Archives for September 2022

Why Do My Three New Crowns Hurt When I Chew?

Posted on September 30, 2022 by AllSmiles.

In early July, my dentists put crowns on my top left bicuspid and the two teeth behind it. After the second molar, I do not have any teeth because an oral surgeon pulled my teeth 14 years ago. All three teeth had old fillings and deep decay. Now that I have crowns, the teeth hurt when I chew. Because three teeth in a row have crowns, I’m unsure whether one or all teeth hurt.

When I put pressure on the crowns with my finger, they all hurt, but the pain could be referring. My dentist adjusted the crowns twice but said my bite was too aggressive when I chew. She said I should chew on the other side of my mouth until the inflammation calms down. That is not a solution for me. Should I ask my dentist for new crowns or get someone else to check out my crowns first? Thanks. Ennis from MD

Ennis,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Delaune would need to examine your crowns and take x-rays for an accurate diagnosis, but we will provide general information that can help.

Why Do Your New Crowns Hurt?

TMJ issues can result from crowns that do not fit well

If your new crowns hurt when you chew, you may be too high or have a tooth infection. What is the solution?

Adjust your bite – Lower opposing teeth can hit the upper teeth with more pressure than usual if your bite is too high. The repetitive force will irritate your teeth. Eventually, your jaw muscles and joints can become irritated and sore. Neck pain, earaches, or headaches may develop as TMJ disorder symptoms. If your dentist correctly adjusted your bite and the pain linger, you may have a tooth infection.
Check for tooth infection – An x-ray will reveal whether you have a tooth infection. The extent of your pain sounds like you may need root canal treatment. When an infection is challenging to detect, you may need a referral to a root canal specialist (endodontist).

Will You Need New Crowns After Root Canal Treatment?

You should not need new crowns after root canal treatment unless your current crowns are defective or contribute to discomfort. An endodontist can access your tooth pulp through the top of your crowns to perform root canal treatment and seal the crowns closed.

If you do not get satisfying answers from your dentist, schedule a second opinion with a dentist with advanced TMJ and root canal training.

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

Should I Replace Dental Bonding with Veneers?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

After having bonding on four front teeth since 2001, my dentist wants to replace the Lumineers because he says it’s easier. I am not sure what makes veneers easier, though. The bonding is yellowing. It didn’t help that I whitened my teeth and home and made the bonding more noticeable. I know Lumineers are supposed to be no-prep, but I am worried about tooth enamel damage if my dentist decides I need a little preparation. Should I insist on bonding? Thank you. Tyrelle from Chicago

Tyrelle,

Thank you for your question.

Can You Remove Dental Bonding?

A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can remove and replace dental bonding. Dental bonding removal may include one or more of these techniques.

Flexible sandpaper discs to maintain tooth shape while removing the bonding
Carbide polishing drills and a sandpaper disc to remove any streaks left
Air-abrasion equipment for gentle removing

Replacing Dental Bonding with Lumineers

A single porcelain veneer - for info on Lumineers

A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether veneers or dental bonding is best for your front teeth

A dentist can replace your dental bonding with Lumineers, but it is your choice. If you do not need to conceal any significant imperfections in your teeth, your dentist should not try to convince you to get Lumineers. Your dentist may say that he prefers Lumineers due to his discomfort with dental bonding. Although Lumineers are famous for not requiring preparation, without preparation, your teeth may look bulky with veneers bonded to their fronts.

Placing dental bonding requires advanced training and an artistic eye. Dentists apply it by hand. Only skilled cosmetic dentists have the bonding materials and tools to match any patient’s teeth perfectly. If your dentist lacks advanced cosmetic dentistry training or is uncomfortable with dental bonding, we recommend getting a second opinion.

A skilled cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your options, and explain the results you can expect with dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers.

How Much Teeth Whitening Is Too Much?

Posted on September 13, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Can I whiten my teeth too much? My dentist told me to wait six months before repeating zoom whitening. She said I could damage my teeth if I overdid it, but I wanted to see how white my teeth could get. I have been bleaching my teeth every two weeks for four months. I felt some sensitivity in my teeth and went to the dentist. After examining my teeth, my dentist asked me about whitening, and when I told her that I had been whitening every two weeks for four months, she asked me to stop. She also said that she would not complete another in-office whitening session unless it was necessary. I was hoping to get another in-office session in December for the holidays. Is my dentist correct? Do I need to stop whitening my teeth? Thank you. Torri

Torri,

Thank you for your question. Your dentist examined your teeth and asked questions to determine why your teeth are sensitive. Excessive teeth whitening is likely the culprit.

How Much Teeth Whitening Is Too Much?

Teeth whitening is too much when it creates lingering sensitivity and wears away the enamel. Over-bleached teeth can become brittle, thin, and discolored. According to the American Dental Association, factors that affect teeth sensitivity with whitening include:

Concentration of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide
How long the bleaching gel is in contact with your teeth
Intensity and duration of light use
Presence of adhesive restorations

If your dentist recommends that you pause at-home and in-office whitening, it may be time to give your teeth a break to avoid damaging them.

How Can You Prevent Teeth Stains?

Although you cannot prevent teeth stains altogether, you can minimize them. Limit or avoid the things that can increase staining, including:

Coffee
Cola
Dark berries
Smoking
Wine

Rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming substances that stain teeth. It will dilute the ingredients and limit their staining effectiveness.

If you do not fully understand why your dentist recommends a pause in teeth whitening, contact her to request more information.

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