Archives for December 2021

My Crowns Look Like the Dentist Used Sandpaper on Them

Posted on December 17, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I already had crowns on my center front teeth. In October, my dentist replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant. I had worn a partial denture for 12 years to replace the tooth. Now, my smile looks worse than before. My dentist could not get the implant crown to match the front crowns and my natural teeth. The color is still off, so my dentist said he would buff the implant crown to get a match. He could not match my teeth, so he also buffed the crowns on my front teeth. It looks and feels like my dentist used sandpaper on my teeth. The crowns feel rough to touch and when I glide my tongue across the front of my teeth. I contact my dentist regularly to remind him that the issue is not over. But I am thinking about how to resolve it. I just cannot trust him to resolve the issue. Will I need a new implant crown and crowns for my front teeth? – Thank you. Felix from Memphis

Felix,

We are sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with your new implant crown and existing crowns.

Why Do Your Dental Crowns Look Dull?

Your dental crowns are dull because your dentist buffed away the glaze on the porcelain. Not only do your crowns look dull, but they are also at risk of staining quickly and turning yellow.

Can a Dentist Restore the Shine on Your Crowns?

Dental crowns photo from Delaune Dental in Metaire, LA

A cosmetic dentist can improve the shine of your crowns

A cosmetic dentist can polish your porcelain crowns to restore the shine as much as possible. A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training understands how to use diamond polishing instruments, polishing paste, and ultra-fine diamond polishing paste to help your crowns look glossy and smooth.

Be prepared for an out-of-pocket expense if you do not have dental insurance or if your insurance limits your benefits for cosmetic dentistry. But you will get results and feel relieved about your smile.

Choose a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to avoid another disappointing experienced.

Duane Delaune, DDS, an cosmetic dentist of Metairie, New Orleans, sponsors this post. Read why patients say Dr. Delaune is one of the best dentists in Metairie.

Will This Toothbrush Scratch My Dental Bonding?

Posted on December 10, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist completed Zoom whitening three months ago. Then I got dental bonding to fill in some small gaps and chips on my teeth. I know that my Zoom touch-ups will not harm the bonding, but what about an ultrasonic toothbrush? I see a few toothbrushes on sale and wonder if they will scratch the bonding and make it turn yellow. Thank you. Clifton from Albany, GA

Clifton,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question. Regular maintenance will keep your teeth bright after whitening your teeth with Zoom or another brand. But what if you have cosmetic dentistry work, such as bonding or porcelain veneers?

Will an Ultrasonic Toothbrush Damage Dental Bonding?

A sonic or ultrasonic toothbrush will not damage dental bonding. The soft bristles of the toothbrush clean and polish teeth. How do they work? The brush releases sonic energy for these benefits:

Removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria
Breaks up particles that the bristles can sweep away
Helps bristles and toothpaste access and clean crevices

Dental Bonding Brushing Tips

Whether you use a manual, sonic, or ultrasonic toothbrush, consider these tips to keep your teeth and bonding healthy:

Use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching your dental bonding.
Brush for two minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Supersmile® is gentle on cosmetic dental work.
Remember to floss daily to remove debris between teeth.
As the American Dental Association recommends, replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn bristles do not clean well. Ultrasonic toothbrushes have replacement heads that you can buy in a pack.

Can Ultrasonic Dental Equipment Damage Dental Bonding?

If ultrasonic dental equipment is misused, it can damage dental bonding. An example is an ultrasonic scaler with a metal tip that can nick dental bonding or porcelain veneers at high speeds. But skilled hygienists understand how and when to use ultrasonic tools to clean and smooth teeth and keep your bonding intact.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, LA, sponsors this post.

Is Oral Sedation Strong Enough for Tooth Extractions?

Posted on December 6, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I am 27 years old and need three teeth extractions. My dentist is extracting them in the office but says sedation is enough. I have severe dental anxiety and wonder if sedation is enough. Also, after the site heals, I will be getting dental implants too. It’s hard to believe that anesthesia is not an option for extractions or dental implants. – Thanks for your help. Hayden from Denver

Hayden,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

Is Oral Sedation Strong Enough for Extractions?

Oral sedation is strong enough for most tooth extraction cases. Although we do not know the circumstances of your case, unless your dentist expects serious complications, there is no reason to give you general anesthesia. Even with impacted wisdom teeth, dentists and oral surgeons use conscious sedation, and patients stay comfortable throughout the procedure.

Anesthesia increases surgery risks. Surgeons and dentists avoid using more sedation or anesthesia than necessary to keep you comfortable and calm. If your dentist recommended general anesthesia, we would advise you to get a second opinion.

Also, at 27 years old, your jawbone is still somewhat pliable, and not much cementum accumulation is on the tooth roots. Your extractions should be straightforward. It’s a rare case of a 27-year-old with truly difficult wisdom teeth. And if your issue were extraordinarily complex, your dentist would refer you to an oral surgeon who would still likely use oral sedation—not anesthesia.

And it is the same with dental implants. Your dentist will numb your mouth and give you sedation for painless dental implant surgery.

Duane Delaune, DDS, an cosmetic dentist of Metairie, New Orleans, sponsors this post.