Archives for August 2021

How to get relief for painful deep dental cleanings

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My first three deep cleanings at the dentist were so painful that I did not return to continue treatment. My dentist scheduled the cleaning for several weeks, but I cannot get through them. The deep pockets in my teeth will not heal and my teeth are sensitive. My sister suggested that I ask for sedation, but I do not know what to ask for. And I hesitate to return to this dentist because I am not sure if it my gums and teeth are that bad or if the hygienist is rough. Anyway, I want to call a few dental offices and ask if they offer deep cleaning with sedation, but first I want to know what kind of sedation to ask for because if they do not offer it, I will have to keep looking. Thanks for your suggestions. – Claire from SC

 

Claire,

Thank you for your question. You have advanced gum disease that needs continuing care. Before your deep cleaning, you should get local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling pain. Although your gums are infected down to where the teeth and gums attach, the pain you describe sounds like something more than the cleaning is causing your pain.

Deep Dental Cleanings and Antibiotics

Sometimes deep cleaning can provoke an active infection and cause post-treatment pain. If your gum infection is aggressive, your dentist can do the following:

  1. Prescribe antibiotics for your treatment period
  2. Extend your treatment period to promote your comfort
  3. Offer sedation to relieve your anxiety

Second Opinion for Gum Disease and Deep Cleanings

A closed eye - for information on sedation dentisry in Baton Rouge

Speak with your new dentist about sedation options

We recommend that you find another dentist experienced in treating gum disease. Or you can visit a periodontist (gum specialist). Explain your experiences with your dentist and your anxiety. The dentist or periodontist will explain your sedation options. But with local anesthesia and antibiotics, your will have a better experience.

Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Although you have had a traumatic experience, please do not delay treatment.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post

Will My Gray Tooth Lighten After a Root Canal?

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If my front tooth is turning gray and dying, will it get whiter after root canal treatment? I fell a month ago and hit my mouth. I was hoping that the tooth would feel better, but it did not. I went to the dentist, and he tested the tooth and did an x-ray. He says that he can save it with a root canal. But he said that he could not promise me that the tooth will lighten up. Then, he mentioned that he could use a porcelain veneer on the tooth if it does not improve. Should I see another dentist about this? – Thank you. Linda W. from GA

 

Linda,

Thank you for your question.

Will Root Canal Treatment Lighten Your Tooth?

If your dentist performs traditional root canal treatment on your tooth, it will not get lighter. Usually, after root canal treatment, a tooth turns darker. Root canal filler material and dental cement left after the process will darken the crown of the tooth.

A dentist can improve tooth color with these steps:

Consider an Endodontist for Root Canal Treatment

If your dentist has limited experience with root canal treatment, consider asking your dentist to refer you to an endodontist (root canal treatment) who uses the GentleWave® system.

  • GentleWave uses sodium hypochlorite to dissolve the infected tooth pulp (tissue and nerves), which may lighten the tooth somewhat.
  • The procedure only lasts about ten minutes, which is not enough time to lighten your tooth as much as you want
  • Bleaching the tooth afterward can achieve good results

 

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 porcelain veneer can conceal a gray tooth

Your dentist can insert a flexible fiberglass post into the root for a front tooth and fill the space with composite. The post will help stabilize the front tooth and avoid needing a dental crown—which can weaken a front tooth and increase the risk of fracture.

Most family dentists find color correction a challenge after root canal treatment on front teeth. So, unless your dentist has advanced cosmetic dentistry training, we recommend getting a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is an accredited cosmetic dentist.

My snap-on denture bone graft failed

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I agreed to two dental implants for a lower snap-on denture. My dentist said my jawbone had shrunk from having all my teeth missing for 15 years, so he needed to do bone grafting. We waited two months, and then during my second follow-up appointment, my dentist said that the bone graft failed. I am disappointed that I must start the process all over. I know my dentist has placed implants for at least a hundred patients. Although I didn’t think about it before, I wonder if he is not is good with bone grafting. Although I like my dentist, I hate the thought of another bone graft failure. I don’t know what to ask you, but I’m nervous and want some insight into the issue. – Thank you. Isaac from TN

Hello, Isaac,

Thank you for contacting our office.

We understand your concern and hesitation. Although many dentists have implant training and place implants frequently, fewer dentists have lots of bone grafting experience.

It is good that your dentist is upfront with you and did not try to place your implants anyway. Any implant denture—including a snap-on denture—requires good bone support. Otherwise, both the graft and implant will fail.

What to Do After Bone Graft Failure

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Healthy bone grafting will help secure your affordable implant denture

If you have experienced bone graft failure and are hesitant about letting your dentist try again, consider these options:

  • Talk to your dentist about your concerns – It may be easier to decide what to do if you ask your dentist how much bone grafting experience he has acquired over the years. You can also ask if your dentist knows what caused the bone grafting failure and what he will to do prevent it from recurring.
  • Ask for a referral – You can ask your dentist to refer you to a periodontist (implant specialist) or an oral surgeon for grafting and implant placement.
  • Get a second opinion – You can get a second opinion from a dentist with advanced implantology training who regularly performs bone grafting procedures.

Each time you experience bone graft failure, you must wait for the grafting sites to heal before another attempt. Weigh the pros and cons and do what you think is best for your oral health. Best wishes for a resolution and being able to enjoy your new implant denture.

Steven Brooksher, DDS is a cosmetic and implant dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will help you determine what to look for in a dentist in your area.