just not working. It’s been about three months… is bleeding normal or could my smoking be causing it? — Mike

Mike,
Smoking is always risky when it comes to your health, and hopefully your dentist explained that it can also make replacing teeth with dental implants more complicated – but it certainly isn’t impossible. Long-term, smoking can cause periodontal disease as well as bone and tissue loss in your mouth. Nicotine can also reduce the blood flow in the mouth – all of which can increase the risk of implant failure.

Having said that, it’s unlikely that smoking would be the direct cause of the bleeding. New dental implants are very sensitive, and it can take several months for them to heal completely. Do you tend to brush hard? If so, that could definitely cause some bleeding around the implant. If the implant was failing, you would likely have pain or notice that the implant itself feels loose. If it’s just a little bleeding, try a lighter brushing technique and see if it that helps. If you’re concerned, talk with your dentist to be sure.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

It’s hard to be king when your crown keeps falling off!

Posted on July 23, 2016 by smiles4u.

My husband had to get s couple of crowns earlier this year and it’s been a pain. He’s back in the dental office about every other week because the crowns keep falling off. So far, the dentist just keeps re-cementing them, but this last time he said there was nothing else he could do. Really? This is not acceptable. We’ve looked into implants, but will he have the same problem with those crowns? Could it be something with the glue they are using to bond them? — Myra

Myra,
You’re right… the dentist’s answer that there is nothing more he can do is unacceptable. Crowns should not fall off – once they are cemented (and it’s done correctly) they stay on.

The issue here is probably more about how the tooth was prepped. When a tooth is tapered too much, a crown has difficulty staying put. Without seeing them, it’s hard to say whether or not you need new crowns or if there is a possibility that a skilled cosmetic dentist might be able to get them bonded correctly. Cosmetic dentists have all sorts of experience with high-tech bonding techniques that bond metal, porcelain, teeth and other materials. Don’t put up with crowns that keep falling off — get a second opinion, preferably from an experience cosmetic dentist in your area. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Will I get a burn from Zoom whitening if I’m taking Cipro?

Posted on July 14, 2016 by smiles4u.

I’m scheduled to do Zoom Whitening next week and I’m wondering if I need to cancel it. I have been taking Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for a week now to treat a UTI. The infection has mostly cleared up and I feel good, but the doctor told me to stay on it for 14 days.

I went out for coffee yesterday with my friend, who is a medical assistant, and I suggested we sit inside so I wasn’t in the sun. The pharmacist was very clear with me that I needed to avoid it while I was on the med. Anyway, my friend and I started talking about the Zoom Whitening treatment and she told me that it wasn’t safe for me to do because Zoom Whitening uses a light that affects people like the sun does. When I called the dentist office, I was told by someone at the front desk that she didn’t think it would be a problem. I insisted that she ask the dentist, so she left me on hold for a bit and then told me we could double up on the sunscreen if I wanted. This is NOT reassuring to me!

Is the Cipro going to be a problem? If so, can I stop taking it now since I’m feeling better? Or, If I need to cancel, how long do I need to be off the med before it’s safe for me to do Zoom Whitening? — Rachel

Rachel,
You’ve got a smart friend… she is absolutely correct! The light used in Zoom whitening could cause a reaction if you’re on a drug like Cipro that is known to cause photosensitivity. To be clear, this doesn’t mean you’ll just get a sunburn. With Cipro, a lot of people break out in hives or rashes with just a few minutes outdoors. It’s not worth the risk to do the treatment while you’re on the medication. Seriously, save yourself the agony because that rash can stick around for ages.

Going forward, you should not stop your antibiotics. Doctors often prescribe a 10-day course, so if you were given 14, it means the infection was severe enough to warrant an extra-long course. If you stop too early, your UTI may come right back, so please finish all the medications as prescribed. Generally speaking, Cipro will be out of your system within about 24 hours of your last dose. Please double check this with your pharmacist because certain conditions may leave it in your body for longer. You should give yourself a buffer and not schedule for at least a few days after you finish your last dose, but make sure your dentist and your pharmacist know what your plans are and what you’ve been taking so they can give you personalized information for your situation and medical history.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

How can I be sure I get an amazing Lumineers smile?

Posted on July 5, 2016 by smiles4u.

I’ve been looking into Lumineers. How do I know that the dentist I choose is certified or has expertise with them? If I’m going to be spending so much money to fix my teeth, whoever I choose had better be able to give me amazing results. Any advice on how to find a Lumineers expert? — Trina

Trina,
If you’re looking for a Lumineers expert, don’t rely on their website for recommendations. Unfortunately, dentists you’ll find on the website most likely haven’t done a lot of cases and have basically paid money to the company to be listed. Here’s the thing about Lumineers: they are just another brand of porcelain veneers. It’s pretty easy for dentists to get “certified” simply by paying the fee and taking a short training course. There’s no follow-up or testing, and that means no guarantee that a “certified” dentist will do quality work.

Any expert cosmetic dentist will be able to do Lumineers or other brands of porcelain veneers. In fact, there are other ultra-thin brands and many dentists prefer them over Lumineers because the results are better. So, change your search strategy and start by looking for a cosmetic dentist in your area – one that does beautiful, artistic work. Be careful because anyone can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. Take time to research and interview each dentist you’re considering. Ask to see before and after photos of patients he or she has doe similar work on – that is the only way to truly see the quality of their work.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.