Archives for March 2023

Would Teeth Stains from Silver Fillings Show Through White Ones?

Posted on March 27, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have three silver fillings starting with my upper left lateral incisor and back. The fillings are old, and I want them replaced with composite. My dentist told me that the silver fillings may have stained my teeth, and the stains might show if I replaced them with white fillings. I don’t understand this and have not heard of it before. Can silver fillings stain teeth? If so, can a dentist remove the stains before placing white fillings? Maybe my dentist doesn’t want to do white fillings. Thanks for your help. Vivian

Vivian,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We understand your concerns about the appearance of your teeth after removing amalgam fillings.

Do Silver Teeth Fillings Stain Your Teeth?

Amalgam (silver) fillings can discolor your teeth as they age, but the discoloration is usually insignificant. Still, a 2009 Journal of Dentistry report on the effects of amalgam on dentin (the layer beneath tooth enamel) published findings after reviewing articles on amalgam removal, including the following:

Darkly discolored dentin may be present beneath amalgam restoration
The dentin contains amalgam corrosion products
The dark dentin is demineralized

When a dentist replaces an amalgam filling with composite, it strengthens your tooth and improves its appearance. A cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth and smile are attractive.

How Do Silver and Amalgam Fillings Compare?

Placing composite fillings on back teeth is very different than using amalgam. The process takes more time and more skill. According to the American Dental Association, it is easier for a dentist to place amalgam fillings than tooth-colored fillings. A dentist must isolate the tooth with a cavity and keep it perfectly dry to ensure the composite adheres to your tooth.

If your dentist is uncomfortable placing the composite fillings, we suggest finding a mercury-free cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training and experience with composite fillings. If you insist on a treatment your dentist is uncomfortable with, you may not get natural-looking results or fillings that last.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how he strives to offer patients the best dental care in Metairie.

Is It Safe to Get a Tooth Filling at 7 Months Pregnant?

Posted on March 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is it safe to get a tooth filling replaced if I am seven months pregnant, or should I leave it alone for now? I have a tooth filling from October 2022 for a small cavity. The tooth has become sensitive to heat and cold. My dentist said I needed a root canal and crown at my last dental visit. I prefer to switch out the filling and not be stuck in a dental chair near the end of my pregnancy. The sensitivity is worsening, and I am concerned about tooth pain during my delivery, making me even more miserable. I’m beginning to clench my teeth from the anxiety. I’m trying to break the habit because it will only worsen things. Is it safe to get a filling replaced? – Thank you. Yasmin

Yasmin,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about your oral health, baby, and comfort during a dental visit. If you have a tooth infection, it will worsen without treatment.

Is It Safe to Get a Tooth Filling During Pregnancy?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) is safe to get diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental care throughout pregnancy. The ADA recommends the second trimester as the most favorable time for dental procedures for the following reasons:

First trimester – Many women experience nausea and vomiting, creating challenges in a dental chair.
Second trimester – You may feel better physically and more comfortable sitting in a dental chair.
Third trimester – The baby’s weight may cause discomfort or lightheadedness during a dental procedure.

Why Is Your Tooth Sensitive?

A tooth infection can cause sensitivity in a tooth with a filling. During the procedure, something may have irritated your tooth, such as lingering decay or irritation from dental tools or materials.

Dental X-rays During Pregnancy

Teeth clenching can lead to TMJ concerns

A dental x-ray will reveal your tooth’s condition with minimal radiation exposure. A tooth infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, and even your bloodstream.

If you are skeptical about your dentist’s care, we recommend getting a second opinion to determine the cause of your tooth sensitivity and what is required to relieve it. It will give you peace of mind and help you stop clenching your teeth, which can lead to more toothaches and jaw pain.

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

How Long Does Teeth Sensitivity Last After Getting Veneers?

Posted on March 13, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I never had problems with teeth sensitivity before I got porcelain veneers. I am concerned because it’s been two weeks since I got veneers, and whenever I drink anything cold (not even icy cold), my teeth are sensitive. My dentist said I should be patient while my teeth calm long. How long are teeth sensitive after getting veneers?

Dana,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Delaune’s office. Sensitivity after getting porcelain veneers is not unusual.

How Long Are Teeth Sensitive After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Teeth sensitivity after getting porcelain veneers can last up to two weeks. Sensitivity can last fewer or longer than two weeks depending on several factors, including:

Tooth preparation – Healthy porcelain veneers must fit snugly around your gums, which can require removing a small amount of tooth enamel. Preparing your teeth for veneers can create sensitivity that should resolve within a week or two. If a dentist aggressively prepares your teeth, sensitivity may linger.
Porcelain veneer bonding – Some people are sensitive to the bonding agent used to ensure the veneers stick to their teeth.
Occlusion – How your upper and lower teeth meet can cause sensitivity or discomfort. A skilled cosmetic dentist checks and adjusts your bite after placing porcelain veneers to ensure your teeth meet evenly.
Porcelain veneer fit – Ensuring that veneers fit snugly at the gumline will help minimize sensitivity. Otherwise, you may feel discomfort around gaps between a porcelain veneer and your tooth.
General recovery – Any dental work, including regular exams and cleaning, can create temporary sensitivity. Before you get porcelain veneers, in addition to removing small amounts of tooth enamel, a dentist may need to remove decay or damage from your teeth. You may experience sensitivity afterward.

What If Teeth Sensitivity Lingers?

If you feel lingering sensitivity after getting porcelain veneers, schedule an exam with your dentist to check the veneers and your bite. If your dentist cannot identify the cause and estimate when the sensitivity might resolve, schedule a second opinion appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.