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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for November 2019

Does Shaving Down Teeth for Porcelain Veneers Cause Sensitivity?

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Some people who experience sensitivity in their teeth wonder if the sensitivity will increase after a dentist shaves down their teeth in preparation for porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers and Tooth Shaving – The Real Concern

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

A porcelain veneer only covers the front of a tooth

If a dentist has mentioned shaving down your teeth for porcelain veneers—run. Your teeth don’t need to be shaved down to receive porcelain veneers. A veneer only covers the front of a tooth. However, if you are receiving porcelain crowns, your teeth will need to be tapered because a crown completely covers a tooth.

Preparing Teeth for Porcelain Veneers

Most advanced cosmetic dentists will preserve as much tooth structure as possible when you receive porcelain veneers. Your dentist will determine if preparation is needed depending on several factors, including:

  • the type of veneers you are receiving
  • the position of your teeth
  • your smile goals
  • your dentist’s technique

No-prep veneers

If you’re receiving ultra-thin porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist might determine that your case does not require preparation of your natural teeth. One example is that if you want your teeth to look larger, thicker, or more pronounced, preparation might not be required.

Minimal-prep veneers

Skilled cosmetic dentists conservatively prepare teeth for porcelain veneers while leaving at least 90% of tooth enamel intact. There are several advantages to ultra-conservative preparation.

  • Comfort – It only removes a small fraction of tooth enamel, which is non-sensitive tooth structure.
  • Bonding – It does not affect the dentin—the layer beneath the enamel. When tooth preparation reaches the dentin, it’s tricky to get the porcelain veneer to stay bonded. And sensitivity can result.
  • Health and appearance – Bonding to enamel instead of dentin provides a seal that keeps bacteria out and prevents microleakage. When bacteria can leak in and affect the dentin, it will cause the veneers to look dark, and infection can occur.

Look for an advanced—preferably accredited—cosmetic dentist to place your veneers. Your dentist will ensure that if preparation is needed, it will be minimal.

Will You Experience Sensitivity?

If your teeth are healthy and you receive no-prep or conservatively prepared veneers, you probably won’t feel any sensitivity after your veneers are placed. Patients who receive more aggressive preparation might temporarily experience mild sensitivity to heat or cold that lasts a few days up to a few weeks.

The dentist you select impacts the extent of preparation of your teeth, sensitivity issues, as well as aesthetics. We recommend that you find a dentist with advanced training in aesthetic dentistry. Look for a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist.

Accredited cosmetic dentist Michael Szarek, DMD of Lowell, MA sponsors this post.

3 Things You Should Know About the Dental Implants Recovery Period

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Dental implants are highly effective in replacing missing teeth. But it takes time to get successful results. What should you expect as you recover?

1. Do’s and Don’ts

Do

  • Take ibuprofen for pain three times a day for three to four days.
  • Take anti-nausea or antibiotics as prescribed.
  • Sleep with your head elevated for three to four days to minimize swelling and pain.
  • Put gauze over the dental implant surgical site and apply pressure to minimize any bleeding. Report excessive bleeding that persists for longer than 30 minutes.
  • Minimize swelling by applying ice (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to the side of your face near the surgical site.
  • Eat soft, room temperature or cold foods.
  • Begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water the day after surgery. Rinse every two to three hours for the first three days. For the following two weeks, rinse after meals and at bedtime.
  • Resume any prescription medications that you regularly take, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  • Keep your follow-up appointments to monitor your implants, teeth, and gums.

Don’t

  • Don’t exercise strenuously for the first few days after dental implant surgery.
  • Avoid brushing or floss your teeth in the area of the surgical site.
  • Avoid eating crunchy or chewy foods.
  • Don’t drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after implant surgery. It restricts blood flow and inhibits healing.
  • Don’t suck liquids through a straw. It increases bleeding and can dislodge the blood clot
  • Avoid smoking because it restricts your blood flow and slows down the healing process.
  • Don’t touch the surgical site or sutures.

2. Healing Time

Healing time includes implant surgery and bone grafting if needed.

Bone grafting

If you receive bone grafts, it will take 4 to 12months for the bone to heal and develop before you can receive dental implants. Adequate bone is needed to support implants and provide a successful outcome.

Implant surgery

It takes three to four months for your implant and jawbone to fuse. Meanwhile, you can wear a temporary crown.

Diagram of dental implant phases, including 1) implant insertion in bone, 2) healing process, 3) abutment attachment, 4) crown attachment.

Dental implant phases

3. Permanent Teeth

After your dental implant fuses to your jawbone, a permanent dental crown will be attached to the abutment, or connector, that is placed between the implant and crown. At times, prematurely loading an implant fixture with a crown can put too much stress on it and interfere with the healing process.

Each person’s biology is different, so don’t try to rush the healing process. Allow your dentist time to ensure healing is complete so you’ll have long-lasting implants that won’t fail and need to be redone.

Michael Szarek, DMD of Lowell, MA sponsors this post.