All posts by AllSmiles

Tooth Loss

Why Has She Lost Two Teeth in One Day?

My aunt lives with me and has had dental problems for a few years. She has a partial denture for two missing lower left teeth. Last month, the dentist placed two new fillings. Last Wednesday, she lost two more teeth lower tooth on the right side of her mouth. My aunt is 76 but self-conscious. I suspect she still has gum disease, although her dentist says he treated it, and she only goes twice a year for deep cleanings. I’m unsure whether she would get a dental bridge at her age or another partial. She has a limited budget. What are her possible options? – Thanks. Akanksha from MD

Akanksha,

Your aunt needs immediate care from a gum disease specialist.

What Causes Multiple Tooth Loss?

Advanced gum diseases cause multiple tooth loss. If your aunt recently lost two more teeth, she has advanced gum disease. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a periodontist (gum disease specialist). Although her dentist may think the gum disease is controlled, tooth loss means that it’s out of control.

If your aunt’s remaining teeth are unstable and she has gum disease, a dental bridge is not an option. Natural teeth are the anchors for the replacement teeth in a dental bridge. However, the bridge puts stress on the anchor teeth, which would likely cause additional tooth loss for your aunt.

Dental implants are the ideal option for missing teeth but are too expensive for someone with a limited budget. A periodontist must evaluate your aunt’s gum and bone health to determine which tooth replacement options are best and when to place them. A Cu-Sil partial denture may be an option. However, openings in the denture allow existing teeth to poke through.

See a periodontist for gum disease treatment. A restoring dentist can collaborate with the periodontist to develop a treatment plan for replacing your aunt’s teeth at the optimal time. Meanwhile, the dentist will explain options for temporary teeth replacement.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Tooth Loss

She Uses Krazy Glue to Put Teeth Back in Their Sockets

I started using krazy glue last winter when my teeth started falling out. I regret it because of the fumes that make me sick, but I don’t know what else to do. I cannot afford a denture. I know the glue is messing up my gums. I feel stuck. Please help. – Thanks. KL

Our website administrator obtained this post from another client’s website.

Why Would Teeth Repeatedly Fall Out?

When a person has advanced gum disease or periodontitis, their teeth can repeatedly fall out without treatment. Gum disease destroys gums, teeth, and their supporting bone.

Can You Glue Teeth Back in Place?

Krazy Glue or any other high-strength glue would hold only temporarily before the teeth move again. Commercial glues are not meant for internal use and would further damage unhealthy oral tissue.

The woman who wrote about using Krazy Glue to put her teeth back felt hopeless. We included a photo on this page of a patient with advanced gum disease that is bad but not like the advanced stage that causes teeth to fall out.

In the photo below, the patient’s lower four incisor teeth are almost loose enough to fall out. Imagine tooth roots showing, teeth hanging by their ligaments, and the desperation of a person who cannot afford dentures.

Gum disease and recession

It has probably been years since this woman saw a dentist. Although she cannot afford dentures, she can seek assistance from a local dental school, a dental clinic, or social services. Her teeth are unsavable, and removable dentures would make her look and feel better, improving her quality of life.

Find a dentist, a university dental school, or a dental clinic if you experience tooth loss. Avoid self-treatment.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Root Canal Treatment

Can Root Canals Save My Broken Front Teeth?

My center front tooth and the one behind it broke in an accident. The tooth roots are fine. Could I get a root canal on each tooth instead of a partial denture or a bridge? – Thanks. Kamryn from LA

Kamryn,

Saving a fractured front tooth through endodontic treatment (root canal), a tooth post, and crown restoration may be possible. However, several factors influence treatment success.

The extent of the fracture, your occlusion (bite), and the dentist’s preference significantly impact treatment decisions. With dental implants’ increasing reliability and popularity, some dentists may favor implant-supported restorations over saving the tooth.

The mechanics of restoring a fractured front tooth are complex. A critical consideration is the resistance to rotational forces. A tooth root’s anatomy and the placement of a single post in the tooth can lead to the post loosening over time. Some dentists insert two posts, which can enhance rotational stability.

Another crucial factor is the risk of root fracture. Rigid posts can transmit excessive force to the root’s thinner areas, increasing the fracture risk. Therefore, flexible posts, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, are generally preferred for anterior teeth to reduce this risk.

Consult an experienced root canal dentist or an endodontist (root canal specialist) to discuss your options.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Sensitive Teeth

How Do I Know If My Dentist’s Diagnosis for Tooth Sensitivity Is Correct?

I have an upper left molar with a large filling sensitive to hair, heat, and cold. After an air sensitivity test, my dentist put a desensitizing get on the tooth. She said if the pain lingers, then removing the nerve would relieve the sensitivity. Is a quick air test enough to diagnose the problem? My dentist works and talks fast, so how do I know she didn’t skip a test or fail to give me details on what’s happening? What if the filling is thinning out or has a hole in it? – Thanks. Taylor K from GA

Taylor,

The cause of dental pain can sometimes be readily identified, while other times it requires further investigation.

When a tooth is sensitive to air, there may be exposed, sensitive areas on the tooth. A desensitizing bonding agent can often address this.

