Archives for August 2022

Infected Wisdom Tooth Flair Up

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I had a wisdom tooth that developed a rather nasty infection. I went to see the dentist and he told me that it needed to come out and to schedule an appointment with a specialist. I did, but their first opening was much further out than I was hoping for. I’ve gone through the antibiotics and things were fine for a while. Now, though, it is starting to ache a bit when I chew. Does this mean the infection has returned? I don’t get much time off and if I go back to the dentist, I won’t be able to get the time out for the surgery. At the same time, I’m worried the surgeon won’t do the procedure if I have an infection. I feel trapped. What do I do?

Camille

Dear Camille,

It does sound like the infection is back. While it is advisable for the infection to be under control before the extraction, it is not imperative. What is more important is that you don’t allow the infection to grow any further. Your jaw is very close to your heart and lungs. You don’t want the infection traveling and getting out of control. Tooth infections are considered dental emergencies for a reason.

Fortunately, you will not have to choose between getting more antibiotics and having the surgery. You can call the dentist who initially prescribed the antibiotic to you and tell them you need a refill with enough to get you to the surgery and about five days after. They shouldn’t have a problem just calling that in for you.

If for some reason he is not cooperative, you can simply call your oral surgeon and tell them what is going on.
They should have no problem calling one in to your pharmacy for you.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Holistic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Dental Flipper to Make Teeth Look Straight

Posted on August 28, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I am way too old to wear ugly metal braces but am tired of my teeth not being attractive. I have one tooth that sticks out more than the others and they’re pretty yellow all around. Could I just get a dental flipper to snap on my teeth and make them look straight so I am no longer embarrassed by my teeth?

Kelly

Dear Kelly,

I think there may be some confusion here. I placed an image of a dental flipper to the left. these are designed as temporary tooth replacements meant to hold the space open until your permanent tooth replacement came in. It isn’t designed to make your teeth look straight.

Snap-on Smile

You may be thinking of the Snap-on Smile. These do snap over your teeth. One thing to consider with them is because they go over your teeth, they can sometimes look bulky. This will be more true in your case because you already have that one tooth that sticks out. Another thing to look at is they are made of acrylic. They won’t look as natural or beautiful as something like porcelain veneers, nor will they last as long. I would plan on replacing it every few years.

I do have an alternative for you, though, which will be a permanent solution and won’t require metal braces.

Invisalign— the Alternative to Braces

In your place, I would look into Invisalign. These straighten your teeth, in less time than traditional braces, without anyone even knowing. That is because instead of using metal wires and brackets, it uses clear aligners and a sophisticated computer software program to plan out your treatment and design the aligners.

You simply pop the aligners in and go about your day. Every two weeks, you will switch them out for a new set that will move your teeth just a bit more.

Straightening and Whitening Your Teeth Simultaneously

You mentioned your teeth have yellowed over time. That happens to all of us. Fortunately, because Invisalign aligners are custom fit to your bite, they can double as teeth whitening trays. Simply ask your dentist for some professional strength teeth whitening gel and you can wear them in your aligners each day. This allows you to whiten your teeth while you are straightening them. It’s a two-for-one. To me, this is a much better solution for you both financially and in terms of creating a smile you won’t be ashamed of anymore.

This blog is brought to you by Invisalign dentist Dr. Susan Dennis of Portage, MI.

Nervous about Comfort Dental’s Plan

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I had a dental bridge to replace all of my incisors done at Comfort Dental. The canine teeth were my anchor teeth. Those eventually became loose and I lost those teeth as well. They made a removable partial denture for me but it was quite uncomfortable. I had a difficult time wearing it and asked for another option. They’re suggesting I replace my teeth using dental implants. They will keep the cost down for me by using mini-implants instead. I decided to get a second opinion just to be safe and was thrown by how different the treatment recommendation was. Now I’m not sure which is right, though Comfort Dental’s plan is definitely less expensive. The other dentist wants to do a dental bridge but with three full-sized dental implants. Two on each side and one directly in the center. I don’t want to go for the cheaper one just because it is cheaper if I will hate it as much as I have everything else they’ve done for me so far. Do you have a recommendation?

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

I am going to recommend you go with the second dentist’s plan. There are some real concerns with Comfort Dental’s recommendations. I know the other treatment was less expensive, but it will end up costing you more in the long run. Mini implants are not meant to support implant crowns. Instead, they will just help stabilize a denture. I wouldn’t expect them to last very long. Then, when they come out they will take some bone structure with them. In order to replace them, you will need some bone grafting done and then start over.

