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Bite does not align with my implant bridge

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently had four teeth on my bottom right replaced with a new implant bridge, with two implants. When I bite down on the right side, my top and bottom teeth line up, but they don’t on the left. Is this normal?     — Sharon in PA

Sharon,
This is not normal. All your teeth should come together at the same time, and if this isn’t fixed, it could lead to TMJ disorder.

This brings to light a good point about the quality and standards of implant dentistry among dentists today. Implant dentistry is not a recognized specialty, so any dentist can claim to be an implant dentist – even if they have no extra training.

You should have another dentist look at this – one who understands and practices quality implant dentistry and has credentials from either the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

It could be possible that the implants were restored incorrectly or more likely that the implants were placed in the wrong position. Sometimes, when surgery is done by one dentist and the implants are placed by another, there can be a lack of communication and the implants are placed in a position that makes it difficult or impossible to restore them correctly. A restorative dentist skilled in implant dentistry should make some type of surgical guide that fits in your mouth and that fixes the exact position and angle where the implant should be placed.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

New dental implants done overseas hurt ALL the time. Can they be removed?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I had 4 dental implants overseas and now they ALL the time. I can’t believe that all of them hurt. The pain is not intense but it is moderate and very uncomfortable. It’s been 10 months since I had them done and I can’t afford to keep going in and out of the country for the dentist there to get it right. I want to cry because I am so frustrated, and I am embarrassed for taking the risk and having thing turn out so wrong. Can the implants be removed? What’s involved? – T.M.

T.M. – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you are experiencing with your dental implants.

An experienced implant dentist will examine your implants and if necessary, remove them. An incision will made to expose the implants. The implant dentist will gently remove the gum tissue off of the bone. An attachment will be used to carefully remove the implants without damaging the bone.

If the bone is firmly attached to the implant, the bone may need to be weakened to remove the implant. Bone grafting will be needed to build back the bone. In four to five months, new bone will grow and new implants can be placed.

Before you select an implant dentist verify the amount of training and experience he or she has in implant dentistry and implant removal. Ensure that your questions are answered and your concerns are addressed. You should also consider getting the opinion of two different implant dentists.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

What should I expect after dental implant surgery?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I am considering getting dental implants but I want to know as much about the whole process as possible. After dental implant surgery, how will I feel/what should I expect? – Kent

Kent – After your dental implant surgery, for 24 to 48 hours, you may experience minor bleeding around the implant site. You will be instructed not to sip through a straw, spit, or rinse your mouth, because these actions can increase bleeding.  But you should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You should avoid physical exertion, which can result in more bleeding.

Your gums and face may be swollen after surgery, and your jaw muscles may feel tight. You may notice bruising on your face and gums. Slight elevation of your body temperature may occur. It is persists, notify your implant surgeon.

Antibiotics may be prescribed. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the level of pain anticipated, you may also receive a prescription for pain medication. Many patients are comfortable with over-the-counter pain reliever.

It may be recommended that you eat soft foods during the initial phase of healing, which can last up to two weeks.  During the entire healing period, avoid foods such as nuts, seeds, or popcorn, which can get lodged between your teeth and gums. The sticthes at the implant site should dissolve within two weeks or less.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to the healing process. Tobacco use should be avoided, because it interferes with the healing process.

We recommend that you have a few consultations with experienced implant dentists. The consultation will allow you to ask questions about the procedure, and the implant surgeon’s credentials and experience.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Find out why many consider him to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can a broken partial denture be fixed?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

The metal bar on my partial denture broke. The partial is for 2 upper left and 2 upper right teeth. The teeth are now kind of hanging lower than they should but I don’t want to remove the partial all together because then I would have 4 missing teeth. Can I get it fixed? Tom

Tom – Unfortunately, the metal framework of a partial denture cannot be fixed. The partial will need to be replaced.

A traditional partial denture with the metal framework has an acrylic base, in which either acrylic or composite teeth are embedded. The plastic parts are easy to repair and re-attach to the framework. Repairing the framework would require welding, which would melt the acrylic base. The lab work required to re-position the teeth, clasps, and saddle of the framework would be just as costly as making a new partial denture.

If your budget permits, dental implants are the most effective and most natural-looking way to replace your missing teeth. They are a permanent solution, and you would be free of concerns about replacing a partial denture in the future.

This blog post is sponsored by the office of Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

What can be done if my root canal treatment didn’t work?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I think that I got a bum root canal treatment. I had been reading about how not to worry about it because it’s a simple procedure but I have pain behind my ear on the same side as the tooth that had the infection. I went to an endodontist to be sure that I wouldn’t have no problems with it. The pain is not really all the time but every now and then during the day there is this sharp pain behind my ear. What can I do if the root canal didn’t work? – Tony P from Tennessee

Tony – It is possible for a root canal treatment to fail, but it might not be true in your case. Jaw or tooth problems can present themselves with pain behind the ear.

Regardless of the care that a dentist takes to clear the root of infections, there are times where all of the pathways cannot be reached. In those cases, a root canal treatment might not be successful. In rare cases, even an endodontist (root canal specialist) performs a root canal that fails.

You didn’t indicate how long it has been since you received the root canal treatment, but usually there are no symptoms of failure until an infection develops, which may take three to six months or longer.

