Archives for May 2021

Why do new crowns make my teeth sensitive and burn my gums?

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The whole process of getting crowns from my dentist has been a nightmare. They are burning my gums now, and my teeth are sensitive. I’m blaming myself a bit because the temporary crowns were a mess, too. They felt like they were leaking, and my teeth hurt beneath them. I told my dentist that I was worried about infection, so he prescribed an antibiotic. He did not check my teeth or anything–just gave me a prescription. When I got my six new crowns, my dentist filed and re-filed my teeth because my bite was off. I felt fluid rushing beneath the crowns whenever I drank anything, so my dentist sent the crowns back, and I wore temporaries. The temporaries felt better than the crowns and the first set of temporaries. Now I’ve been wearing my new crowns for two weeks, and my teeth are sensitive, and my gums are burning. Fortunately, my dentist used temporary cement. But something is not right with the crowns. But as I said, this has been a nightmare from day one. What should I do to prevent this situation from getting worse? I had a little anxiety before this process began. But I have hyperventilated three times at the dental office recently. Can I switch dentists in the middle of treatment, or is it too late? – Marquita from GA

Marquita,

Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, gums, and new crowns for an accurate diagnosis. But we can be helpful. Please do not allow your dentist to bond your crowns to your teeth permanently.

New Dental Crowns and Burning Gums

If your gums are burning and teeth are sensitive after new dental crowns, ask your dentist for the exact composition of the crowns. When a lab makes crowns, they send a dental alloy certificate listing all materials in the crown. And if your crowns are porcelain-fused-to-metal, you might have a metal allergy or sensitivity. It would explain why your gums are burning, and your teeth are sensitive.

Challenges of Placing Dental Crowns on Front Teeth

Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton Rouge

Sedation will relieve your anxiety while a cosmetic dentist restores your teeth

When a dentist places a crown on your front teeth, they must ensure your bite is adjusted. But your dentist placed six crowns, which increases the challenge of bite adjustment. A dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite can adjust your bite accurately without extensively filing your teeth down to stumps.

And when you suspected that you might have a tooth infection, your dentist prescribed antibiotics instead of identifying the cause of your discomfort.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Treatment?

Yes, you can switch dentists in the middle of getting new crowns. First, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training—preferably accredited—to examine your teeth. The dentist can explain sedation options to prevent anxiety from overwhelming you. Then, the dentist will determine if your crowns have a metal foundation or if something else is causing tooth sensitivity and burning gums. Your new crowns should feel so comfortable that you don’t notice them at all.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Read why so many of his patients think he is among the best dentists in Baton Rouge.

Can a dark tooth be saved?

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Last year I fell during my morning run and fractured my right front tooth, and now the tooth is dark. My dentist did a root canal on the tooth, so I wasn’t expecting it to turn dark. My dentist didn’t mention that I should expect it either. I had an exam two weeks ago, and my dentist explained that sometimes root canal teeth turn dark. How do I know that the tooth is not decaying and that I will eventually need a dental implant? My dentist says she can put a veneer over the tooth. I don’t want to say that I do not trust my dentist, but I am skeptical because she didn’t warn me that it might turn dark. Although my smile is not perfect, I like it. And people compliment my smile. Should I be concerned about my dark tooth, or is it okay to proceed with a porcelain veneer? And what if the veneer doesn’t match my other teeth? Thank you – Emery, from Jackson, MS

 

Emery,

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth for an accurate diagnosis, a porcelain veneer can conceal a dark tooth.

Why Does a Tooth Turn Dark After Root Canal Treatment?

Diagram of the phases of a dental implant for a comparison to a partial denture.

An extraction and dental implant are not necessary for a dark tooth

A tooth turns dark after root canal treatment due to dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) staining or leftover root canal filler material.

  • Dentin stain – When the pulp—living tissue, nerves, and blood vessels—inside your tooth dies, it can stain the dentin. And dentin is the layer beneath your tooth enamel. If a dentist does not thoroughly clean out the infected tooth pulp during root canal treatment, it will stain the dentin and how through your tooth.
  • Leftover root canal filler material – Some root canal filler materials accelerate tooth darkness if a dentist leaves the material in the tooth crown. But a skilled cosmetic dentist knows to clean filler material to slow the darkening process.

Treatment for a Dark Root Canal Tooth

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

A single porcelain veneer can conceal a dark tooth

Internal bleaching will lighten a dark root canal tooth. After bleaching, a cosmetic dentist will work with a skilled ceramist to craft a porcelain veneer that perfectly matches the characteristics and color of your natural teeth.

Unless you have an advanced tooth infection or new trauma to the tooth, your dentist should not suggest aggressive treatment. Instead, a dentist will recommend a dental implant if they or an endodontist (root canal specialist) cannot save your tooth.

Get a Second Opinion for Your Dark Tooth

If your dentist does not have advanced cosmetic dentistry training, you can check the credentials of a few cosmetic dentists in your area. Schedule a consultation with one or two cosmetics to discuss your options for whitening your dark tooth.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Will I need general anesthesia for wisdom tooth extraction?

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I am 44 years old and have three impacted wisdom teeth. One tooth is under the bone. I am wondering if general anesthesia is necessary or if sedation is enough. I’ve never had general anesthesia, and I prefer not to get it. Thanks. Wade from AR

 

Wade,

Thank you for your inquiry. Although we do not have your case details, most wisdom tooth extractions do not require general anesthesia. Other levels of sedation work well with extractions without making you unconscious, like general anesthesia.

Moderate Sedation for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Four diagrams of impacted wisdom teeth that require sedation dentistryIntravenous, moderate sedation is known as twilight sedation. Your state will be between awake and asleep. And you will drift in and out of consciousness. Most patients do not remember anything about the procedure except feeling sleepy and relaxed. Moderate sedation offers deeper relaxation than sedation with nitrous oxide, which gives you a sense of well-being while you are fully awake.

Deep Sedation for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Deep sedation is drug-induced, depresses consciousness, and prevents you from awakening easily.

General Anesthesia for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

General anesthesia makes you completely unconscious. Risks increase with general anesthesia, too.

What Makes Some Wisdom Teeth Extractions More Difficult?

As we age, several factors can make wisdom teeth extractions more difficult. And your dentist will recommend sedation based on your sensitivity and condition of your teeth.

  • Bone – The older the bone is, the less pliable it becomes.
  • Cementum – Calcified bone-like tissue at the tooth roots accumulates. Although cementum and can make extractions more challenging, an oral surgeon or a dentist with experience in wisdom teeth extractions will be successful.
  • Position – Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways or lean against other teeth. A skilled dentist or oral surgeon can remove them without harming nearby teeth.

Sedation Second Opinion

If you need a tooth extraction, but your dentist or oral surgeon recommends general anesthesia, ask why. Underlying factors might be influencing the recommendation. If not, you can get a second opinion from another sedation dentist or oral surgeon to discuss your options.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.