  • Brief discomfort that subsides quickly may suggest a reversible irritation of the tooth’s nerve.
  • Persistent pain following air exposure often signals irreversible nerve damage, necessitating root canal treatment.

Your dentist may also use cold, heat, or electrical stimulation to assess the tooth’s condition.

While it’s difficult to speculate without a thorough examination, a thinning filling is less likely to cause sensitivity. However, leakage around the filling or decay beneath it are potential culprits.

Open and honest communication with your dentist is essential. If your dentist doesn’t address your concerns, we recommend seeking a second opinion from another dental professional.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Ceramic Crowns

My Six New Crowns Cause My Gums to Burn

My gums have been burning since I got new temporary crowns. After I complained, my dentist took the first set of temps off. After removing the crowns, my dentist recommended a fluoride treatment and prescribed an antibiotic.

When I got the temporary crowns, my bite was off. My dentist did so much filing on the crowns that when I drank anything, I could feel the fluid rushing beneath the crown. I got new temporaries, but my teeth are sensitive, and my gums burn. My dentist made drastic changes to my teeth, making them uncomfortable with crowns. Can I expect major rework to resolve my concerns? I’m exhausted. Thanks. Joan from AZ

Joan,

We understand our exhaustion and frustration.

Before your dentist permanently cements your new crowns, please ensure you are entirely satisfied with their fit and feel.

Confirming the specific metal alloy used is crucial if these are porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. A potential metal allergy, particularly to nickel, could be causing the burning sensation. Request a copy of the dental laboratory’s alloy certificate for detailed composition information. Even if they are all ceramic crowns, a dentist must determine the underlying cause of the discomfort.

Several aspects of your treatment raise concerns about the dentist’s experience and judgment. A smile reconstruction is a complex procedure that often requires specialized expertise in cosmetic dentistry. Bite discrepancies and the need for significant post-treatment adjustments are red flags. Additionally, fluoride treatment on prepared teeth seems inappropriate because it cannot address bacterial infection. A more suitable approach would involve an antibacterial agent like peroxide or chlorhexidine.

We recommend seeking a second opinion from a dentist with extensive cosmetic dentistry experience and training. This will allow you to ensure optimal comfort and quality of care. A well-placed crown should feel like a healthy, natural tooth.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Root Canal Treatment

Can I Get a Root Canal at Six Months Pregnant?

In early September, my dentist filled a small cavity in my top right first molar. The tooth began to hurt about three weeks later, and now my dentist says I need a root canal. However, I’m six months pregnant. Is it safe to get a root canal? – Thanks, Kaylynn from MS

Kaylynn,

While we cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical examination and seeing your X-rays, based on your description, a root canal treatment may not be necessary. It is unlikely that a minor cavity would develop into deep decay in less than two months and need root canal treatment.

It’s wise to seek a second opinion from a qualified dentist to evaluate your tooth’s condition.

Regarding your pregnancy, avoiding major dental procedures during the last trimester is advisable. However, if the tooth is infected, prompt treatment is essential to protect your and your baby’s health.

If an X-ray is necessary for accurate diagnosis, wearing a lead apron can shield your abdomen from radiation exposure.

Ultimately, the decision to proceed with dental treatment during pregnancy should be made in consultation with your dentist and healthcare provider.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post. She makes dental care affordable.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Can an Onlay Save a Cracked Tooth?

 My dentist tried to mend my cracked tooth with bonding, but it didn’t work. Now she wants to try and onlay. Is it worth it, or should I get a crown? – Thanks. Evan

Evan

A cosmetic dentist will need to thoroughly examine your tooth and take an X-ray to accurately determine the extent of the crack.

What Is the Treatment for a Cracked Tooth?

Appropriate treatment for a cracked tooth depends on various factors, including the crack’s extent, location, and severity.

  • The extent of the crack: Cracks can range from superficial enamel cracks to deeper cracks extending into the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) or even the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Location of the crack: Cracks can be either horizontal or vertical.
  • Crack or fracture: If any part of the tooth moves independently, it is considered a fracture. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent further damage.

Can an Onlay Work Repair a Cracked Tooth?

Onlays come in various types, some suitable for most cracks while others have limitations. Gold and zirconia onlays are known for their strength and ability to withstand the biting forces of your teeth.

What Is an Onlay?

An onlay is a custom-made dental restoration, typically made from ceramic, gold, or hardened composite, that covers a significant portion or all the chewing surface of your tooth. Many advanced cosmetic dentists prefer onlays over dental crowns for specific applications. To create an onlay, your dentist will take impressions of your tooth, and a custom restoration will be fabricated to fit your tooth precisely. This procedure requires specialized skills and advanced cosmetic dentistry training.

  • Gold onlay: A gold onlay can cover the entire chewing surface of your tooth, effectively preventing the crack from spreading.
  • Porcelain or ceramic onlay: All-porcelain onlays are suitable for minor cracks that affect a tooth’s cusp or corner. However, porcelain may not be sufficiently strong to hold a molar tooth together. Zirconia, a high-strength dental ceramic, offers greater strength and durability than all-porcelain onlays. Advanced cosmetic dentists often utilize zirconia onlays to preserve teeth.
  • Hardened composite onlay: While less durable than porcelain, a hardened composite onlay may not be strong enough to protect a crack in a molar tooth.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist trained in occlusion and bite. They will explain your options for a restoration that fits well, protects your tooth, and prevents the crack from worsening.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Cosmetic Dentistry

How Can I Find a Good Cosmetic Dentist?