It is best to return to the endodontist for him or her to exam your tooth to determine if it is the source of your pain. If infection is present, the endodontist will determine if another root canal treatment is required, if surgery is needed to access the root tip from the outside so it can be sealed, or if the tooth should be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or a dental bridge.

 

This blog post is courtesy of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie

My dental implant crown color is way off and my dentist can’t get it right

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I got a dental implant crown five months ago. I’m pretty frustrated because the crown is on a left incisor and the color is off. The crown is darker than my other teeth and it actually looks worse now that the natural tooth did. On the first try, my dentist didn’t get the color right and he told me that it “didn’t look that bad.” After I insisted that he do something about it, he sent me to the lab to get the color matched to my natural teeth. I am starting to think that he really doesn’t know how to do it. So the second crown was ready and he cements in on, no checking, no questions asked. It’s worse than ever. I need to bring this issue to a close with my dentist. I can’t keep the tooth like this but neither do I want him touching it again. What are my options? Thanks for your help! Emilee from New Orleans

Emilee – Your situation is unfortunate. And it shows the value of an artistic cosmetic dentist. There are very few dentists with artistic inclination, but an artistic cosmetic dentist will be very attentive and determined to give you a beautiful porcelain crown that matches the color of your natural teeth—before the crown is cemented. If the crown is received and it doesn’t perfectly match your teeth, or if you don’t like the color, he or she will return it to the lab until it’s just as you want it.

Your being sent to the lab for a color match was an indication that your dentist is not comfortable with the art of cosmetic dentistry.

You will need a new crown to correct the situation. Find an artistic cosmetic dentist to do the work. No damage will be done to your dental implant. You’ll get an accurate match to your natural teeth and you will be able to confidently smile again.

This post is sponsored by the office of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

I received a dental implant bridge and now my bite is off

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Ever since I got my dental implant bridge, my teeth don’t line up correctly. When I am chewing, the teeth on the right side are off. Is this a normal adjustment period? – Meghan

Meghan – Your teeth should be aligned immediately after receiving your dental implant bridge. There is no adjustment period required for the alignment. Either your implants were not properly placed during the surgeon or the restoration was done incorrectly.

Implant dentistry requires careful planning and placement for the surgery. Although some dentists offer affordable dental implants, affordability alone should not be the patient’s only concern.

We recommend that you find a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in implantology. If the surgery and restoration are completed by two different dentists, the restoring dentist should provide a template of your mouth that indicates the exact angle and placement of your dental implants.

This blog post is brought to you by New Orleans dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Is the bleeding near my dental implant caused by smoking?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I notice that sometimes when I brush my teeth there is bleeding in the area where I got a dental implant. I’ve had the implant for about two months. I am a smoker. Does that have anything to do with the bleeding? – Rebecca B., Louisiana

Rebecca – New dental implants are sensitive. Brushing too hard can cause some bleeding. If you have pain, if the implant is loose, or if the bone around it is loose, it can be a sign of a failed dental implant. Although smoking is very unhealthy, it’s unlikely that it is causing the bleeding.

This blog is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie.

Need some advice on teeth implants

Posted on by AllSmiles.

The crowns on my teeth implants look fake. I’ve had them for almost three years and I hate them. My dentist says that I’m being too picky, and that I should give it some time. How much more time do I need after three years? Am I being unreasonable, or am I right to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist? – Nyesha T., New Orleans – Metairie

Nyesha,

A cosmetic dentist has appreciation for aesthetics. He or she wants you to have a beautiful smile that you love—not one that you have to get used to in order to like it. When the crowns on your dental implants don’t look natural, a cosmetic dentist can help.

Porcelain crowns can and should have the translucency and color of your natural teeth. And when you have dental implants, no one should be able to tell that they are replacement teeth.

A cosmetic dentist will work with you to ensure that you love the look of your new smile.

This blog is brought to you by the office of New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie. Dr. Delaune has received post-graduate training specific to the placement of dental implants.

 

Dentures or a dental bridge for mom’s missing teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My 69 year-old mom has lost many of her teeth. Fortunately her front teeth are left, so she’s not too embarrassed. But she basically has no teeth to chew with, and this is causing lots of problems and inconveniences for her. I’ve done some research trying to find out her options, and I read about dentures and dental bridges, but we could use some help. – Rachel, Arkansas

Rachel – A dental bridge is not an option if all of your mother’s back teeth are missing. There are two options for replacing the missing teeth—dental implants or removable partial dentures, which would be attached to the front teeth.

The removable partial dentures are the least expensive option. With this option, many teeth can be replaced with one appliance. Although less expensive than implants, removable partial dentures would put stress on your mother’s remaining teeth.

Dental implants are healthier, will function as natural teeth, and they are more comfortable. But they are also more expensive—the cost is per implant. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone, and after the jawbone heals, replacement teeth are secured to the implants.

Another advantage of implants is that they help prevent jawbone shrinkage. When teeth are missing, the body resorbs the jawbone in the area that once supported the tooth. When a dental implant replaces a missing tooth, there is no jawbone shrinkage, and facial collapse can be prevented.

Find an artistic cosmetic dentist with whom you and your mother can discuss the implants and removable partial dentures, as well and the pros and cons for each.

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