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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Is My New Dental Crown Causing Oral Sores and a Yeast Infection?

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After getting a temporary crown in January, my teeth felt sensitive. My dentist placed the permanent crown in mid-February, and the sensitivity continues. I also have chapped lips, bad breath, bitter taste, extra saliva, and sores in the corners of my mouth. Could a new crown cause all the symptoms I’ve described? I’m concerned about what’s causing it. – Thanks. Jameson from VA

Jameson,

We understand your concerns about experiencing multiple symptoms. An accurate diagnosis requires more information and a clinical examination. However, we can offer some insight based on your description.

The symptoms you’re describing, such as sores in the corners of your mouth and an oral yeast infection, can sometimes be associated with periods of stress. Stress can affect the body’s immune response, making you more susceptible to infection.

Bad breath can stem from various sources. However, improving your oral hygiene routine may improve bad breath and a bitter taste.

It’s also worth noting the following:

  • Temporary Crown Sensitivity: It’s not uncommon for a tooth with a temporary crown to have heightened sensitivity. This sensitivity can continue after a dentist places the permanent crown.
  • Burning Mouth Syndrome: Following a particularly stressful dental procedure, some individuals may develop a condition known as burning mouth syndrome. A key characteristic of this syndrome is often a dry mouth. Since you’ve mentioned increased saliva, this syndrome seems less likely to be the cause in your situation.

How Can You Manage Your Symptoms?

New dental crownsSores and a yeast infection may cause you to become gentle with your oral hygiene, but this could create a cycle where issues persist. A proactive approach to cleaning your teeth and gums helps.

Here’s some advice that may help improve the bad breath and bitter taste, and potentially alleviate some of your other concerns:

  • Diligent Oral Hygiene: Despite any soreness, it’s advisable to be extra thorough with your oral hygiene. This includes brushing carefully after every meal.
  • Regular Flossing: At least once daily, floss to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and under the gumline.
  • Yeast Infection Treatment: If the oral yeast infection doesn’t improve with your increased hygiene routine, a healthcare professional can prescribe an antifungal medication, such as Nystatin, to treat it effectively.

Discuss your symptoms with your dentist if they persist.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

My Dentures Make Me Gag, So I Only Wear Them in Public

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I only wear my dentures in public because they make me gag. My dentist has adjusted the denture three times, but I’m still gagging. Will I need a new denture? Thanks. Deniz from Brooklyn

 

Deniz,

We recognize that the gag reflex can make wearing dentures challenging. Look for a skilled cosmetic dentist to find a comfortable and effective solution. Here’s a breakdown of options we can consider:

Addressing Denture-Related Gagging

Two ways to resolve denture-related gagging include implant-supported dentures and removable denture adjustments. Your oral health and budget help determine which options are suitable for you.

Implant-Supported Denture Benefits

This option typically provides the greatest comfort by minimizing palate coverage. Instead of relying on full palate suction, implants secure the denture, eliminating the primary trigger for the gag reflex.

Removable Denture Adjustments

If you can’t get implant-supported dentures immediately, a dentist may be able to adjust your current denture.

Upper: The denture extends to the vibrating line. Lower: The denture is farther from the vibrating line to minimize gagging.

Upper: The denture extends to the vibrating line.
Lower: The denture is farther from the vibrating line to minimize gagging.

The optimal denture base extends to the “vibrating line.” However, in cases of extreme gagging, a carefully shortened denture base may provide relief, as described by Dr. Finlay Sutton and pictured to the right.

This process requires meticulous trimming to maintain adequate suction. Over-trimming can compromise the denture’s stability. Confirming that your denture does not extend onto the soft palate is crucial to minimize gagging.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

My New Dental Bridge Broke and Insurance Won’t Pay

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I paid $2,200 for a partial denture to replace my left canine tooth. My dentist first did a root canal on the tooth that failed. Afterward, she said she needed to extract the tooth and do a bridge. The bridge broke within two weeks. My dentist said I should have worn a night guard (the first I’ve heard of it) to prevent the bridge from breaking. She will repair the dental bridge for $1,500 if I sign a release. I have other dental issues with the teeth under the bridge my dentist placed, so my insurance company will not pay for the bridge. I’ve had jaw pain and earaches since I got the bridge last November. Do I have to file a lawsuit to get a refund? Thanks, Jehu from AZ

Jehu

Tell your dentist you will not sign the release, nor will you attempt to sue her if she refunds you. If your dentist is unwilling to issue a refund, consult a lawyer.

