Archives for July 2023

My Top Teeth Don’t Show When I Smile

Posted on July 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

When I smile, you can barely see my upper teeth. Sometimes when the weather is cold, my jaw feels tight, and I cannot pronounce certain words. I am self-conscious about it. I want to do something about it. I wear a night guard for teeth grinding and jaw and neck pain. I saw a dentist recommending crowns, but I would like to know if that is the only option. If I ever get this straight, teeth whitening is next on my wish list. Where do I start? – Cynthia from CT

Cynthia

Your description sounds like your bite collapsed, and you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A dentist may be able to open your bite with crowns, but you need an experienced dentist for an accurate diagnosis.

Opening Your Bite and Restoring Your Smile

Skilled dentists open your bite with a temporary restoration. If successful, they will duplicate the temporary crowns with the final crowns. What determines your temporary restorations’ success?

You no longer have teeth or jaw pain.
You love your smile and how it affects your facial appearance.
Your upper teeth show when you smile.
The restoration resolves issues with your speech.

Choosing a Dentist for TMJ and Bite Issues

Consult with a dentist with training in occlusion, bite, and TMJ treatment

A general or family dentist must have advanced training in full-mouth reconstruction to resolve all the issues with your teeth, bite, and jaw.

In the United States, several high-quality institutes offer advanced training to dentists on occlusion and bite so your jaw, teeth, and bite are in harmony. Look for dentists with advanced training from one or more of these training facilities:

Dawson Academy, Florida
D. Pankey Institute, Florida
Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, Nevada

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists with advanced training and experience in full-mouth reconstruction. List your questions and prepare to take notes to compare your options from each dentist. Also, tell the dentist you want teeth whitening as part of your smile makeover. The dentist will include it in your treatment plan.

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

My Gums Are Too Swollen for a Dental Bridge

Posted on July 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist was supposed to take impressions of my mouth this week, but we had to delay it again because my gums and mouth are still swollen after extractions. I had gum disease, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic before and after the extractions in December. The infection was getting better, then got worse again. My dentist extended the prescription. I take ibuprofen for discomfort, but the swelling is not improving. The right side of my face is warm and feels hard. My doctor asked me to wait until late next week to see what happens, but this doesn’t feel right. How long does it take for an infection to clear so that I can get a dental bridge? I have taken extra time off work because I am embarrassed to go in without any teeth. Thank you for your help. Milton from Lansing, MI

Milton,

Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your mouth and X-rays, it sounds like the infection is not improving. It would be best if you talked to your dentist again.

What If a Mouth and Gum Infection Won’t Go Away?

TMJ issues can result from a dental bridge that doesn’t fit well.

When a mouth and gum infection linger, let your dentist know that the antibiotic is not working. Although a dentist may use a standard antibiotic like amoxicillin for an infection, it is ineffective for every patient. When your body does not respond to the medicine, it usually means the bacteria is resistant.

What to do next:

Ask your dentist for a prescription for another antibiotic.
Act quickly to avoid further inflammation and discomfort.
Take the medication as prescribed and finish it all, even if you improve.

Your dentist can take accurate impressions of your mouth after all the swelling resolves and your gum tissue is healthy. Rushing impressions will affect your dental bridge’s fit, disrupting your bite and causing jaw pain and other TMJ symptoms.

Contact your dentist promptly for a new prescription. If your infection lingers, see a periodontist (gum specialist).

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

Why Are My Options for a Calcified Root Canal?

Posted on July 3, 2023 by AllSmiles.

to check the tooth last week when I had an exam and cleaning. After taking an X-ray, my dentist said the root canal is calcified, and I need root canal treatment and a new crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing. I’ve never heard of root calcification, so I am unsure if a root canal is my only option. I want to get a second opinion but do not want to see another dentist in an emergency because I delayed treatment. Why can’t I get a filling? Will you please explain my options? – Thank you. Silas from Delaware

Silas,

Thank you for your question.

What Is Root Canal Calcification?

Root canal calcification is a condition that occurs when excess calcium builds up in the root channels. Tooth trauma is the most common cause of calcification. After trauma, the following occurs:

Calcium deposits are a reaction to trauma to help the tooth repair itself.
The calcium deposit fills space in the pulp chamber and root canals.
Lack of space makes it challenging for the tooth to heal.

In addition to tooth trauma, calcification occurs as we age when we do not have enough calcium and vitamin C. The root canals can calcify.

Does a Calcified Root Canal Need Treatment?

A calcified root canal needs treatment if X-rays show signs of infection. An endodontist (root canal specialist) may treat calcified roots using these tools:

Dental microscope – Assists in finding calcified channels
3-D CT scan – Locates calcified canals for preserving more tooth structure
Ultrasonic dental instrument – Removes small amounts of tooth structure and helps the tooth retain strength.

Depending on its condition, a dentist may use a composite filling on a front tooth. However, back teeth need a crown to withstand the forces of grinding and chewing.

What Happens Without Treatment?

Without treatment, infected calcified channels allow infection to spread in the tooth, your bone, and possibly other teeth.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a root canal specialist in your area to examine your tooth and determine if it requires treatment. Please do not wait until you have an emergency and possibly end up in the hands of a dentist who is unskilled in treating root canal calcification.

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