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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for July 2021

Eight years of missing teeth, and my face is starting to sink

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I have had three upper tooth missing for about 8 years and one lower tooth missing for about 9 years. I have noticed what feels like a decrease in volume in my jawbone on that side of my mouth. It is also difficult for me to chew on that side, so I chew on the left side of my mouth. When I look at myself in the mirror, I notice that the right side of my face looks a little sunken. Finally, I can get dental implants, but I wonder if this thing with my jawbone and face will get corrected with the implants. Oksana

 

Oksana – The situation you are describing with your cheek and jawbone is likely an indication that your jawbone is shrinking. When a tooth is missing, your body resorbs the jawbone from the space. A shrunken jawbone can cause the face to sag, as you described.

Can You Get Implants with Bone Shrinkage?

If you have jawbone shrinkage, to receive dental implants, bone grafting, an implant dentist or oral surgeon must build up your jawbone.

  • After the grafting procedure, when your jawbone heals, dental implants can be placed.
  • It takes about four months for bone grafts to heal.
  • Building up your jawbone and placing the implant will help to give your face its natural form again.

Beware of Bargain Implants

Dental implant diagram of component, implant fixture in bone, and crown placement

Dental implants can prevent bone shrinkage and facial sagging

People who need dental implants might be tempted to find the lowest cost possible. The danger in price shopping is that you may receive poor quality in implant fixtures and implant placement. We strongly recommend that you find a few experienced implant dentists with whom you can have consultations.

You will discuss your options with each dentist and decide who you want to complete your implant placement. Be sure to find an implant dentist who is also a cosmetic dentist. They will provide you with natural-looking crowns for your implants.

 

This post is sponsored by Michael Szarek, DMD of Lowell, MA.

My teeth are still sensitive even with Sensodyne

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I’ve been using Sensodyne toothpaste for over a month because my teeth are sensitive. I have root exposure on a lot of the teeth. Sensodyne isn’t helping, though. What else can I do? I am waiting to get the sensitivity under control before I get teeth whitening from my dentist. I want in-office whitening because it is fast. And I think that if I have to whiten my teeth at home, I probably won’t finish the entire two weeks. I am forgetful. But if I need to switch from Sensodyne to another brand, that’s doable. Thanks. – Gene

Gene,

Please tell your dentist Sensodyne isn’t decreasing the sensitivity in your teeth. They can prescribe fluoride toothpaste. Try the prescription fluoride toothpaste for six weeks to determine if it will minimize the sensitivity.

Options to Decrease Teeth Sensitivity

When your teeth are sensitive, and toothpaste like Sensodyne does not work, your dentist can try other methods.

  • Fluoride varnish – Your dentist can apply fluoride varnish applied to the exposed roots. You can get varnish treatments after dental cleanings—usually every six months. Your dental insurance may not cover it.
  • Composite fillings – Your dentist can blend dental composite to match to cover the exposed roots. You will get instant relief. Dental insurance will probably provide some benefits, along with your copay. But after teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will be whiter than the composite, so depending on the length of your smile, your dentist may need to lighten the composite.
  • Gum grafting – If receding gums contribute to tooth-root exposure, your dentist may perform a graft to cover the roots and decrease sensitivity.
Photo of teeth whitening trays in a case, for information on DIY teeth whitening from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Resolve tooth sensitivity before whitening your teeth

Your dentist will discuss your options with you. Be patient and ensure the treatment gives you lasting results. Don’t rush bleaching your teeth because it can increase sensitivity in your teeth.

This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Michael Szarek, DMD, of Lowell, MA.