How soon can I smoke after my tooth is pulled?

How soon can I smoke after my tooth is pulled? Thanks Matt

Matt – Smoking affects the healing process after tooth extraction. It is best to avoid smoking at least 24 hours before surgery and 72 hours after.

When you smoke, carbon monoxide enters your bloodstream and slows the healing process. If you smoke right after a tooth is extracted, the sucking action of inhaling can disrupt the blood clot or cause it to dislodge. A dry socket may develop if the tooth nerve is exposed, and it will be very painful.

Allow time for the surgical site to begin healing before you smoke. It will help you avoid additional pain and expense.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Miranda Lacy.

If bonding from a dentist is more affordable than veneers why would I get veneers?

I have done some research on and off for about a month on how to fix the spaces between my teeth without braces. I understand that I need to see a cosmetic dentist for it to look natural. It seems that this can be done with dental bonding or porcelain veneers. If bonding so much less expensive than veneers why would I choose veneers? Thanks Xiao

Xiao – You are correct. Dental bonding is significantly less expensive than porcelain veneers. But bonding will dull and stain with time, while veneers are stain resistant. As your dental bonding wears, it will periodically need to be polished and sealed, but eventually it will need to be removed and replaced with new bonding. This process will need to be repeated continually.

Veneers are stronger than tooth enamel, so they won’t chip or crack as dental bonding can. Porcelain veneers will produce stunning results. The shape and color of your teeth can be beautifully enhanced with veneers. And they will last for many years—15 years or more if you take excellent care of them.

Whether you choose dental bonding or porcelain veneers, find an experienced cosmetic dentist to get the best results. A cosmetic dentist will match dental bonding to seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, or provide you with life-like porcelain veneers. If you want porcelain veneers, ask about financing options or payment plans that can help you receive an affordable smile makeover.

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

Will I have pain if I get porcelain veneers or will the dentist sedate me?

I am undecided on whether to get crowns or porcelain veneers for my front teeth. Either way, I don’t want to feel any pain at all. I tend to get anxiety attacks at the dentist so I need to know in advance what kind of pain I should anticipate. If I get porcelain veneers, will I feel a lot of pain when my teeth are shaved down or will the dentist just sedate me? Manahl

Manahl – Porcelain veneers require light preparation of your natural teeth to ensure that the veneers will look natural, not bulky. This light preparation will reduce the outer layer of your teeth by about 0.2 mm. The process is most often pain free. When teeth are incorrectly positioned or crowded, a little more tooth structure may need to be removed, and some sensitivity might be felt.

Although you might feel a little discomfort during the procedure, and not pain, if you are anxious, let your cosmetic dentist know in advance so that sedation can be arranged. He or she will give you a mild anti-anxiety medication to take in advance of your appointment, and it will help you relax.

Even if you don’t feel pain from the procedure, if you are anxious, it can make your appointment stressful and less productive. Anxiety can cause dental procedures to be interrupted with the need to schedule another appointment to complete the work.

Find an artistic cosmetic dentist to provide you with porcelain veneers, and speak with him or her about your options for sedation.

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