Archives for September 2021

My dental crowns are yellow, even though they are ceramic

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My dentist did eight ceramic crowns on my upper front teeth. The crowns are turning yellow. I asked for ceramic crowns, not gold. I do not smoke or drink coffee excessively. Before I approach my dentist, what are some reasons my crowns might be turning yellow? Thank you. Stefan form KY

Stefan,

Thank you for your question.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your crowns to determine why they are yellowing, we can discuss some possibilities.

Why Do New Dental Crowns Turn Yellow?

New dental crowns might turn yellow for several reasons, including they are not ceramic, damage to the surface when adjusting the crowns, and damage to the crowns during a dental cleaning.

  • Damage when adjusting the crowns – If your dentist had to grind your crowns to adjust your bite, they might have damaged the glaze. Or the lab that made the crowns may not have glazed them properly.
  • Damage during a dental cleaning – If a dental hygienist mistakenly uses power cleaning instruments on your teeth that blast them with sodium bicarbonate, it will damage the glaze. Or, if a hygienist gives you acidulated fluoride treatment, the chemical will etch the glaze and discolor your crowns.
  • Your crowns are not ceramic – Sometimes, dentists give patients the impression that they are receiving ceramic or porcelain crowns when the crowns are composite instead. You can ask your dentist for a copy of the lab certificate that lists the materials in your crown.

Get a Second Opinion

Before-and-after smile makeover photos. Top photo shows a missing tooth and poorly spaced and shaped teeth. A new smile is below.

Dr. Brooksher rejuvenated this patient’s teeth with a beautiful smile makeover

In addition to talking to your dentist about your yellowing crowns, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist. The cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns and glaze to identify the issue.

You paid your dentist for a new smile and crowns that should last at least five years. Also, porcelain is colorfast, so crowns should not turn yellow. It is appropriate to ask your dentist for a refund.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

How Long Can I Delay Root Canal Treatment?

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For the past two months, I have had cheek and jaw pain from an upper right tooth in front of where my wisdom tooth was. My sinuses and noes are achy, too. Late last week, I woke up with a sore neck, and that pain radiates into my right ear and temple. I’ve been taking antibiotics until I can afford to see a dentist. I cannot afford a root canal and certainly not a dental implant. My dental coverage only covers routine exams and cleaning. Could all these symptoms be related to my tooth? I am afraid that I will lose my tooth. I know your doctor has not seen me, but how much longer can I wait? Thank you. Joziah from TN

Joziah,

We are glad that you asked the question! You cannot afford to wait any longer. You are describing a tooth infection that is spreading. If you act quickly, a dentist might be able to save your tooth with root canal treatment. Otherwise, a dentist might need to remove the tooth.

What If You Cannot Afford a Root Canal?

If you cannot afford root canal treatment, look online for a nearby university dental school, a dental clinic, or a local dental society. Any of those organizations can direct you to dentists who treat patients that require prompt, serious care.

If you go to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care facility, they may give you pain medication or a more potent antibiotic. But eventually, you must see a dentist for root canal treatment even if you do not have dental insurance.

Are Antibiotics Enough to Treat a Tooth Infection?

Diagram of root canal treatment instead of a dental implant - from Baton Rouge denitst Steven Brooksher, DDS

The root canal process can be an alternative to tooth removal and a dental implant

Continually taking antibiotics for tooth infection can promote an antibiotic-resistant infection that becomes worse. The American Dental Association confirms that the infection can even spread without root canal treatment into the bone supporting the tooth.

The only way to treat an infected tooth is with a root canal procedure or tooth removal. A dentist will not recommend a dental implant knowing that you cannot afford it. Please do not let the cost of treatment prevent you from getting help.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Will removing and reapplying dental bonding damage my teeth?

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Brunette woman with her hands covering her mouth - for info on repeat dental bonding and Invisalign from Dr. Brookser in Baton RougeMy dentist and I agreed to a treatment plan that would end with Invisalign treatment. I wanted to feel better about my teeth before I started Invisalign. So, my dentist whitened my teeth and replaced old dental bonding. But the color of the bonding does not match my white teeth.

Some of the bonding is near the gumline, and it feels rough and looks gross. When my dentist finished the work, I immediately noticed that the bonding color was off. I told her about it, and she agreed that she did not match the color. After two attempts, she still cannot get it right. I want to begin Invisalign treatment, so I am willing to see another dentist to redo the bonding and go back to my dentist for Invisalign. Will repeatedly removing and reapplying bonding damage my teeth? Thank you. Elliana from Missouri

 

Elliana,

Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear about your disappointing experience with dental bonding, especially when looking forward to starting Invisalign treatment.

Correcting Mismatched Dental Bonding

When dental bonding does not match your natural teeth, you may have two options for correcting the color.

  • Resurfacing – A cosmetic dentist might be able to remove some of the surfaces of the bonding and apply another color of composite
  • Replacing – Cosmetic dentists use dental burs that can remove bonding without damaging your tooth structure. Afterward, the dentist can apply fresh bonding

Dental Bonding Near Your Gumline

When you need dental bonding near your gumline, abfraction lesions, or notches, are usually the cause. Enamel near the gumline can wear away and leave sensitive notches on your teeth. Lesions are most often caused by clenching your teeth. Pressure from clenching weakens teeth. A dentist who uses bonding to conceal lesions and protect tooth roots must consider these factors:

  • Stiff bonding can loosen or pop out as your teeth flex
  • Flexible composite bends with pressure on teeth and can help fillings stay in place
  • If you clench or grind your teeth, a dentist can make a custom nighttime mouth guard to minimize the habit and protect your teeth

If you are unsure of your dentist’s ability to replace your dental bonding and match your natural teeth this time, schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist.  You will get natural-looking results. Best wishes on a resolution and a smooth transition to Invisalign.

 

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