Archives for December 2023

Am I at Risk of Nerve Damage with Tooth Removal?

Posted on December 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist removed four teeth before Invisalign treatment and left one tooth root behind by mistake. He says a premolar tooth root touches a nerve, and an oral surgeon must remove it. The surgeon explained the risks for numbness that can be brief, last for months, or permanent paralysis. Can I skip this surgery? I’ve already delayed Invisalign treatment for the first surgery. Thank you. Chase from NH

Chase,

You need a second opinion with another oral surgeon to examine your X-rays and determine what you might expect with surgery.

Is it Necessary to Remove Tooth Roots Left After Extraction?

Sometimes, tooth roots left after extraction are harmless. However, if you are in Invisalign treatment and the tooth is a lower molar, the root can affect the movement of other teeth.

Oral surgeons must protect themselves from lawsuits and explain the most extreme results of surgery. The risk of nerve damage with wisdom teeth is higher than with premolars. Still, if a tooth root touches a nerve, the roots may affect the mental foramen nerve that travels along the lower lip and chin. You might have some temporary numbness or complete loss of sensation but not paralysis.

An oral surgeon can see the nerve on an X-ray and, with good technique, avoid damaging it during surgery.

Get a Second Opinion

If you want to feel confident about your decision to accept or decline surgery, schedule a second opinion with another oral surgeon. They will examine your X-rays and explain your options. The surgeon will also explain what you can expect if you do or don’t have surgery to remove the tooth root.

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

Can a Tooth Pushed Out of Place Be Repositioned?

Posted on December 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Last month, I had an accident that pushed my tooth back. I want Invisalign to reposition the tooth, but my dentist says nothing can be done further to move the tooth. The tooth root got moved forward and poked my upper lip. I could feel it in my nostril. My dentist said he repositioned the tooth as best he could. He said that he might be able to do something cosmetically. But the sensation in my nostril is uncomfortable, and the tooth is clearly out of place. Do I really have to live with this? Will braces help? Thanks. Ryan

Ryan,

We wish you could have seen a dentist within a day or so of the accident. If a tooth injury is new, a dentist can move it back into place and stabilize it to prevent it from moving.

Can a Tooth Pushed Out of Place Be Repositioned?

When a tooth is pushed out of place, a skilled dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) can do the following:

Reposition the tooth
Stabilize it until it heals
Perform root canal treatment within a few days of the injury
Protect the tooth with a permanent filling or a crown

If your dentist did not reposition the tooth, orthodontics can do it. Now, you must wait until your tooth fully heals. Invisalign or braces will reposition your front teeth relatively quickly. If you have no problems with your bite and no TMJ symptoms, you can only get Invisalign for your upper teeth.

Root Canal Treatment for a Damaged Tooth

When a tooth is knocked out of place, the pulp (living tissue inside) is usually damaged. You will probably need root canal treatment to remove the tooth pulp. Your dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist) must clean root canal cement and filler inside the tooth’s crown. Otherwise, your tooth will turn dark over time. If the crown is left clean, it takes years for the tooth to darken.

You can schedule a consultation with an orthodontist provider to examine your tooth and determine when you can begin treatment.

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

Is It Too Late to Save My Loose Tooth?

Posted on December 10, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Is it too late to save my loose tooth? I tripped over a cement parking space block and fell face forward last Thursday, and now I feel my left front tooth is loose. I chipped two other teeth, but they do not hurt. I was flossing two nights ago and thought the tooth was loose, but now, I am sure. My regular dentist is almost 45 minutes away, but I have not seen him in three years. Should I see an emergency dentist for this, or can I schedule an appointment with my regular dentist to be referred to an oral surgeon? – Thank you. Tamra from Athens, GA

Tamra,

Thank you for your question.

If your tooth is loose, you have a dental emergency. It is best to see your dentist or find a nearby experienced dentist who takes emergency cases if the distance is a problem.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

Treatment for a loose tooth depends on its condition and location. Before treating a loose tooth, your dentist will examine and x-ray it. Treatment options may include:

Splinting or bonding. A dentist can stabilize the tooth by splinting or bonding it to adjacent teeth. Splinting or bonding will help tooth ligaments heal on their own.
Root canal therapy. A dentist will also check your tooth for internal damage. If the tooth pulp is affected, you will need root canal treatment to remove the dying tooth pulp after the ligaments heal. Root canal treatment will prevent infection and further problems with the tooth. The dentist will protect your tooth with a dental crown. The American Association of Endodontists confirms that a loose tooth likely needs root canal treatment, which a dentist or endodontist should complete within a few days of tooth trauma.
See a dentist promptly for a loose tooth and to prevent the need for an extraction and dental implant.
Dental implant. You will only need a dental implant for an unsavable tooth. Before agreeing to an extraction, you can get a second opinion from an endodontist (root canal specialist).

Until you see your dentist, take these precautions:

Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth.
Avoid touching or wiggling it.
Do not floss near it.
Eat soft food.
Take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Healing will take a few weeks if your tooth ligaments are mildly damaged. More extensive damage can take months. You will have periodic checkups to ensure the healing is progressing well. Closely follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for your tooth after the dentist stabilizes. In time, you can decide if you want your dentist to apply dental bonding to fill the spaces for your two chipped teeth.

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