The plan the other dentist recommended is much more secure and based on sound engineering principles. Replacing all your front teeth is hard because of the twisting forces involved.

With a dental bridge, it is ideal to have the abutment teeth (anchor teeth) directly on either side of your missing tooth, such as you can see in the picture directly above.

However, when you are talking about your front teeth, it is very hard to achieve this placement.

Why Three Dental Implants

If you look at this image above, you can see the type of bridge Comfort Dental provided you. With the twisting forces that happen to the abutment teeth, it is no surprise those teeth failed. If you only put dental implants in that same position, even with full-sized dental implants, then you’d have the same problem with failure. By placing the third implant in the center eliminates all the twisting forces thereby keeping the implants secure.

This blog is brought to you by Michigan Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Cheap Fix for Tetracycline Stains

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I don’t have a lot of money but do have a lot of tetracycline stains. Someone said that porcelain veneers are the best way to fix this. Are there dental schools that do this at a discount? If not, is there another solution that will work?

Melody

Dear Melody,

Yes, when porcelain veneers are done correctly, they are the ideal solution for tetracycline stains. However, I wouldn’t go bargain hunting for them. You will not like the results. Under the best of circumstances, this cosmetic procedure is very advanced. Tetracycline stains are one of the most difficult cases around and would require one of the best cosmetic dentists.

I’d also ask them what type of experience they have with tetracycline stains and ask to see some before and after pictures. You don’t want someone to practice or gain experience on you with this procedure.

Can Teeth Whitening Fix Tetracycline Stains?

If you can’t afford porcelain veneers, teeth whitening can do some good if you are persistent enough. You would need to use take-home whitening, with custom-fitted trays. Wear them for as long as you can each day, without sensitivity, and you would likely need to use them for several months.

This can lighten up your teeth quite a bit. It won’t be as stunning as porcelain veneers done well, but you will be much happier with your smile.

I recommend seeing a dentist who offers KöR Whitening Thus far, it is the most effective method of teeth whitening on tetracycline stains.

If you do decide you want to try porcelain veneers at a discount anyway, make certain they agree to not permanently bond them on until you are completely satisfied with them. They can place them on with a temporary try-in paste and let you get a good look at them in several different types of lighting. If you’re not thrilled, then they should be back to the lab and try again.

This blog is brought to you by Teeth Whitening Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Baby and Adult Teeth Simultaneously

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

My daughter has four baby teeth that have erupted behind her adult teeth. I’m not sure what to do about it. Do I pull the baby teeth? Will her adult teeth still need braces? I’m surprised this happened. I’ve been deployed for the last year and my husband has been taking her to the dentist (I assume). When I asked him about it he got defensive. Do you have any advice for something like this?

Kelly.

Dear Kelly,

First, I want to thank you for your service. It is greatly appreciated. I know it is a sacrifice. As to the situation you are in, if your husband did take your daughter to the pediatric dentist then they should have addressed this. Since they haven’t, I think you would be better served by a different pediatric dentist or even a family dentist, which is a general dentist who enjoys treating children as well.

You didn’t mention the age of your daughter, so I’ll give a variety of advice for her. First, the baby teeth need to be extracted. Ideally, that would have happened as soon as the adult teeth began to erupt in order to prevent them from deflecting the permanent teeth, but that is water under the bridge.

It is possible she will need some orthodontics. If that happens, both traditional braces or Invisalign for teens will be an option depending on her age and level of personal responsibility.

Congenitally Missing Adult Teeth

Sometimes children have the opposite problem where they have an adult tooth that never forms. When that happens it is best to just leave it there for as long as it is healthy, viable, and aligns with her bite. If any of those change or it falls out, then it will be time for stage 2.

The ideal tooth replacement is a dental implant. However, she’ll need to be of an age where her jaw is fully developed. If she isn’t, then I would use a temporary tooth replacement, such as a dental flipper, which you can get fairly cheaply. Then, when she is old enough, get the dental implant. These are like having a healthy, natural tooth there and are permanently placed. She’ll be able to eat anything and brush and floss as she normally would.