Diagram of a dental bridge

Dental bridge

You can also report the case to the state dental board and your dental insurance company. If the dental insurance company refuses to pay for your dental bridge, they recognize your dentist’s negligence. Explain to your dentist that you will not take legal action or report the issue if she refunds you.

Still, replacing your dental bridge and protecting your teeth is essential. Schedule an exam with an experienced cosmetic dentist to evaluate the condition of your bridge and teeth. You can get a bridge with a durable foundation and high-strength crowns that look natural. The cosmetic dentist will harmonize your bite, relieving jaw pain and earaches.

 

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

Why Did My Dental Implant Bone Graft Fail Three Times?

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I’ve had the same dentist for the past seven years and had no reservations about her placing my dental implants. Several co-workers referred me to this dentist, and three of them had great success with implants from the dentist.

My case must have been unusual for her because she said I needed bone grafting before getting my first implant. After four months, my dentist attempted the implant but said she needed to remove it because the bone was too shallow. I’ve had three surgeries, and I still don’t have a dental implant. I have much respect for my dentist, but I must ask, would I have had a better experience if I had chosen a specialist? – Thanks. Bennie from Tampa

Bennie,

While dental implantology isn’t a formally recognized specialty, some dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists have advanced training in this area.

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial root

After successful bone grafting and dental implant placement, a cosmetic dentist can attach a natural-looking crown

We understand your dentist’s intentions and potential experience with implants. However, bone grafting is a complex procedure that requires specific expertise. Your dentist may be relatively new to this aspect of implant dentistry. Remember, every professional, even the most skilled, has a learning curve when using new techniques.

It’s commendable that your dentist is being honest about the situation. A less ethical practitioner might have proceeded with the implant, potentially leading to complications down the line.

Your dentist’s transparency suggests a commitment to a positive outcome. Dental bridges and implants are viable options for a single tooth replacement, each with advantages and disadvantages. If you prefer a dental implant, consider asking your dentist for a referral to a periodontist (implant specialist), or oral surgeon for bone grafting and implant placement.

After the implant heals, your dentist can restore it with a natural-looking implant crown.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

Can I Bypass Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Veneers?

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I have dental anxiety and am concerned about the pain of preparing my teeth. Do no-prep veneers work only for people with small teeth? If I can find a way to get veneers without the pain of tooth preparation, I would be relieved. – Thank you. Jada from Nashville

 

Jada,

We will begin by answering a question that many people have about porcelain veneers. This can give you a positive view of the process even if your teeth require preparation for healthy, natural-looking results.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

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

Porcelain veneer

Quality, correctly placed porcelain veneers do not hurt. However, it takes the skill of an advanced cosmetic dentist to ensure you are comfortable before you begin treatment. A local anesthetic will give you a painless experience. Then, the dentist will prepare your teeth conservatively—removing only a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel—and avoid any layers beneath the enamel that may provoke sensitivity.

Are No-Prep Veneers Only for Small Teeth?

No-prep veneers are not only for small teeth. Still, not every porcelain veneer case is eligible for no preparation. A cosmetic dentist customizes your treatment plan based on your goals for your smile. Sometimes, achieving natural-looking results and veneers that fit well from the biting edge to the gumline requires preparation. Factors that determine whether your teeth require preparation for porcelain veneers include:

  • Your smile goals
  • Whether teeth overlap
  • Teeth position
  • Size
  • Shape
  • Teeth alignment

Although some brands of porcelain veneers are advertised as requiring no preparation, skilled cosmetic dentists work to provide highly aesthetic results. For example, if a tooth is crooked, a portion of it may stick out. A cosmetic dentist will trim it to harmonize with the position of other teeth. At the end of treatment, people will notice your beautiful, natural-looking smile and not know you have porcelain veneers.

Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you have dental anxiety and are interested in porcelain veneers. In addition to explaining your options for veneers, the dentist will listen to understand your anxiety triggers. The dental team will try to avoid your anxiety triggers and enjoy the experience of getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.