Archives for January 2022

My dental phobia is out of control

Posted on January 25, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My dental phobia is out of control. I am saying this because I have 2 missing teeth that I want to replace with implants. I think that I also need orthodontics because my teeth are shifting badly. The teeth have been missing for 4 years. I still go to the dentist for cleanings (and I am nervous during that) but getting the thought work done like the implants and orthodontics is making me nauseous. My dentist is not sympathetic or patient with my questions. He keeps telling me that I will be fine, but that’s not helpful. I am frustrated. Typically, how painful is the work that I need to be done? – Lance from Harrisburg, PA

Lance –

Thank you for contacting our office with your question.

Painless Dental Care

The dental treatment you need can be painless—especially if you see a gentle dentist who cares about your anxiety.

A gentle dentist has methods to ensure that any injections you might need are painless. And the dentist will help you relax during your appointment. Your phobia won’t be an issue, and you will have a productive dental appointment. This will help the dentist complete as much work as possible in one appointment.

You will benefit by finding two or three dentists who offer sedation. Request a consultation with each of them. Explain your dental phobia, ask questions about the treatment you need, and take notes. Your interaction with the dentists will help you decide whom you are most comfortable with for your dental care.

You are interested in dental implants, so for best results, look for a dentist with advanced implant and cosmetic dentistry training. It will ensure that you get high-quality implants that look natural.

Comfortable Recovery

Diagram of three phases of dental implants for info about dental anxiety and implants

You can get dental implants despite your dental phobia

You can expect discomfort after dental implant surgery, but your dentist or oral surgeon will explain how to manage it. Follow their pre- and post-operative care instructions to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Should I Get Crowns or Porcelain Veneers for 7 Teeth?

Posted on January 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have seven bad teeth and would like to know if I should ask for crowns or veneers. My teeth look horrible. Part of it is genetic and poor shape. But my teeth have never been anywhere close to white. Nobody in my family has good-looking teeth. The other part is my not caring for them like I should have when I was younger. Now that I am 33 and have dental coverage and the money to fix them, my teeth matter. If I get caps on the 7 teeth, how long will they last? Joelle

Joelle – If you take good care of crowns, they can last 15 years or more. But your teeth may not need porcelain crowns. We recommend that you have your teeth examined by a cosmetic dentist. Depending on the condition and location of your teeth, you may be able to receive porcelain veneers, which cover the front of your teeth. Back, or molar teeth, can be covered with crowns.

Benefits of porcelain veneers

porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Porcelain veneers are thin as a fingernail

Benefits of porcelain veneers include:

Preserve tooth structure. They require less removal of your natural tooth structure. A dental crown requires tapering the entire tooth so it will cover the tooth from the gumline to the biting surface
Lifelike, thin restorations. You can receive ultra-thin veneers that look just like natural teeth.
Quick smile transformation. A dentist can transform your smile in as few as two visits with this treatment.
Long-lasting results. Porcelain is durable, so if you take good care of your veneers, they can last 15 years or longer.

Many dentists can give you crowns or veneers, but only a dentist with an artistic eye and extensive training in cosmetic dentistry can give you beautiful results. A skilled cosmetic dentist will ensure your veneers match the characteristics of your natural teeth. If you invest in renewing your smile, be sure to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for quality results.

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

New Crowns Affect My Speech and Make My Neck Hurt

Posted on January 7, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My dentist placed four new crowns on my front teeth. Two crowns got rid of a gap between my center front teeth, and my dentist added two more crowns to even out my smile so the center teeth would not look too large. Since getting the crowns, my mouth does not close correctly, and I have trouble pronouncing some words, like words that begin with “tr.”

Also, my mouth and lips are dry, and I have some neck and jaw pain. I’ve had the crowns for three months, and despite my dentist’s adjustments, I see no improvements. I prefer to go back to my gap because the crowns are so uncomfortable.

My dentist asked me to give him more time, But I am unsure what we are waiting for. So far, I do not have another appointment scheduled with him. What are my options? Thank you. Edgardo from TX

Edgardo,

Your description is a problem that requires the attention of a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite. Dentists who study occlusion and bite understand proper jaw function and how your upper and lower teeth should meet when you close your mouth or bite down.

When Dental Crowns Cause Speech Issues and Pain

When a dentist places new crowns, you begin to experience speech issues and neck and jaw pain, so closing your gaps is not the issue. Usually, the problem is that your dentist opened your bit too far.

Several issues can create a bite that opens too far:

Crowns are too thick
Crowns are too long

Symptoms from Poor-Fitting Crowns

Poor-fitting crowns can prevent proper mouth closure and neck and jaw pain.

Lip incompetence – When your lips cannot close naturally without effort, it can lead to dry mouth. And as saliva production decreases, bacteria breeds And black buildup leads to tooth decay.
Jaw and neck pain – Upper and lower teeth that do not meet cause jaw strain. Repeated stress results in neck and jaw pain.

Get a Second Opinion for Your Dental Crowns

Schedule an appointment with a dentist who has advanced training in occlusion and bite. Your neck and jaw pain should resolve with new crowns that fit well. Otherwise, if your symptoms continue, the National Institutes of Health’s brochure on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder recommends conservative treatment. A dentist may recommend a custom split to wear and night and help your jaw relax.

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

Crowns that fit well prevent speech issues and jaw and neck pain.
Photos are of Dr. Delaune’s patient.