Monthly Archives: March 2013

Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth-Colored Fillings

My dentist put a silver filling back in my tooth but I wanted white

I went to the dentist for a filling. I wanted an old silver filling removed and replaced with a white filling. When I got home, I saw they put a silver filling back in my tooth. I don’t know why I didn’t look in a mirror before I left or ask to look in their mirror. This is a side tooth and it shows the dark filling when I smile. It looks like a cavity. That’s why I asked to have it replaced. Now I have to go back and have it drilled out so it can be replaced with a white filling. What should I do to make sure the dentist gets it right this time? – Morena

Morena – You should definitely tell your dentist about your concern. Consider asking your dentist if he or she uses white composite fillings at all. It could be that your dentist doesn’t use them, or prefers amalgam fillings. You might also ask if filling your tooth with amalgam was intentional.

Depending on the answer you receive, you may need to find a dentist who doesn’t use amalgam fillings. Dentist’s websites often advertise white fillings, tooth-colored fillings, composite fillings, or mercury-free fillings. A cosmetic dentist will ensure that you receive a natural-looking filling that blends in with your tooth.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

Porcelain Crowns, Porcelain Veneers

How can my dark front tooth be lightened?

I had trauma to a front tooth in 2010 and a root canal on the same tooth. The tooth got dark. My dentist bleached it but it is still grayish. Is there anything I can do to whiten the tooth? My mom said I can get veneer for it. Is that the right solution? – Thank you! – Addison

Addison – Depending on the condition of a tooth, a porcelain veneer or a porcelain crown can be used.

A porcelain veneer only covers the front of your tooth. It won’t help to preserve the tooth if it is damaged.Porcelain veneers often require that the natural tooth is lightly shaved to prevent the veneer from making it look bulky.

If the tooth is at all weak—and it may be since it was traumatized and needed a root canal treatment–a porcelain crown will protect it and have a color that matches your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist will ensure that it perfectly matches.

Have your tooth examined by a cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your options.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Miranda Lacy.

Dental Implant, Porcelain Crowns, Root Canal Treatment

Should I get a root canal and a crown or have the tooth pulled?

I have a tooth that is really broken down. My dentist gave me the option of pulling it or getting a root canal and cap. What will happen with either treatment? – Thanks. Lexi

Lexi – If possible, dental professionals prefer to save your natural teeth, rather than replace them. If you receive a root canal treatment, the pulp of your tooth will be cleaned out. A ceramic crown, often referred to as a cap, will be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage.

If you decide to have to tooth extracted and the space is left empty, other teeth in the vicinity will eventually drift toward the empty space. And in time, the bone that once supported the tooth will shrink. A missing tooth should be replaced with a dental implant. The structure of a dental implant is the same as a natural tooth. The root form of the implant will prevent the surrounding tooth from moving. The implant will look and feel like a natural tooth.

It sounds as if your dentist did not mention getting a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. If that’s the case, and you want to have the tooth extracted, make an appointment with a dentist who places implants. The implant will help prevent further problems with movement of other teeth.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.