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Am I at Risk of Nerve Damage with Tooth Removal?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Man scratching his head in uncertainty about whether he will experience nerve damage after tooth removalMy 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.

Would Teeth Stains from Silver Fillings Show Through White Ones?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have three silver fillings starting with my upper left lateral incisor and back. The fillings are old, and I want them replaced with composite. My dentist told me that the silver fillings may have stained my teeth, and the stains might show if I replaced them with white fillings. I don’t understand this and have not heard of it before. Can silver fillings stain teeth? If so, can a dentist remove the stains before placing white fillings? Maybe my dentist doesn’t want to do white fillings. Thanks for your help. Vivian

Vivian,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We understand your concerns about the appearance of your teeth after removing amalgam fillings.

Do Silver Teeth Fillings Stain Your Teeth?

Amalgam (silver) fillings can discolor your teeth as they age, but the discoloration is usually insignificant. Still, a 2009 Journal of Dentistry report on the effects of amalgam on dentin (the layer beneath tooth enamel) published findings after reviewing articles on amalgam removal, including the following:

  • Darkly discolored dentin may be present beneath amalgam restoration
  • The dentin contains amalgam corrosion products
  • The dark dentin is demineralized

When a dentist replaces an amalgam filling with composite, it strengthens your tooth and improves its appearance. A cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth and smile are attractive.

How Do Silver and Amalgam Fillings Compare?

Lower teeth with mercury-free white fillingsPlacing composite fillings on back teeth is very different than using amalgam. The process takes more time and more skill. According to the American Dental Association, it is easier for a dentist to place amalgam fillings than tooth-colored fillings. A dentist must isolate the tooth with a cavity and keep it perfectly dry to ensure the composite adheres to your tooth.

If your dentist is uncomfortable placing the composite fillings, we suggest finding a mercury-free cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training and experience with composite fillings. If you insist on a treatment your dentist is uncomfortable with, you may not get natural-looking results or fillings that last.

 

Metairie, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read how he strives to offer patients the best dental care in Metairie.