Archives for February 2023

Can I Replace a Partial Denture with Dental Implants?

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My partial denture is for two missing teeth that I regret having extracted. Is it too late to get dental implants? I am only 44 years old and tired of wearing a partial denture. I have had gum disease treatment for over a year, and I think it’s best to look for alternatives that don’t wear out other teeth and my gums. Thank you. Alan from Snellville, GA

Alan,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office.

Can You Replace a Partial Denture with Dental Implants?

Yes, you can replace a partial denture with dental implants. The replacement will be a healthier option for the teeth next to the missing ones and your gums. An implant dentist must complete a comprehensive exam, evaluate your gum and bone health, and determine what’s needed to give you healthy implants.

  • Gum health – Your gum tissue must snuggly form around dental implants to support them. An implant dentist will ensure your gums are healthy and do not interfere with healing.
  • Jawbone health – You need enough quality jawbone because the bone is the foundation for dental implants. An implant dentist must complete a 3-D CT scan to evaluate bone quality and volume. If you have experienced bone shrinkage, you may need bone grafting to ensure the implants have solid support.

BioMed Research International published an August 2021 article on the biomechanics of partial dentures. The article lists the possible effects of removable partial dentures on the adjacent teeth that support it, including:

  • Stress during function, insertion, and removal of the partial denture
  • Bone shrinkage
  • Loss of the teeth supporting the partial denture
  • Partial denture failure

What Are the Benefits of Replacing a Partial Denture with Dental Implants?

Model of a dental implant with the crown, abutment, and root form labeled

A dental implant mimics a natural tooth and does not need support from other teeth

The benefits of replacing a partial denture with dental implants include the following:

  • Longevity – Dental implants can last a lifetime—outlasting a partial denture or a dental bridge.
  • Healthy for adjacent teeth – Implants do not clip onto or cover adjacent teeth for support.
  • Jawbone stimulation – Tooth roots, like dental implants, stimulate the jawbone, preventing shrinkage of jawbone.
  • Appearance – A dental implant resembles a natural tooth emerging through your gums. You will not have unsightly clasps on your teeth like a partial denture.

We recommend consulting with two credentialed implant dentists to discuss your options.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

What Are the Options for Hiding Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

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I have dark fluorosis stains on six upper front and side teeth. I know the stains are permanent and that I can get veneers for my teeth to hide the stains. But what are my other options? – Nikki from Charlotte, NC

For our readers- Fluorosis stains can occur when a child’s teeth develop. Too much fluoride can cause irregularities, discoloration, or spots on teeth. If a child consumes too much fluoride, white or brown spots develop on the tooth enamel. Also, pits can form in the teeth.

Nikki –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office in Baton Rouge.

What Are the Options for Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

The options for fluorosis stains in teeth include porcelain veneers and dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist will recommend treatment based on these factors:

  • The condition of your teeth
  • The extent of the fluorosis stains
  • Your budget
Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most expensive option for concealing fluorosis stains, an expert cosmetic dentist can make the veneers look like your natural teeth. People cannot tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.

Composite dental resin (dental bonding). Cosmetic dentists use this tooth-colored material to cover imperfections and discoloration in teeth. Cosmetic dentists know how to manipulate the color and translucency of the resin to match your teeth perfectly. But the composite is less durable and stain resistant than porcelain veneers, lasting about five to eight years.

Teeth bleaching.

Schedule a Fluorosis Stains Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and explain your options for concealing fluorosis stains in your teeth. In addition to discussing the pros and cons of the treatment, the dentist can explain a cost estimate. You may prefer porcelain veneers over dental bonding if you can afford a longer-lasting result.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

 

I Have a Hole in My Tooth and It Smells

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I have a hole up an upper molar tooth. I looked at a tooth chart online, and it is tooth #13, a second premolar. The tooth smells worse than it hurts, but I wonder if I can fill it or pull it. I have a lot of anxiety about medical and dental appointments. Even though I can expect some pain, it’s easier for me to do it myself than have someone else invading my mouth. Is the hole a cavity I can fill with something from the drugstore, or will I need to pull it? Thank you. Marv

Marv,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. He would need to examine and x-ray your tooth to determine the cause of the hole and recommend treatment.

Can You Fill a Hole in Your Tooth?

You should not attempt to fill a hole in your tooth. Your efforts will be temporary and may make the tooth worse. Also, if the tooth has a foul odor, it may be infected even if you do not feel pain.

Drugstore-bought fillings are temporary. Even if you try to fill your tooth with filling material sold in drugstores, it will temporarily fix your tooth.

Tooth decay may be the reason for a hole in your tooth. Without removing the infection, it can spread to other teeth or your bone.

Filling a savable tooth is better than removing it. Although filling your tooth won’t work, pulling creates more concerns. You may damage other teeth while pulling the one with a hole. Removing the tooth will cause nearby teeth to shift. Misalignment issues affect your smile and digestion. In the future, you may need braces to correct the misalignment.

How Can You Save a Tooth with a Hole in It?

A dentist can use root canal treatment to save a tooth with a hole. A gentle dentist can explain sedation options to help you relax during the procedure. You will not feel anything throughout treatment, including the numbing injections.

What happens during root canal treatment?

A hammock on the beach for information on relaxing with dental sedation when you have a hole in your tooth

Sedation relaxes you through dental procedures

A dentist will remove the decay and any infection and sanitize it. Afterward, the dentist will fill the tooth with a dental filler material. You may need a dental crown or a composite filling to protect the tooth.

We recommend looking for a gentle dentist who offers sedation. The dentist will explain what to expect from your treatment options. You can start with an exam, which will be comfortable and painless.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.