Cosmetic dentist Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Why Does My Temporary Bridge Make My Face and Jaw Hurt?

Posted on February 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I have had a dental bridge since 2017 that includes my lower right first premolar through my second molar. Although the bridge was still comfortable, my dentist recommended replacing it before I began to have problems. She took impressions of my mouth and placed a temporary bridge. I take ibuprofen every day because the bridge hurts. The entire left side of my mouth and jaw hurt. It hurts to speak and chew more than anything, and my gums are slightly swollen. My dentist took x-rays and said they looked okay. She cannot explain my pain. Of course, I am not allowing my dentist to order the final bridge because this temporary bridge hurts so badly. My dentist recommended an endodontist, but I do not have an appointment until early next month. Why would I suddenly need a root canal? Based on my description, why would a temporary bridge cause ongoing pain? Thank you. Kurt from NH

Kurt

Thank you for your question. One of our dentists would need to examine your bridge, teeth, and X-rays for an accurate diagnosis. However, we will explain three factors that might cause a temporary bridge to hurt.

Why Would a Temporary Bridge Hurt?

Dental bridge

A temporary bridge can hurt because your teeth are sensitive after preparation, irritated by bacteria, or the bridge is not optimal.

Sensitive teeth after preparation – Placing a bridge requires shaving down teeth on the sides and top so the bridge ends will fit over them. Teeth prepared for a bridge can ache and be sensitive to cold and hot temperatures, food, and drinks. Removing a bridge and preparing teeth for a new one are traumatic events.
Irritation from bacteria – If a dentist finds decay beneath a dental bridge or its components, bacteria could have infected and irritated your teeth.
Bridge position – A bridge that does not fit well can affect your bite. When you eat, the opposite teeth (upper or lower) can hit the bridge teeth harder than usual and make them ache. You can feel jaw or neck pain and get headaches, too.

Referring You to a Root Canal Specialist

When a dentist cannot identify the cause of your pain, they may refer you to a root canal specialist (endodontist). The endodontist will examine your teeth, possibly x-ray them, and test their sensitivity.

Although some dentists delay making the permanent bridge, others place it with temporary cement. It gives the dentist time to observe your teeth and see if the sensitivity resolves. An X-ray will show whether the tissue inside the tooth is infected or died and requires root canal treatment. Prompt care can help preserve the tooth, preventing the spread of an infection or the need for a dental implant.

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

Why Does My Temporary Crown Keep Falling Off?

Posted on January 17, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My temporary crown saga feels like a never-ending loop! It all started with the first one popping off just 30 hours after it was placed. My dentist glued it again, only to have it dislodge after two hours. I got a new temporary crown, but pieces of it chipped off until Sunday night when the whole thing came off. I was compliant with eating, so I don’t know why I’ve had problems with the crown. I have an appointment next month for the final crown. It’s safe to that I don’t have much confidence in the permanent crown now. Should I reject the crown from my dentist and start over with a new dentist? – Thanks. Cyan

Cyan,

Your temporary crown reflects how your final crown will look and feel

We understand your anxiety about your upcoming permanent crown placement, and the issues you’ve experienced with the temporary crowns are certainly raising understandable concerns.

Repeated temporary crown failure: While occasional temporary crown detachment is expected, three consecutive episodes are concerning. This could indicate issues with the tooth preparation, the material used, or the bonding technique.
Lab-rejected impression: This further raises doubts about the accuracy of the crown preparation. An improper impression could lead to an ill-fitting permanent crown, compromising its longevity and stability.
Lack of confidence: Feeling apprehensive when trust in the procedure is shaken is natural. You have every right to prioritize your comfort and well-being.

What Are Your Options When a Temporary Crown Won’t Stay On?

If your temporary crown doesn’t stay on, you can give your dentist another chance to secure it, get a second opinion, or transfer to a new dentist immediately.

Second opinion: Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist dentist for an objective assessment. They can evaluate the tooth preparation, analyze the temporary crown issues, and offer expert advice on the permanent crown’s viability.
Transferring care: You have the right to switch dentists’ mid-procedure. Your current dentist has an ethical obligation to seamlessly collaborate in transferring your case.
Financial considerations: Discuss reimbursement options with your new dentist if your concerns are confirmed. Depending on the situation, seeking partial or full reimbursement from the initial dentist may be realistic.

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

Never Had a Cavity. How Does a Dentist Fill a Tooth?

Posted on November 30, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I never had a cavity in my life. Now I have 2! At least that’s what my dentist says. I admit I am a little skeptical because I’ve only had two appointments with this dentist, and I am seriously thinking about getting a second opinion. Dentists’ offices make me a little nervous, so can you tell me the steps of getting a tooth filled? Thanks, Samuel from Omaha

Samuel –

If you are skeptical about whether you have cavities, it is best to get a second opinion.

But if you need fillings, a gentle dentist can make filling a cavity a quick, pain-free process.

How Does a Dentist Fill a Tooth?