This blog is brought to you by Dental Implant Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Zirconia Allergy or Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Posted on August 20, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I had two zirconia crowns placed several months ago. I specifically went to a holistic dentist because I wanted a metal-free crown on my back teeth. Unfortunately, I rarely have a good experience at the dentist’s office and this was no exception. I kept regurgitating the water they were using to protect my teeth during the procedure. This was a bit distressing. My previous appointment caused damage to a lingual nerve. So, you can imagine that dentists aren’t my favorite thing. Since getting these crowns I’ve had throat pain and a dry sticky tongue which is uncomfortable. I went to an ENT and he eliminated acid reflux as the cause. He thinks it is burning mouth syndrome. I wondered if it could be an allergy to the zirconia but he said no one is allergic to zirconia. I need more dental work done, but I’m terrified to go back without figuring it out.

Brooke

Dear Brooke,

I think I can help you. First, let’s start with the possibility of a zirconia allergy. I would never say you can’t be allergic to something. Granted there aren’t any documented cases of a zirconia allergy, but there are always cases of a rare allergy that someone has. That being said, your symptoms are consistent with burning mouth syndrome.

Though there isn’t a definitive cause, many patients have expressed developing the symptoms after having a traumatic dental appointment, which yours would certainly qualify as. In many cases, burning mouth syndrome can fade away gradually. Until then, you’ll want to keep hydrated to prevent dry mouth, which can wreak havoc on the enamel of your teeth. You can also take some pain medication to help with any pain you’re experiencing.

What to Do About Future Dental Work

Because it is a real possibility the trauma you experienced led to this, you want to prevent any further incidents. I’m going to suggest you see a sedation dentist. Using something like oral conscious sedation will allow you to sleep through your dental procedures, enabling you to get the work done without any dental anxiety.

It is possible to find a holistic dentist who also offers dental sedation. Dr. Dennis is one of them. You can do an internet search for one in your area.

This blog is brought to you by Sedation Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Dentist Won’t Fix Her Teeth

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I grew up without going to a dentist. Now I’m 29 and with a good job that even has benefits and want to have a smile I am proud of. As it is now, I always smile with my lips closed. When I went to see the dentist he hinted that my teeth are too much of a mess and I’d be better off getting them out and getting dentures. I’m way too young for that. I know my teeth are discolored, chipped, and some have decay but I thought teeth could be fixed. Is there no hope for me?

Lexie

Dear Lexie,

Each dentist has a different range of where they find teeth saveable, but I find it hard to believe that none of your teeth are saveable. Based on what you’ve said, some solutions for you would be teeth whitening, composite fillings, dental bonding, and dental implants for the missing teeth.

However, some of those procedures require post-doctoral training, such as the dental implants and dental bonding. That being said, I agree you are too young for dentures. At your age, you would be in full facial collapse by the time your 50.

In your position, I would see another dentist for a second opinion. Specifically, look for a dentist who offers the services you need. Don’t stop there, though. Make sure you check that they have the post-doctoral training necessary to do it well.

One good thing working in your favor is your dentist didn’t try to do procedures he wasn’t qualified for. Too many dentists will go forward with something like dental implants even though they haven’t gotten the training they really needed. This usually ends up disastrous for the patients.

This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Root Canal with a Porcelain Veneer

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I had four porcelain veneers placed. For a while, I was having some pain that I thought was from a sinus infection. It turns out I have a periapical abscess. Will this ruin my porcelain veneer? I heard root canals turn teeth dark. Should I avoid the treatment and just live with the pain?

Helen

Dear Helen,

First things first, don’t avoid the treatment. An abscess is an infection. All tooth infections are considered dental emergencies because of the danger if they spread. A periapical abscess is close to the bone. Infections spread and you don’t want it spreading to the bone. This needs to be treated. That being said, I’m concerned that you ended up needing one to begin with. Most dentists go their entire careers without having a tooth, which had a porcelain veneer placed, need a root canal treatment.

Those I know of which have, it is because the dentist was too aggressive in the treatment.

A tooth being prepared for porcelain veneers

Porcelain Veneers Preparation

When you prepare teeth for porcelain veneers it doesn’t remove much structure at all. It is a little over the depth of a fingernail. When that happens, there is hardly any stress to the tooth. However, some dentists do much more aggressive tooth preparation, which risks stressing the tooth and make it more vulnerable.

There are even some dentists, who are either less reputable or less skilled, who will do porcelain crowns and just call them porcelain veneers. Below you can see what porcelain crown preparation looks like.

