Archives for August 2023

An Unhealed Sinus Perforation Is Delaying My Treatment Plan

Posted on August 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’ve waited for an upper left sinus perforation after tooth extraction to heal since late May, but I still have symptoms. My next step was to get teeth whitening and four dental implants. I’m concerned that it will be 2025 before my dental work is complete. I don’t think my dentist can control the infection because he keeps prescribing antibiotics, but the infection flares again as soon as I finish the medicine. Should I request a referral to an oral surgeon, or is it too late? – Caleb from NM

Caleb

When a sinus perforation does not heal, it may be delayed by a root tip or bone fragment in your sinus. If your dentist took an X-ray of your sinus, he should be able to see if any foreign objects are lodged, preventing the area from healing.

What Can You Do If a Sinus Perforation Doesn’t Heal?

If a sinus perforation does not heal after tooth extraction, you can ask your dentist to refer you to an otolaryngologist (ENT) doctor. The specialist will examine your X-ray to determine whether a bone fragment or root tip remains in the sinus, interfering with healing.

Dental implant with crown, abutment, and implant screw identified

Dental implants need the support of healthy gums and bone

If you have a foreign object lodged in your sinus, the ENT will take these steps:

Remove the fragment, root tip, or other object
Suture the perforation
Prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection

After treatment from the ENT and confirmation that the area has healed, you can resume your dentist’s treatment plan for teeth whitening and dental implants. We recommend getting a second opinion from an advanced implant dentist to determine whether you need bone grafting or sinus augmentation before dental implant surgery.

Although you are understandably anxious to complete your smile makeover, please patiently wait for healing. Dental implants require healthy jawbone and surrounding tissues to ensure the implants and bone integrate. Otherwise, you may experience dental implant failure, which can further delay treatment, sometimes requiring alternative forms of tooth replacement.

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

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers Over Front Tooth Fillings?

Posted on August 23, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have fillings on all my front teeth across my smile, from canine to canine. I’ve had tooth decay since childhood and have had the fillings for as long as I can remember. I’m interested in porcelain veneers but wonder if I qualify for them since I have dental fillings on my front teeth. I would like something to hide the discoloration in my teeth, and I prefer something that lasts longer than dental bonding. Will Lumineers work? I’ve heard they are fast and a little cheaper than high-end veneers. Thanks. Lenore

Lenore,

We understand your concerns about discoloration in your teeth and desiring a solution that lasts longer than dental bonding.

Can a Dentist Cover Tooth Fillings with Porcelain Veneers?

A dentist can cover your tooth fillings with porcelain veneers. The bonding material for porcelain veneers and the composite for tooth fillings are compatible. Your veneers will not loosen or fall off due to the fillings.

However, if you want stable, natural-looking results with porcelain veneers, find a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Cosmetic dentists understand how to prepare your teeth conservatively for porcelain veneers and bond them for strength. Over-preparing your teeth can expose the dentin beneath your tooth enamel. Veneers do not adhere well to dentin, so that over-preparation can loosen them.

What Is Porcelain Veneer Preparation?

Porcelain veneer preparation removes a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the fronts of your teeth. Minimal preparation can help veneers fit well where the veneers meet your gum line. Preparation helps veneers look natural, not bulky.

Lumineers for Tooth Discoloration

A single porcelain veneer - for info on Lumineers

A skilled cosmetic dentist can anticipate the results you will get with Lumineers vs other porcelain veneer brands.

Most advanced cosmetic dentists prefer other brands over Lumineers for better aesthetics. Lumineers often make teeth look opaque. However, after examining your teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist will explain your options.

Look for a Highly Trained Cosmetic Dentist

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. You can get natural-looking results.

New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Find out why so many people consider him to be one of the best dentists in New Orleans.

Which Ceramic Crowns Can Hide a Dark Front Tooth?

Posted on August 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have crowns on my front teeth. They are old and fused to metal. The front left tooth had a root canal in 2012, and the tooth is dark. Which ceramic crowns should I request to hide the dark tooth without making it evident that my front teeth have crowns on them? Thank you. Viviana from IL

Viviana,

We understand your concerns. We advise patients to focus on the dentist’s skill to restore their smile rather than the materials used. The riskiest thing you could do is to pick crown material and ask your dentist to use it. This could put the dentist outside their comfort zone, working with an unfamiliar material and producing an unattractive outcome. Remember, no material will guarantee a beautiful result unless the dentist is artistic.

Consider several reasons.

Which Ceramic Is Best for Front Teeth Crowns?

The best ceramics for front teeth crowns depend on several factors, including the condition of your teeth, whether they are discolored, and your dentist’s skill and preferences. We recommend searching for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to determine which crowns will produce the most natural-looking results for your teeth.

All-ceramic crowns look natural

While it’s true that porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns don’t look entirely natural, many all-ceramic crowns can look so real that even a trained professional might be unable to tell they’re not your natural teeth.

Durable ceramics are plentiful

All-ceramic options are strong enough for your front teeth, so there is no need to worry about that aspect.

Your dentist’s artistic talent matters

Matching a dental crown to the natural tooth next to it is a challenge. Front teeth show when you smile, so achieving a match is vital to helping you feel confident about your smile. Find a dentist with artistic ability and advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Let the dentist choose a ceramic based on your case and the dentist’s experience and comfort level. Skilled cosmetic dentists collaborate with a master ceramist who understands ceramics and can achieve beautiful results.

Can a Dental Crown Hide a Dark Front Tooth?

If you have an underlying dark tooth, a dentist and ceramist must mask it with opaquer. One technique is to use a composite buildup material and then add the crown. However, some dentists prefer to instruct the lab ceramist to use an opaque layer in the crown instead. and then layer it with feldspathic porcelain for a natural-looking result.

Before choosing a dentist, you can schedule consultations with two or three advanced cosmetic dentists to compare your options and the dentists’ work. A trained cosmetic dentist will balance your bite to prevent TMJ concerns, ensuring your smile is healthy and attractive.

Before and after dark front teeth restored with dental crown photos from Metairie, LA, cosmetic dentist Dr. Delaune

Dr. Delaune’s patient

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