Archives for September 2024

Is It Risky to Get a Root Canal on a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

Posted on September 30, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I need a root canal on my top right incisor. The tooth has a veneer over it. Is the procedure risk? Will it ruin my veneer and require replacement? Thanks. Darcie from NJ

Darcie,

Root canal treatment on a porcelain veneer tooth is rare, so we are concerned about what caused the tooth abscess. An abscess is an infection at the root tip that can spread to the bone without treatment, so treating it is a priority.

Why Might a Porcelain Veneer Tooth Require Root Canal?

If a dentist aggressively prepares a porcelain veneer tooth, it may require root canal treatment. Aggressive preparation can result in more significant stress, irritation, and inflammation on a tooth, leading to infection, which may require root canal treatment. If bacteria leak behind the veneer, it can also cause an infection that, if left untreated, may need root canal treatment. Regardless of the cause, delaying treatment will only worsen the situation.

Will a Root Canal Damage a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

Root canal treatment can darken any tooth, primarily due to the discoloration caused by the root canal filling material. While a porcelain veneer has some translucence, the darkness may show through it. However, your dentist can minimize the discoloration by:

Cleaning out the root canal filling material from the tooth crown (the portion above the gumline)
Placing a white, flexible fiberglass post into the root
Filling the space with a light shade of dental composite

Typically, cleaning out the root canal filler material from the crown and filling lasts five to ten years.

Will a Root Canal Damage a Porcelain Veneer?

Root canal treatment should not loosen or damage your porcelain veneer if the dentist who originally placed your veneers bonded them correctly. Unless the endodontist assesses that the condition of your tooth is dire, you will not need a dental implant.

If you still have concerns about your tooth and veneer, consider scheduling a second-opinion appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist.

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. Ask Delaune Dental about financing to help pay for dental care.

New Porcelain Veneers Make My Teeth Stick Out

Posted on September 22, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I had veneers done on my six front teeth, and it’s been a total disaster. My teeth weren’t even that bad before. I just wanted a little boost, so my dentist suggested veneers. She said she was an Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry member, so I trusted her. I now have noticeable gum recession around my front teeth. My dentist prepped my teeth too much. My teeth look super long and weird.

When I got the veneers, they protruded because of the recession. I told the dentist I didn’t want them, and she got mad at me! She said I had to pay a $2,000 lab fee if she had to remake them. She put temporary teeth on, and now they protrude so much that I can’t even feel my bite. I’m quitting this dentist and refusing to return.

All I want is my old teeth back, minus the .5mm my dentist took off. I don’t mind going back to my original teeth shape and gaps. Is that even possible? I don’t care about a cosmetic look anymore. – Thanks. Greg from Chicago

Greg,

We are sorry to hear about your cosmetic dentistry nightmare. You are wise not to return to the dentist.

Although your dentist may be a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, membership does not represent a dentist’s cosmetic dentistry training, skills, or experience. Any dentist can join the Academy. Patients must check a dentist’s training, experience, and credentials to determine their ability to produce natural-looking results with porcelain veneers.

Search online for experienced cosmetic dentists in your area. Find each dentist’s biography on their website to read about their post-graduate training and experience. A smile gallery on the website features before-and-after patient photos. Then, schedule consultations with at least two dentists who can briefly examine your teeth and explain possible treatment options for restoring your teeth.

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.

Can’t Floss Between My Teeth After Getting Bonding for Black Triangles

Posted on September 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

After my dentist used bonding to close the black triangles between four teeth, I couldn’t floss between them. The bonding looks like a glob between my teeth—almost like the teeth are connected. The spaces developed while I was wearing Clear Correct braces. Is it even possible to correct the spaces with bonding? Thanks. Kolby from TX

Kolby,

Often caused by receding gums, black triangles are a common dental concern. The image provided illustrates a case where this occurred. In your case, black triangles developed from straightening your teeth with Clear Correct braces. A skilled cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth to determine whether bonding can resolve the black triangles.

Challenges of Using Dental Bonding for Black Triangles

If you decide to proceed with bonding, it’s important to be aware of several challenges:

Gum Health: Improperly applied bonding can create a food trap, leading to plaque and calculus buildup and potentially causing gum disease. The bonding material must be carefully shaped and polished to prevent this. A healthy gumline allows for smooth floss passage, indicating proper shaping and polishing.
Bonding Difficulty: Gum tissue sensitivity and fluid production can hinder bonding. Retraction techniques can control these factors and ensure a successful bond.
Aesthetics: Achieving a natural appearance requires careful consideration of color matching and shape. A dentist must choose appropriate composite materials and skillfully shape the bonding.

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist

Consult a dentist with advanced aesthetic training to offer appropriate solutions. Removing the bonding may allow for easier flossing and a smoother tooth surface.

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