dental implant Archives - Dr. Duane Delaune's Blog

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.

Are a Tooth Post and Core the Only Way to Save My Tooth?

Posted on October 25, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Before my dental appointment last week, I had not heard of a post and core. My dentist says it will save my tooth. I thought a root canal protects a tooth, and I am trying to understand why I might need the extra step. My dentist’s explanation does not make sense. Why would I need a post and core, and what could happen if I decline it? – Thank you. Roderick from Newark, NJ

Roderick,

Thank you for your question.

Your dentist recommends a post and core to preserve your tooth

What Are a Dental Post and Core?

A dental post is a small rod that helps your tooth support a core. A core is a dental filling material for building your tooth to support a dental crown. Dentists use a post and core to strengthen a weak tooth after root canal treatment.

Why Would a Dentist Recommend a Post and Core?

A dentist may recommend a post and core if you lack enough healthy tooth structure to support a dental crown. Sometimes, a dentist must remove so much tooth decay or damage that little structure remains for cementing on a dental crown. A dentist will complete these steps:

Perform root canal therapy to remove tooth decay and infection
Insert one or two posts into the tooth
Fill in the tooth with dental material
Use dental bonding to shape the crown of the tooth
Bond the dental crown to the rebuilt tooth

Will You Use a Your Tooth If You Decline a Post and Core?

Dental implant

If you decline a post and core, you may lose your tooth for these reasons:

Without a post and core, your weak tooth may not be able to support a dental crown in the long term.
If your tooth further weakens, your dentist must remove it.
Replacing a missing tooth is expensive. You can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a dental implant and crown.

If you are unsure about your dentist’s treatment recommendation for a post and core, you may get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist. Delaying a post and core can create more concerns with your tooth and result in costly treatment.

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

Will Lingering Sensitivity After a White Filling Lead to an Extraction?

Posted on November 29, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I am afraid that lingering sensitivity after a white filling is going to require a dental implant. Last April, after my dentist filled my tooth, it became sensitive to cold. I returned to the dentist, and she said that the cavity was so deep that the tooth might be irritated. She recommended putting a temporary crown over the tooth and later a root canal if the sensitivity continued. The tooth is still sensitive, but I am hesitant about getting a root canal. If I do not get a root canal, is there a chance of losing the tooth and needing an implant? – Thanks. Dean from PA

Dean,

Thank you for your question.

Will Lingering Sensitivity After a White Filling Lead to Root Canal or Extraction?

Whether lingering sensitivity after a filling requires root canal treatment depends on the status of your tooth. If the sensitivity gets worse, it is probably due to an infection that requires root canal treatment.

What Causes Delayed Sensitivity After a Filling?

Delayed sensitivity after a filling may mean that some decay got into the tooth pulp. Sometimes your body’s defenses will get rid of the infection.

Will You Need an Extraction?

Lingering tooth sensitivity should not lead to an extraction and implant unless you neglect the tooth

You will not need an extraction and dental implant unless the sensitivity worsens and you leave it untreated. You are seeking help, so it seems to be an unlikely scenario for you. Even so, despite what you may have heard, dentists make root canal treatment painless. If you have dental anxiety, ask your dentist about sedation options.

We do not understand your dentist’s work on your tooth or why she placed a crown over a sensitive tooth. But if a tooth is sensitive after a white filling, it is best to give it time to recover. Sometimes, the more you do to a tooth, irritation will increase. If the tooth gets worse, you can give your dentist a chance to resolve it, or you can get a second opinion.

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

Is My Dentist Just Trying to Scare Me?

Posted on April 23, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have an abscessed tooth on one of my upper teeth. I called my dentist and asked for antibiotics, but he said he wants me to come in instead. I told him I didn’t want to go anywhere until after the quarantine. He proceeded to tell me he could give me one prescription of antibiotics, but after they run out the infection will return and, if I don’t get it treated, will spread to my brain.

I know most governors have closed dental offices because of COVID-19, except for dental emergencies. Is this just my dentist trying to scare me so he can get some business? I’m sure he needs the business and I understand he’s likely struggling financially, but I don’t want to risk getting this virus so he can make some money.

Mark

Dear Mark,

This isn’t your dentist’s way of trying to get money. He is trying to protect you though. Dental infections are a bit different in that antibiotics alone are not enough. At some point, the pulp of your tooth dies, which prohibits blood flow from reaching the infected tissue.

Your tooth will start to feel better for a bit, but then once the antibiotic runs out, it will return. While that doesn’t guarantee it will spread to your brain, I can pretty much guarantee it will spread. Your jaw is close, not just to your brain, but also your heart and lungs. Any one of those can become life-threatening quickly. That’s just one of the reasons a tooth infection is considered a dental emergency and why even during quarantine it is an allowed treatment.

To treat an infected tooth a dentist has to get in there and physically remove the infected pulp. This can be done in one of two ways. First, he can do a root canal treatment. Second, he can do a tooth extraction.

It is always better to save a tooth, if at all possible. If not, then you have to add the additional procedure and expense of replacing the tooth. If it turns out your tooth can’t be saved and it does have to be extracted, ask your dentist how experienced he is in dental implants. It is by far the best tooth replacement option available. However, it is an advanced procedure and requires a dentist to have significant post-doctoral training.

I know you’re worried about Coronavirus, but I can assure you that your dentist doesn’t want it any more than you do. He’ll take every available precaution for the protection of you, his staff, and himself.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

When a Tooth is Knocked Out

Posted on October 25, 2018 by writeradmin.

I was at the playground and saw a boy who was hit in the mouth and lost a tooth as a result. His mother just tossed it because it was a baby tooth, but it got me to wondering. What would I do if it was an adult tooth?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

Whenever a tooth is knocked out, it’s a dental emergency whether it’s a baby tooth or an adult tooth. Even though the baby tooth doesn’t need to be saved the dentist needs to check the pulp of their tooth to make sure no damage was done which will affect the adult tooth underneath.

With an adult tooth, it’s even more serious. You have about 30 minutes to try and save the tooth. Call your dentist right away and let them know what happened. They’ll be available and ready as soon as you get there.

If you don’t have a dentist, you can do an internet search for an emergency dentist. These are general dentists who will see non-established patients in cases like yours. Again, let them know you’re trying to save a tooth so they’ll be prepared. Time is of the essence.

You’ll only want to handle the tooth by the crown (the part which is visible when you smile). Try never to touch the root. Additionally, you’ll want to keep it moist. If you can, put it in a glass of milk. If that’s not available, you can just place it between your gums and your cheek.

If Your Tooth Can’t be Saved

There are times when a tooth can be saved. In that case, you’ll have options for your replacement. Ideally, you’d want a dental implant. That’s almost like having a natural tooth. However, if it’s a teenager or child you’re talking about an implant isn’t possible. Their jaw has to be finished growing.

After a dental implant, the next best option is a dental bridge. This suspends a false tooth between two crowns. There are other options as well if neither of those work for you such as a removable partial denture or a dental flipper. A flipper is only meant to be temporary though, while you are waiting for a better replacement.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.