Archives for September 2023

When Will I See Results from At-Home Teeth Whitening?

Posted on September 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

When will I see results from at-home teeth whitening? I started using carbamide peroxide 16% for my tetracycline stains about 5 weeks ago. I gave my teeth a break after only getting slight improvement. How long should I wait before trying again to avoid over-bleaching my teeth. I wonder whether I should try another brand of bleaching gel to see if the results are better. When should I see the improvement? – Thanks Zane

Zane – Understandably, you want to do something about the tetracycline stains on your teeth, but 16% carbamide peroxide won’t remove them.

When Will You See Results from At-Home Teeth Whitening?

You can see results from at-home teeth whitening the next day or several days later, depending on the type and strength of bleaching gel used. However, some whitening methods are not effective at all. If you have tetracycline stains, bleaching gel may not help at all. If teeth bleaching will help the stains, it needs to be done professionally by a dentist with high-strength bleaching gel. Even if the stains don’t disappear, overbleaching your teeth can damage them. Only an experienced cosmetic dentist can determine the treatment method for tetracycline stains.

It takes time and skill to get good results, though. It isn’t something that you should try on your own. Depending on your teeth and the severity of the stains, teeth whitening might not be the best option.

Porcelain veneers are a natural-looking way to conceal the tetracycline stains on your teeth. However, covering them isn’t easy. It requires the skill of a cosmetic dentist to give you porcelain veneers to cover the stains without them looking pasty or opaque.

Find an experienced, credentialed cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and recommend the right treatment.

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

Will Jaw Pain and Popping Recur with a New Bridge?

Posted on September 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I had jaw pain and popping with my last dental bridge and had to see a TMJ specialist to correct it. I got that bridge in 2001, so it is time to replace it. I relocated and switched dentists in 2014. Three weeks ago, I asked her about a new bridge, and she recommended a zirconia bridge. The pretreatment estimate includes a porcelain upgrade, which my dentist did not explain. I’ve had a billing issue in the past with this practice, so before I call, can you explain the porcelain upgrade? Is this related to my previous TMJ issues? Or should I be concerned that the jaw pain and popping will recur? Thanks, Hannah

Hannah,

We understand your concerns about a new dental bridge, especially if you’ve had TMJ concerns that required a specialist to resolve.

Will Jaw Pain and Popping Recur with a New Dental Bridge?

X-ray side-skull view of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Get a second opinion to prevent or resolve temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complications

Jaw pain and popping will not recur with a new dental bridge if your dentist has advanced occlusion and bite training. A dentist with post-graduate occlusion and bite training understands how your teeth should meet when you close your mouth or chew. Also, the contact force between your teeth affects your facial and jaw muscles.

Are TMJ and Zirconia Crowns Related?

Online articles about zirconia crowns have varying opinions about how zirconia crowns affect your TMJ (jaw joint) risks. Your dentist must take accurate impressions of your mouth and ensure your bridge fits well and is in harmony with your lips and bite.

What Is a Porcelain Upgrade for Your Bridge?

The dental office’s terminology of a porcelain upgrade is not a term that dentists commonly use. You should call the office and ask for an explanation of the terminology. You can check the insurance company for their opinion on the upgrade if you have dental insurance. Your pretreatment estimate will help you anticipate out-of-pocket costs.

Although we are unsure of what “porcelain upgrade” means, below are possibilities:

Your dentist may be planning for premium crowns if the bridge affects your front teeth.
The framework for your crowns may be a more expensive metal or metal-free.

However, ensure your dentist gives you a thorough explanation before you agree to treatment. If you are uncomfortable with the answer, we suggest getting a second opinion from a dentist with TMJ training.

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Learn more about TMJ symptoms and treatment.

Do I Need All 4 of My Wisdom Teeth Removed at Age 40?

Posted on September 15, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’m 40 and had no problems with my wisdom teeth until I was 38. Last month was my six-month exam and time for a panoramic x-ray. My dentist said two wisdom teeth are impacted, and one has a cavity. That explains why I have been feeling some discomfort. She referred me to an oral surgeon who wanted to remove all 4 teeth. I’m terrified. Is this necessary? I felt faint when the oral surgeon started talking about the risks and nerve damage. She assured me that I would be sedated and not feel a thing. Is this surgery necessary? I wonder if I could see another dentist to remove the cavity and place a white filling. Maybe only one tooth would need to be extracted from them. I don’t like overtreatment if it’s not necessary. Thanks. Malyssa

Malyssa,

Removing tooth decay from a wisdom tooth and filling the tooth with dental composite will not resolve concerns with impacted teeth. The wisdom teeth will continue to push on neighboring teeth. Impacted teeth are hard to clean and can become infected. However, a surgeon does not need to remove healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth that do not jeopardize neighboring teeth’s health or position.

Impacted wisdom tooth

An oral surgeon must explain the risks of tooth removal. However, they use a 3D scan to avoid nerve damage. Although a surgeon may emphasize the risks, they must protect themselves from potential lawsuits.

Removing all four wisdom teeth is not overtreatment. Removing them now prevents future complications, a dental emergency, and other surgery to remove the remaining teeth. Your anxiety is understandable; many patients experience it. Explain your anxiety level to the oral surgeon to ensure she gives you enough sedation to ensure you stay deeply relaxed throughout the procedure.

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