Archives for November 2024

Is It Risky to Extract a Tooth Near Roots Left Behind from Previous Extractions?

Posted on November 30, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I need surgery for my bottom left premolar. The dentist took a new X-ray, which showed roots left behind from previous extractions. The roots are on the left and right side of my mouth. However, the dentist will only extract the left-side root. Is the extraction dangerous since it’s around tooth roots? – Thank you. Dana from GA

Dana,

Your lower premolar is near the mental foramen, a small opening in your lower jawbone that houses a nerve. While removing a premolar in this area has a slight risk of damaging the mental nerve, a skilled oral surgeon can minimize this risk through careful technique.

Incomplete root removal from a previous extraction can prevent the jawbone from healing correctly. While the last dental work was not ideal, your current dentist’s recommendations will help protect your oral health by preventing further damage to surrounding teeth and the need for potential dental implant procedures.

If you want a second opinion, we recommend consulting with an oral surgeon or a dentist with extensive experience in tooth extractions.

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.

Can a Dentist Fill Deep Cavities with White Fillings?

Posted on November 20, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I go to a large dental practice that has frequent turnover with dentists. I saw a new dentist last week who said I needed filling for deep cavities in two lower left teeth. I told the dentist that I only wanted white fillings, but she said white fillings wouldn’t work. I didn’t schedule an appointment to get the cavities filled. I’m thinking about switching to another practice. Could I find a dentist willing to do white fillings on deep cavities? Thanks. Flores from NM

Flores,

The prospect of dental drilling for filling causes anxiety for many people.

Can a Dentist Fill Deep Cavities with White Fillings?

Yes, a cosmetic dentist can fill with composite (white) fillings. Composite fillings are ideal for deep cavities. Amalgam (silver) fillings can increase sensitivity to temperature changes, particularly with deep fillings, as they conduct heat and cold more efficiently. Additionally, deep fillings often require removing more tooth structure, weakening the tooth. Composite fillings, on the other hand, can strengthen the tooth and reduce the risk of fracture.

Check with your dental insurance provider to determine coverage for composite fillings. Some plans may favor amalgam fillings due to their lower costs.

Finding a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

Placing composite fillings requires precision and expertise. A cosmetic dentist with specialized training can ensure optimal results by keeping the tooth dry during the procedure and achieving a strong bond between the filling and tooth structure. Composite fillings look natural and are durable when a dentist places them well. They can last many years.

For patients with significant dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may be an option. Consult a cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns and sedation options.

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 Root Canals Save My Broken-Off Front Teeth?

Posted on November 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

Can root canals save my broken-off front teeth, or will I need a partial denture or a dental bridge? The tooth roots are intact. Thanks. Lyle from SD

Lyle,

It may be possible to salvage a broken front tooth through a root canal procedure, followed by inserting a post and placing a crown. However, this is contingent upon the extent of the tooth fracture and the bite force exerted by your husband. Additionally, the dentist’s willingness to undertake such a procedure is significant. Some dentists prefer dental implants as a more straightforward solution than attempting to save the damaged tooth.

The mechanical intricacies of repairing a fractured front tooth can be challenging. Many dentists may thoroughly understand the predominant rotational forces acting on the tooth. The round root shape and a round post can lead to limited resistance against these forces. Over time, the post can loosen. Inserting two posts into the root can provide greater stability.

Another potential issue that dentists may overlook is the risk of root fracture after placing a tooth post. A rigid post offers superior strength. However, when subjected to tipping forces, the post can transmit these forces deep into the thinner root structure, potentially leading to cracks. Therefore, flexible posts like carbon fiber or fiberglass may reduce the risk.