Porcelain Crown Preparation

With that, there is a much greater risk of stress to the tooth which can lead to other problems. Hopefully, this isn’t what happened to you.

Keeping Your Porcelain Veneer White Longer with a Root Canal Treatment

Here is the strategy I will suggest for your root canal treatment.

First, make sure they clean out ALL the material from the crown of the tooth. Then, instead of placing the “normal” root canal material, which is the cause of most darkening of the tooth, they need to place a white fiberglass post down into the root and then fill the remainder of the space with a light-colored composite material.

Doing this will keep your tooth whiter for much longer than you would otherwise be able to with a root canal.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Susan Dennis of Portage, MI.

Three Surgeries and No Dental Implant

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

I had a tooth which had to be extracted. From the beginning, I told my dentist I wanted a dental implant to replace the tooth, which he thought was a great idea as well. After the first surgery, he told me the bone was too thin and I’d need to have some bone grafting done. So, we scheduled and completed that surgery. Then, we went back in for the implant surgery again. For the second time, he closed everything up and said the bone is still too thin. I’m beyond frustrated. Would this have happened if I’d gone to a dental implant specialist?

Dan

Dear Dan,

One of the problems you are facing is there isn’t a recognized specialty in dental implants. This means any dentist can place them. What you need, however, is someone who has invested significant training in this procedure. That training has to be done post doctorally. Dental school isn’t enough.

I’ll give your dentist credit for his integrity, though. Some dentists would have been too embarrassed to admit their procedure failed. Instead, they would have just moved forward and placed your dental implant. It would have failed after a few months, but by then there’d be no way to know it was your dentist’s fault. His integrity is saving you significant problems in the future.

Where to Go From Here

Your first option is to just do what your dentist is suggesting, which means getting a dental bridge. This is an acceptable solution, especially if you are sick of the whole process and want to get this over with.

Your second option is to try again for your dental implant. Ask your dentist for a refund. I get the feeling he’ll be totally willing to accommodate you there. Then, you’ll need to secure a dentist who is skilled in dental implants.

As I mentioned earlier, you’ll need someone who invested in the requisite training. For instance, Dr. Dennis received implant training and credentials from the 3i company. Other reputable institutions would be:

The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
Dawson Academy
Spear Institute
Kois Center
The Pankey Institute

One important note. Many dentists refer you to an oral surgeon for the first part of the procedure. That is fine. In that case, just be certain it is the dentist who determines the placement of the implants and that there is good communication between the two of them.

This blog is brought to you by Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.

Can Invisalign Repair Spacing Post Braces?

Posted on August 13, 2022 by Dr. Dennis.

When I was a teenager, I wore braces for years. I was so sick of metal that I wasn’t the best at wearing my retainer. I think that’s why I’ve always had minor spacing issues on my teeth. I’m 30 now and don’t want another mouth full of metal. Truthfully, I’m dreading another few years of any ortho but the spacing bothers me. Would Invisalign be an option for this?

Carolyn

Dear Carolyn,

Two images of a woman smile inserting her Invisalign aligners

The Invisalign Option

You weren’t the only teenager to neglect their retainers. It’s a common problem facing parents and orthodontists treating young people. Sometimes it’s the retainer issue that causes the spacing problems. Sometimes it’s just the natural shifting our teeth do throughout our lives.

Either way, Invisalign is a great solution for you. Even better, it won’t require a few years as you feared. In fact, it will likely only take Invisalign a few months which not only cuts your expected treatment time but your cost as well.

Another Benefit of Using Invisalign

In addition to being invisible even at a conversational distance, and very comfortable, your Invisalign aligners can also double as teeth whitening trays. This gives you a sort of mini smile makeover; just the thing to build your confidence and you’ll smile more.

Studies have shown that those are the people whom we perceive as leaders. That kind of confidence is good for both your personal and professional life.

One thing to be aware of is, like your old retainer from high school, if you don’t wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time it won’t be effective. So, keep those aligners in, except when you’re eating or brushing, and you will be just fine.

When you’re finished, you’ll have a gorgeous new smile you’ll be proud to share with everyone around you.

Be Careful with SmileDirectClub

Some patients who are interested in Invisalign see the ads for SmileDirectClub and think this is a great way to save money. However, I would check online for SmileDirectClub horror stories for the full story. There are things that could go wrong, and we believe it’s important to have a dentist directly supervising your care.

This blog is brought to you by Portage, MI cosmetic dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.