Archives for February 2024

Are My Teeth Too Weak for a Partial Denture?

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Could my teeth be too weak for a partial denture? My dentist wants to place a five-unit bridge for three upper left missing teeth. Gum disease destroyed a lot of my bones, so my dentist says a dental bridge is better than a partial denture. He is concerned that my teeth are already somewhat loose and that a partial denture will put too much pressure on them. The dental bridge is $6100 without the cost of extractions and sedation because I asked for IV sedation. Is that cost reasonable, or should I look elsewhere? Joan from Ga

 

Joan,

Your dentist’s fee is reasonable for Georgia. If you have dental insurance, you can check with the company to ask about coverage and your out-of-pocket costs for a dental bridge and a partial denture.

Are Your Teeth Too Weak for a Partial Denture?

Picture of a partial denture witha plastic base and clasps

Partial denture with plastic clasps

We don’t understand why your dentist recommends a dental bridge instead of a partial denture. A dental bridge will restore the function and appearance of your missing teeth. However, the bridge requires shaving down the tooth on either side of the missing ones. Shaving teeth that are already weak to support a dental bridge and absorb the forces of biting or chewing will further weaken your teeth. Also, if you have a problem with the anchor teeth in a dental bridge, you must restart the process.

Perhaps your case is different, but a partial denture exerts less stress on adjacent teeth and is less risky. Also, your dentist can add a tooth later to a partial denture with minimal work and expense.

We recommend scheduling a second opinion with a skilled cosmetic dentist for an exam and discussing your tooth replacement options.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

 

 

Will I Need New Porcelain Veneers If Mine Are Turning Dark?

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Will I need new porcelain veneers if mine are turning dark? I got the veneers in 2003. I realize that they are almost 20 years old. I compared pictures from last week with pictures from last year, and the difference is noticeable. Will I need new veneers, or can a dentist polish mine or do something else to make them look better? Thank you. Hanako

 

Hanako,

A skilled cosmetic dentist would need to examine your veneers to determine why they are turning dark, but we will provide some insight.

Do Porcelain Veneers Change Color?

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 veneer

Porcelain veneers only change color if they are damaged. Veneers are more stain resistant than natural teeth. However, discoloration in teeth behind the veneers can make them look darker.

  • Damaged porcelain veneers Power polishing equipment at a dental office can damage the glaze on porcelain veneers. As the roughened surface of damaged veneers attracts stains, you will notice that your teeth look darker. Also, acidulated fluoride etches the glaze on porcelain veneers and attracts stains.
  • Darkening natural teeth – If your natural teeth darken behind porcelain veneers, the color change can show through. If the seal between a porcelain veneer and tooth is compromised, bacteria can leak in and promote decay that darkens your natural tooth and shows through the veneer.

Will You Need New Porcelain Veneers If Yours Are Darkening?

If your porcelain veneers are turning dark, a skilled cosmetic dentist may be able to approve their appearance or you may need new ones. Schedule a consultation or an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist to determine why your veneers are darkening. Treatment options may include:

  • Teeth bleaching to lighten your natural teeth
  • Diamond polishing your porcelain veneers to improve their appearance
  • Replacing the veneers your veneers if they are worn or damaged

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Is a Root Canal Enough, or Do I have a Cyst?

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For the past two years, I’ve had swelling above my top left premolar. It’s tender but not painful. My dentist has labeled it a chronic abscess, suggesting we could either leave it or consider removal. Recently, a specialist evaluated it for a potential root canal, estimating a 70% chance of success. He mentioned the risk of an underlying cyst, which an X-ray’s dark area might indicate.

How do I choose between a root canal or extraction? I’m concerned about the possibility of a cyst affecting my health. Both professionals have mentioned a more invasive gum procedure (apicoectomy) as an option if other treatments fail, involving cutting and peeling back the gum to address the issue directly. I am anxious and already have dental anxiety, so this doesn’t help. Whose diagnosis can I trust? Thanks. Juan Carlos from El Paso

 

Juan Carlos,

Most dentists encounter various oral health issues, but cysts are rare.

The Rarity of Cysts in Dental Practice

In my years of service, cysts were notably absent, suggesting that, while possible, the likelihood of such complications is minimal. Some dental professionals may overstate potential risks as a precautionary measure. While there’s a slight chance of developing a cyst, addressing the infection with a root canal often resolves the issue without more invasive treatment.

An Apicoectomy or a Root Canal?

The suggestion of an apicoectomy, a significant gum surgery, seems excessive for many cases. Aggressive interventions are not always necessary. Generally, root canals have a high success rate, mainly when performed by specialists (endodontists) equipped with advanced technology. However, if root canal treatment doesn’t work, you still have the option of an apicoectomy.

Observations on Your Dentist’s Care

Palm tree on the beach, representing relaxation with sedation dentistry for routine care or a root canal

Sedation can help you relax during root canal treatment, an apicoectomy, or any dental procedure

Monitoring swelling without immediate intervention, especially for an extended period, raises concerns about your dentist’s managing the infection. Continuous exposure to bacteria from an untreated abscess can have systemic health implications.

We recommend getting a third opinion from another specialist. If you need treatment, talk to your dentist or specialist about your anxiety and whether you can benefit from dental sedation.

 

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.