A cosmetic dentist makes composite fillings look natural

A dentist fills a tooth by cleaning it, removing the decay, and cleaning it again. Below are typical steps that a dentist will use for a direct composite filling:

Apply topical anesthetic to the injection site
Numb your tooth and the area around it with a local anesthetic
Your dentist may use a bite block to keep your mouth open. Insert a small rubber dam in your mouth to isolate your tooth. This will prevent your jaw muscles from tiring out while you try to keep your mouth open.
Use a tool (drill, laser, or air abrasion) to remove the decay from your tooth quickly. You will not feel anything because your tooth will be numb. A dental assistant will work with your dentist and use a suctioning device to remove the debris from your mouth.
Use an air/water unit to clean your tooth.
Use a liner to protect the tooth nerve—mainly if the decay is close to a tooth nerve.
Use a blue gel to create tiny holes in the tooth, to which dental composite will bond. Your dentist will remove the gel.
Apply a bonding agent to the tooth and spread a preselected shade of dental composite over it
Shape the composite and harden it with a curing light
Check your bite to ensure the filling is not too high or too low
If your bite (the way your teeth fit together when you bite or chew) is correct, smooth and polish the composite. Otherwise, your dentist will make further adjustments to ensure that your filling aligns with your bite.

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

Is swallowing ground porcelain crown particles harmful?

Posted on August 31, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Two weeks ago, my dentist placed a porcelain crown on a top right molar tooth. My bite was off, so my dentist ground down in crown in some places. Neither she nor the dental assistant rinsed my mouth. I felt some sandy particles go down my throat. What else could it be other than porcelain powder? Isn’t porcelain glass? I was upset with myself for not asking them to rinse my mouth. Should I be concerned? Thanks. Amari

Amari,

There aren’t any safety concerns about swallowing porcelain power because porcelain is biocompatible. Although there is some glass in porcelain, it’s not glass. And dental porcelain is made of the following components:

Feldspar (a mineral)
Silica (sand)
Kaolin (clay)
Some glass (mostly silica)
Coloring agents

When a dentist grinds down a porcelain crown, the sharpness of the glass particles is reduced. And the particles shouldn’t harm your throat or stomach.

A dental crown hovering below an upper front tooth

Although porcelain is biocompatible, your cosmetic dentist should prevent you from swallowing it

Although ground porcelain isn’t a health concern, it’s unpleasant for you. And it’s bad for a dentist to be negligent and allow you to swallow debris or anything else from a dental procedure. Although dental materials are safe for oral use, they are not designed for swallowoing.

Skilled cosmetic dentists—and all conscientious dentists—use high-volume suction to rinse your mouth and remove debris regularly. What’s left in your mouth should be rinsed and spit or suctioned out. Carelessly leaving stuff behind in your mouth is poor service and a good way to lose your confidence in your dentist’s concern for your comfort and oral health.

The good news is that you’ll be okay. You didn’t mention any past negative experiences with your dentist. But if you continue to experience them in the future, you might want to ask yourself if it’s worth it.

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

If a Porcelain Veneer Falls Off, Should It Be Replaced with a Crown?

Posted on June 30, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Last December, my dentist placed 6 porcelain veneers on my front teeth. Two weeks after my dentist bonded the veneers, one of the incisor veneers fell off and broke while I was eating. The tooth was quite sensitive. My dentist said that he needed to adjust my bite. He shortened the opposite bottom tooth and the porcelain veneer. My dentist applied chemicals to my tooth that hurt so bad because it was already sensitive, despite his claims that the fix would be painless.

Last week, the same veneer fell off while I was eating. I feel the same sensitivity in my tooth. I called my dentist’s office to report the problem, and he returned my call and asked me to schedule an appointment for a porcelain crown because my bite must still be off. My dentist hasn’t looked at my tooth, and he wants me to get a crown. I’m suffering from sensitivity in the tooth, and I’m very skeptical about returning to my dentist. Is it normal for a cosmetic dentist to replace a veneer with a crown that keeps falling off? – Omar from CT

Omar,

Two things aren’t normal about your situation. Porcelain veneers don’t commonly fall off, and it isn’t reasonable to grind down your tooth to replace the veneer with a dental crown.

Your dentist’s explanation about why your porcelain veneer is falling off doesn’t sound logical—especially since your dentist adjusted your bite, and the veneer fell off again. When a dentist properly bonds a porcelain veneer, it might chip or crack—but not fall off.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

Improper bonding – Porcelain veneers require skill and proper bonding techniques. A dentist needs post-graduated cosmetic dentistry training to understand which tools and materials are needed for successful bonding. We are skeptical that your dentist has received the proper training to give you a long-lasting smile makeover.

Aggressive tooth preparation – If your dentist aggressively prepared your tooth and removed too much enamel, it would cause sensitivity in your tooth and make it a challenge for the veneer to stay in place.

Switch to an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

If you take the veneer to an advanced cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited— he or she will ensure your tooth is prepared correctly and bond the veneer back in place. A cosmetic dentist who can save your tooth from a crown and ensure your veneer is secure.

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post. Dr. Szarek’s office is conveniently located near Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Westford, Andover, Lawrence, Wilmington, Bedford, and Burlington.
Below are porcelain veneers photos of one of Dr. Szarek’s patients.

: BEFORE

: AFTER