Archives for June 2019

Can a Recovering Addict Still Get Oral Surgery?

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Hello there,

I have struggled with addiction for most of my adult life. I finally am being treated at a methadone clinic for my opiate addiction. Years of drug use have wrecked my teeth, so I need a total makeover. However, the last dentist I saw refused to give me any pain medication for my tooth pain. I hate going to the dentist and worry about pain during and after treatment. Is there any dentist that will help me? I called around but of the dentists were willing to work with me, let alone give me any pain meds. My counselor is more than happy to answer questions any dentist may have.

Kenneth, from Billings, Montana

 

Hi Kenneth,

In the midst of the opioid epidemic, medical professionals are being extra cautious. Today, dentists would rather be careful than compassionate, especially if their compassion for patients could get them in trouble with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Some patients have abused this kindness, and unfortunately for you, their actions have made it harder for you to receive treatment.

You will need to find a kind-hearted dentist, but one that does sedation would work best for you. Gentle dentists can use nitrous oxide to put you under. Let them know about your history and treatment, and they can prescribe the best form of post-treatment medication. Keep calling and asking, and hopefully you’ll find a sedation dentist who’s a good match for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

 

Should I Get Dental Implants or Dentures?

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Hi there,

I have struggled with my teeth my whole life. My gum line is very low due to my periodontal disease. I’ve even had teeth fall out! Are dentures my only option? Or can I opt for dental implants?

Sarah, from Florida

 

Hi Sarah,

Dental implants are an option for you. However, whether you can get them or not depends on a number of factors. For one, your periodontal disease may be too advanced to get dental implants — you may have had a lot of bone loss, and may need a bone graft before you can get them. Be sure to check your prospective cosmetic dentist‘s continuing education in dental implants before an appointment.

Dental implants feel more natural than dentures. There is no plate that goes across the roof of your mouth, so your chewing and swallowing isn’t affected. You also do not need to make any changes to your diet. Removable dentures can also move around in your mouth, which causes anxiety and lack of confidence.

The other problem with dentures is that once your teeth have been pulled, your mind gets the message that your jaw is no longer needed, and it begins to break down the minerals in your jawbone. This is called resorption and it happens over a long period of time, but it doesn’t happen with dental implants. Getting a post surgically implanted in your jaw sends the same message to your brain as a natural tooth. So bone loss or facial collapse are not an issue with dental implants.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dental implant provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

 

Get Rid of Stains on Teeth?

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Hi,

I’ve always hated my smile. I’ve had brown stains on my upper teeth since childhood. My dentist suggested getting five or six porcelain veneers to brighten my smile. Should I go ahead and get the porcelain veneers, or do I have another option?

Ellis, from Virginia

 

Hi Ellis,

The brown stains you are describing sound like tetracycline stains, caused by taking a powerful antibiotic as a child. Removing the stains are very difficult, but a skilled cosmetic dentist can properly cover them. Using porcelain that is too thin can cause the stains to show through. Similarly, using porcelain that is too opaque can make your veneers look fake. Porcelain is more stain resistant than your natural enamel, so you won’t need to worry about stains in the future.

Before committing to a dentist, be sure to check if they have experience treating tetracycline stains. An expert cosmetic dentist will be able mimic your teeth’s natural translucence, while covering the surface stains. Your dentist will have to wrap the veneers around the sides of the tooth as well, in order to obtain the most natural look; otherwise, the space between the veneers will be dark and noticeable.

Also, you may need more than five or six porcelain veneers on your upper teeth. Count how many of your upper teeth are visible when you smile – that is the number of veneers you will need for your smile makeover. Doing some teeth but not all will not fix your smile insecurities. In your case, finding an experienced cosmetic dentist will be critical to your case’s success.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge porcelain veneer provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher. Please note that cosmetic dentists are general dentists who have received post-graduate training in aesthetics and restorations.