Archives for February 2024

A Partial Denture Allergy Is Causing Mouth and Tongue Sores

Posted on February 29, 2024 by AllSmiles.

After getting top and bottom partial dentures in August 2023, I developed sores in my mouth and on my tongue. My dentist referred me to multiple specialists before I decided to get allergic testing. I am allergic to nickel and have a list of other metal allergens. Could the allergic reaction make me feel physically sick? I feel better when I remove the partials after getting home from work, but worse during the day. Thanks. Kelli from Montgomery, AL

Kelli,

Since you experienced some relief at night when removing the partials, it’s clear your body was reacting to exposure to the allergenic metals.

Metal Allergies and Removable Partial Dentures

The number of cases where people tell us their dentist is unaware of metal allergies is alarming. Allergies and sensitivities are fundamental and essential aspects of dentistry. Yes, you can become physically sick from constant exposure to metals you are allergic to. Your sickness may be related to your metal allergies and the recent placement of removable partial dentures.

Case Study: Allergic Reaction to Mercury Fillings

One dentist had a rare case of a woman with a confirmed allergy to mercury. Due to her allergy, the dentist removed all the patient’s amalgam fillings, replacing them with composites. After the first appointment, she developed a rash and breathing difficulties due to exposure to amalgam dust. The dentist took precautions to avoid further exposure during subsequent appointments. After replacing her amalgam fillings with composites, the patient reported that her arthritis had disappeared. Her dentist was confident that her arthritis was related to her constant exposure to the metal allergen.

Nickel Allergies and Removable Partial Dentures

Consider a few facts about nickel allergies and removable partial dentures:

Many removable partial dentures are made from a nickel-free alloy called Vitallium.
Some less expensive alloys contain nickel or other metals that can cause reactions.
Around 10% of women and 1% of men test positive for nickel allergies. “Are you allergic or sensitive to any metals?” should be a standard question on every dentist’s medical history form, particularly if they use non-precious metals in their restorations.

A metal-free Valplast partial denture

Dentists should inquire about metal sensitivities before treatment. A growing number of dentists exclusively provide mercury-free and metal-free restorations, eliminating the need to ask about metal allergies. Others are willing to provide alternatives to restorations that contain metal or mercury.

You can consult a cosmetic dentist willing to use metal-free materials for a partial denture.

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

How Can I Treat a Tooth Infection at Home?

Posted on February 16, 2024 by AllSmiles.

How can I treat a tooth infection at home? I do not have dental insurance, so I need some advice. The toothache hurts daily, and yesterday, the swelling in my left cheek increased. What can I do for the infection until I save enough money to see a dentist? Rhoda

Rhoda,

How Can You Treat a Tooth Infection at Home?

You cannot treat a tooth infection at home because it is inside the tooth, which neither you nor antibiotics alone can reach. You need professional care from a dentist to remove the infection.

How Can You Treat a Tooth Infection?

A dentist must perform root canal treatment for a tooth infection. Although a dentist may prescribe antibiotics after root canal treatment, the medication alone will not eliminate the infection. Consider three reasons:

Location of the infection – Antibiotics cannot remove the infection from the tooth pulp.
Infection requires removal – A dentist uses instruments to perform root canal treatment and remove the infective tooth pulp. Without removing the infected tissue, the bacteria in your tooth will become antibiotic resistant. A dentist will protect your weakened tooth with a dental crown.
Tooth infections spread – Untreated tooth infections spread to your gums, other teeth, jawbone, and even into your bloodstream, which can be deadly.

What If You Cannot Afford Root Canal Treatment?

Diagram of root canal phases, including numbing the tooth, widening, cleaning, and filling canals and attaching a dental crown.

Only root canal treatment removes a tooth infection

If you cannot afford root canal treatment, allow a dentist to remove the tooth rather than let the infection spread. However, preserving a tooth has these benefits:

A missing tooth causes neighboring teeth to drift into the space.
Missing teeth can affect chewing or speech.
Misaligned teeth can lead to earaches, headaches, jaw pain, and other TMJ disorder issues.

Consider a dental clinic

Look for a free or low-cost dental clinic in your area. Even if they don’t provide root canal treatment, they can extract an infected tooth to prevent the infection from poisoning your body.

Call dental offices

Call local dental offices to ask about payment plans or health care financing if you can pay for dental care in installments.

Your oral health and well-being are worth searching for options to eliminate a tooth infection even though you don’t have dental insurance.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

What Is the Treatment for Discolored Tooth Enamel?

Posted on February 11, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I had never heard of enamel hypoplasia until two years ago. It took a new dentist to diagnose me correctly. However, I didn’t start treatment because I knew I would relocate in two months. Now that I must find a new dentist, I would like to know my options before choosing one. Is composite bonding the best option to make my teeth a uniform color? – Thanks. Oaklynn

Oaklynn,

A skilled cosmetic dentist can examine and x-ray your teeth to determine treatment options for the discoloration.

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia is a defect where the enamel of the teeth hasn’t fully formed. This condition can stem from a genetic defect or be caused by disease during the teeth’s formation period. Tooth formation primarily occurs from before birth through about twelve years of age.

What Are Enamel Hypoplasia Signs?

Severe hypoplasia results in thin, often pitted enamel and may have areas where the dentin is exposed, making a tooth look spotted. This severity can lead to deep ridges in the enamel and a brownish color. Teeth may have horizontal ridges, thin enamel, and, in some places, the complete absence of enamel. The adjacent teeth might be less affected, displaying white spots and some pitting.

On the other hand, mild hypoplasia might only involve mild white spots on the teeth. An example is a large white spot on one central incisor among the six upper front teeth.

What Is the Treatment for Tooth Enamel Hypoplasia?

Treatment options for discolored tooth enamel caused by enamel hypoplasia are available for severe and mild to moderate cases.

Severe Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Severe enamel hypoplasia may require porcelain veneers

For severe cases, treatment typically requires porcelain veneers on the fronts of the affected teeth. If the lingual surfaces (inside surfaces) of any teeth are severely impacted, as seen on the front two teeth, it may even necessitate full crowns on those teeth.

Mild to Moderate Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment

In cases of mild hypoplasia, direct composite bonding of the affected tooth is recommended. The dentist would remove the very surface of the white spot and replace it with a high-gloss composite. Tiny spots on other teeth could either be left as is or treated with small spots of composite, depending on the patient’s concern about the appearance.

Consult an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

For either condition, consulting an expert cosmetic dentist is advisable. Even for bonding a single tooth, most general family dentists might only have general-purpose composites, which do not offer the high-gloss, translucent finish needed for natural-looking results. A cosmetic dentist may recommend multiple treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers, for the most aesthetic results.

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