Archives for April 2023

Two of My Permanent Teeth Never Erupted

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My permanent upper canine and incisor on the right never erupted. I still have small primary teeth that did not fall out. The teeth look weird because they are so small and don’t match the size of the surrounding teeth. I am 27 years old and trying to progress with my career. Can a dentist make the small teeth look larger, or is it best to get them removed and replaced with dental implants? Thank you – Andreas

Andreas,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office in Baton Rouge regarding your canine and incisor teeth that never erupted. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending appropriate treatment.

What Happens When Permanent Teeth Do Not Erupt?

When permanent teeth do not erupt, they may be impacted. An x-ray will help a dentist determine whether the permanent teeth have developed. If not, a dentist can create a treatment plan for dental implants.

Treatment options for permanent teeth that do not erupt

Treatment options for permanent teeth that do not erupt may include the following:

  • A dentist may remove the primary teeth and make an opening for permanent teeth to emerge.
  • A dentist may need to remove the primary teeth and replace them with dental implants. If the bone beneath the primary teeth is healthy, a dentist may place implants and temporary crowns on the same day. Otherwise, you may need a bone graft first.
  • A dentist will ensure you have enough space for a dental implant if primary teeth are absent. Sometimes, you may need orthodontics to make room for a dental implant.

We recommend scheduling consultations with two dentists with advanced training in implantology. Look for credentials from one of the following organizations:

  • International Congress of Oral Implantology
  • International Dental Implant Association
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • American Board of Oral Implantology

Ensure that each dentist has advanced cosmetic dentistry training to provide you with natural-looking implant crowns.

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

 

Is It Too Late to Close My Tooth Gap?

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Is it too late to close a tooth gap if I am 48? Although my friends tell me gaps are “in,” I have always been self-conscious about my smile. The gap is between my upper center front teeth. Thank you. Nikko

Nikko,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge about the timing for closing a tooth gap.

Is It Too Late to Close a Tooth Gap?

It is not too late to close a tooth gap. Although most people want to close a gap for aesthetic reasons, spaces between teeth can affect your oral health. A dentist’s treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including:

  • Your oral health
  • The condition of your teeth
  • The gap size
  • The results you want to achieve

Treatment Options to Close a Tooth Gap

Treatment options to close a tooth gap include orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.

Orthodontics

Invisalign upper and lower aligners

Clear orthodontic aligners are one way to close a tooth gap

A dentist may recommend orthodontics if a tooth gap is large or if you want to align your teeth without cosmetic dentistry. Although many adults are concerned about how they will look while wearing braces, clear braces and aligners make orthodontic treatment less noticeable. Closing a tooth gap with braces may take six to eight months or longer.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a skill that advanced cosmetic dentists use to conceal small tooth gaps. A cosmetic dentist can blend composite bonding to match our tooth shade and shape it to replicate the characteristics of your teeth. The bonding will blend seamlessly with your teeth. Dental bonding usually takes one appointment.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer is a custom shell of porcelain that fits the front of a tooth. Veneers usually require removing small amounts of tooth enamel to ensure the shells fit your teeth without looking bulky or protruding. A cosmetic dentist may recommend two or more veneers to conceal your tooth gap. You can get veneers in two to three appointments.

We recommend consulting with a dentist who has completed advanced training in aesthetics. After an exam and x-rays, the dentist can recommend treatment.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

Why Are My Gums Sore Between Two Teeth?

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My gums are sore between my first and second molar teeth. They hurt worse every time I eat, but the pain goes away within an hour. The pain is getting worse, but it’s limited to my gums. I don’t have any toothaches. My dentist completed an x-ray and said nothing was wrong with my teeth. One tooth is an old root canal tooth, but the gums hurt, not the tooth. My dentist says if the pain continues, he might recommend an extraction. Why would a dentist pull a tooth when the gums hurt? Is my dentist trying to upsell me for a dental implant? – Thank you. Keith from Shreveport

Keith,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher about your gum sensitivity. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your gums, teeth, and x-rays to identify the source of your discomfort, but we will discuss some causes of gum sensitivity.

What Causes Gum Sensitivity?

Periodontal (gum) disease is often the cause of gum sensitivity and pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control, infection and inflammation from gum disease can cause the following symptoms:

  • A change in partial denture fit
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together
  • Bleeding gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Chronic bad taste
  • Gum recession
  • Loose teeth
  • Painful chewing
  • Red gums
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Swollen gums
  • Tender gums
Model of a dental implant with the crown, abutment, and root form labeled

Gum disease treatment can save teeth

You may have gum disease and a deep pocket between your teeth that can trap food particles that cause pain.

Will You Need Tooth Removal?

If your gums are sensitive, most likely you need gum disease treatment, not tooth removal and a dental implant. Even teeth that loosen from gum disease are often savable with root scaling and planing (deep cleaning). We recommend getting a second opinion from an experienced dentist to identify the source of your pain and explain treatment options to resolve it.

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