Monthly Archives: December 2020

Affordable Dentistry

My New Porcelain Veneers Inflamed My Gums

I received porcelain veneers in September, and my gums are still tender and slightly inflamed. I’ve seen my dentist about this issue three times, and his consistent answer is that I don’t floss between my teeth. But I floss between my teeth twice daily. I am partially blaming myself for this problem because I chose the dentist with the lowest cost for porcelain veneers after consultations with five dentists. My teeth were so damaged that I thought veneers were the right solution. Last week, my dentist told me that one of my incisors is infected and might need a root canal. I feel like he is taking advantage of me. Why discuss a root canal when the problems with my gums are not resolved? I want to cry, but I need to keep calm and think about what I should do next. What is your opinion? Thank you – Anika from Dallas

Anika,

Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry that your porcelain veneers are a new source of anxiety. Gum inflammation after you receive porcelain veneers is a clear sign that your dentist did something wrong. Gum tissue after veneers should be as healthy—or healthier—than before treatment. Although choosing a dentist with the lowest fees often comes with low-quality results, your dentist is responsible for your care.

What Causes Gum Inflammation After Porcelain Veneers?

Photo of a single porcelain veneers, from affordable Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Healthy veneers do not cause gum inflammation

After getting porcelain veneers, a common cause of gum inflammation is excess bonding cement that your dentist did not remove. The cement irritates your gum tissue and causes inflammation and infection. And the infection can spread and affect your teeth, which is likely why you need root canal treatment.

How to Get a Refund from Your Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, so it will be challenging to get a refund from your dentist based on your veneers and gums’ appearance.

Schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist for an exam and second opinion. After the dentist gives you a diagnosis and explains your treatment options for veneers, talk to your current dentist about your complaints:

  • After receiving porcelain veneers, your gum inflammation is persistent.
  • Your dentist has not treated the issue.
  • Mention excess cement left behind—or whatever cause your second-opinion dentist finds.
  • Explain that the issues with your gums are causing discomfort and anxiety.
  • Request a refund and mention that you will consider filing a complaint with the state dental board.

If your current dentist does not promptly offer a refund, ask your new cosmetic dentist if they are willing to help you negotiate. Consider hiring an attorney if your dentist continues to be uncooperative.

Please try not to be overly concerned about the cost of regaining your oral health. Talk with your dentist about financing, payment plans, and how to make dental treatment affordable for you.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, of Plano, TX, sponsors this post.

Sedation Dentistry

Is the screw post in my tooth causing this weird sensation?

My dentist did a root canal on my left front tooth, but the tooth broke at the gumline. I returned to my dentist, and she used a metal screw to attach the temporary crown.  After getting the screw, I feel a weird pressure-like sensation in my nose, but it is not painful. Is this screw going to cause more problems? I am afraid that I will lose the tooth and need a bridge. I’ve needed nitrous oxide for minor dental appointments and stronger sedation for anything more serious. I am concerned about how much this will cost because I lost my full-time job and insurance in April. I have two part-time jobs and no dental insurance. Ezra from FL

Ezra,

You probably would have more success with the tooth if your dentist inserted the metal post right after root canal treatment. The tooth might not have broken if your dentist had stabilized it. But we will focus on the post and possible treatment options. Keep in mind that Dr. Lacy would need to examine and x-ray your tooth for an accurate diagnosis.

What Is a Dental Post for a Crown?

A dental post for a crown is a small metal shaft or screw. A dentist places the metal post inside the tooth after root canal treatment. A post helps support a crown if you do not have enough healthy tooth structure left. A dental lab makes a custom crown that your dentist will cement to the post.

What Are the Risks of a Post?

Although screw posts are generally stable and stay in the tooth, they can exert pressure on the tooth root. The root can split with the stress and cause sensitivity or pain. A dentist needs to examine your tooth and post to determine if the post is causing your symptoms.

Treatment for Front Tooth Broken at the Gumline

When a front tooth breaks at the gumline, many dentists agree that it cannot be saved. Rotational forces on front teeth can cause a crown or post to loosen. You can accept your dentist’s recommendation for the crown and post or get a second option.

Alternative treatment if you lose the tooth

Diagram of a dental bridge
Dental bridge

If you lose your tooth, the most effective way to replace it is with a dental implant. But you explained your employment situation and lack of dental insurance. And implants are the most expensive treatment for replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge or a dental flipper is a more affordable option.

  • Dental bridge – Three crowns are connected at the sides to replace a missing tooth. Your dentist must taper the tooth on either side of the missing one because the crown on each end of the bridge must fit over those teeth to anchor the bridge.
  • Flipper partial – A replacement tooth is embedded in an acrylic base. A clasp on each end of the appliance hooks around a tooth to keep the partial in place.
Photo of female patient sitting and relaxing in a dental chair, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano female dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Ask your dentist about sedation options

Depending on which treatment you use, you might need stronger sedation than nitrous oxide to help you relax. Talk to your dentist about your anxiety. Also, speak with her about financing or a payment plan to help you pay for care over time.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a female dentist in Plano, TX, sponsors this post.