I live 80 miles from your office. I’m looking for a cosmetic dentist that is closer to home. I don’t want to have consultations and x-rays from each dentist. My time is limited, and I would like to narrow my choices at home before scheduling appointments. Please give me tips on what to look for in a cosmetic dentist. I need three new crowns. Thanks, Gina

Gina,

Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, we have some suggestions. There is a lot of information online about dentists and their practices.

1.    Check patient reviews

Look for online reviews about the dentist. You can check Google Business Profiles, Yelp, and Facebook reviews. You can type a dentist’s name and the word reviews to find other sources.

2.    Look at cosmetic dentists’ websites

An experienced cosmetic dentist has a website. Read the doctor’s bio to learn about their training, experience, continuing education, and experience. Look for a dentist’s post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.

3.    Schedule a complimentary visit

Most cosmetic dentists offer a complimentary consultation. Tell the scheduler you want to see the office, meet the dentist, and discuss treatment options. Many dental practices will schedule five or ten minutes with the dentist or staff to discuss your smile goals. You will have an opportunity to decide if you would feel comfortable at the dental practice. Visit at least two cosmetic dentists before you choose a provider. Ask each dentist for patients’ before-and-after dental crown procedures.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Tooth Infection

Do I Have a Tooth Abscess or a Cyst?

The gums around my upper left premolar have been swollen since the summer of 2022. The gum tissue is tender, but it doesn’t hurt. My dentist said I have a chronic abscess, and I would keep the tooth or get it extracted. During my last visit, I expressed concern about the lingering swelling, so my dentist referred me to an endodontist. The specialist said she could do a root canal with 70 percent success, but she is unsure whether I have a cyst. She took an x-ray, so I’m unsure why she couldn’t see a cyst. She showed me a dark shadow on the x-ray where my gums were sore.

My dentist and the specialist mentioned a procedure to access the tooth root through my gum tissue and bone. I could choose that procedure first and a root canal later if it doesn’t work. I understand how I went from my dentist saying that I could keep the tooth or get it extracted to cutting through my gums and bone to see if there is a cyst or an abscess. Are there questions that I need to ask my dentist? Thanks. Sarai

Sarai,

Although dental schools teach about cysts, they are rare, and the risks of having one are small. An infection causes swelling in the gum tissue around a tooth. Root canal treatment will remove the infection. Afterward, you will see and feel relief.

An apicoectomy is a dental procedure that involves cutting through your gums and bone to access a tooth’s root(s). The suggestion of an apicoectomy for your tooth sounds like over-treatment. Additionally, it concerns us that your dentist allowed the swelling to continue without investigation and treatment. An abscess can leak bacteria and affect neighboring teeth and your jawbone, even spreading into your bloodstream.

Like other infections, tooth infections can drain your energy and cause malaise. Root canal treatment has at least an 85 percent success rate. The skill of a root canal specialist (endodontist) decreases the risk of root canal failure. The specialist has the latest technology and understands which techniques work best, even in complex cases. Afterward, your dentist will protect your tooth with a custom dental crown.

We recommend treating the infection promptly. If you are uncomfortable with your dentist’s and endodontist’s recommendations, you can see another dentist or specialist for a third opinion.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Dental Crowns

Why Does My Dental Crown Still Hurt After Two Months?

Two months ago, I went to Costa Rica for 10 lower crowns and eight porcelain veneers in early May. Since returning home, I have felt severe pain in my lower jaw. One molar tooth hurts whenever I chew anything. I called the dentist, who advised me to take ibuprofen every 4-6 hours for two weeks. I know the health risks, so I don’t take it as often as she recommended. The dentist also mentioned that I might need a root canal. The tooth hurts when I chew but not when I touch or clench my teeth. Should I have pain two months after dental work? I’m embarrassed to see a local dentist about work I had done outside of the US. Thanks. Luca from Nashville

Luca.

Your symptoms and the dentist’s recommendation to take ibuprofen so frequently are alarming. Long-term ibuprofen use can damage your liver or kidneys. You are wise to minimize your use of it.

Lingering pain after dental crowns or veneers is not normal. Although tenderness may occur after a few weeks, symptoms should not last for months.

We understand your embarrassment, but you need care from a skilled cosmetic dentist. Look for dentists with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry experience and schedule consultations or exams. You may need root canal treatment, but please don’t return to Costa Rica for it.

Few dentists have the advanced cosmetic dentistry and training required to produce a beautiful smile makeover with crowns and porcelain veneers. Your chances of getting a beautiful smile out of the country are even lower. Please consult a cosmetic dentist to examine all your Costa Rica dental work and the molar tooth that hurts.

The precaution of examining your dental work can minimize future problems with your dental restorations.

This post is sponsored by Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. We cater to anxious dental patients.