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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

If get dental implants if I’m 16 and still have baby canine teeth?

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I’m 16 years old, and my upper and lower permanent canine teeth never came in. The baby teeth didn’t loosen or fall out, and the permanent ones never came in. Last December, my dentist removed the bottom teeth. The right permanent canine on the bottom was behind the primary tooth and grew almost in the right space. But the left permanent canine on the bottom is growing too close to the lateral incisor and leaving a space that looks like I have a missing tooth.

The issue with my canine teeth is leaving spaces between my teeth. I don’t want to remove the top canine teeth because I’m afraid that the permanent teeth will come up like the bottom ones and leave spaces. And then my other teeth will start moving, too. Are dental implants a solution for the spaces between my teeth? – Kerry

Kerry,

We are concerned about the situation you’ve described. If you have regular checkups, your dentist should address the problem. What you’re experiencing with your teeth is not uncommon, though. And dental schools train dentists on how to take good x-rays of your entire jaw to resolve the problem.

What Prevents Permanent Teeth from Erupting?

Often, permanent teeth don’t erupt because they are impacted. Some permanent teeth never form. Lateral incisors, lower premolars, and wisdom teeth most commonly don’t develop, but it’s rare for canine teeth not to develop. In the teenage years, when permanent canine teeth don’t erupt, it’s often because they are impacted.

If your dentist takes x-rays of your entire jaw, he’ll get answers to these questions:

  • Where are the permanent teeth?
  • Are they impacted?
  • Are they in front of, or behind, other permanent teeth?

Orthodontic treatment will help the teeth erupt in the correct position. One treatment that allows an impacted a permanent tooth to erupt is for an orthodontist to make a surgical opening in the tissue to expose it. If necessary, the orthodontist might use braces and attach a bracket to the tooth to help it erupt in the correct position. An orthodontist will also determine if there is enough room for a tooth to erupt in the right place.

Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Dental implants need room beneath them to fuse with the bone and provide stability.

Canine teeth are anchor teeth and an essential part of your smile. It’s usually best to remove the first premolar to allow the canine to erupt. Afterward, braces can straighten the remaining teeth.

Will Dental Implants Work with Impacted Teeth?

Dental implants won’t work with impacted teeth because the teeth will block the implants. Implants require a clear path to fuse with your jawbone and remain stable. A dentist will only place implants if there are no teeth beneath them.

If your dentist can’t resolve the issue, we recommend that you get a second opinion or visit an orthodontist.

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

Three Causes of Root Canal Failure and How Your Dentist Might Treat It

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My top right upper molar is sore. I had a root canal on the tooth in 2002. I first noticed slight pain about two months ago, but now the pain is more frequent and is intense sometimes. Yesterday I saw a small sore on my gum. Pus was coming out of it in the afternoon, and at the same time, the pain was more intense than usual. I’m afraid that I’m going to lose this tooth and need a dental implant. I’m hesitant about going to the dentist in the middle of a pandemic. Is there anything I can do at home to help the tooth until I’m comfortable going to the dentist? Thanks. Jordan from Richmond, VA

Jordan,

The root canal you received in 2002 failed. And that’s not normal. Root canal treatment doesn’t fail over time. Something caused it to fail.

Causes of Root Canal Failure

  • Tooth not completely sealed – If the dentist who completed the root canal treatment didn’t fully seal your tooth, bacteria can leak in, infect the tooth, and cause significant pain.
  • Untreated canals – Some teeth have canals that, without careful observation, go unnoticed. If the dentist doesn’t remove the infection from all the canals, it can linger and cause future problems.
  • Cracked root – A cracked tooth root is painful. If a dentist can save your tooth, you’ll need some form of endodontic treatment, and the tooth will be protected with a new dental crown.
Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Dental implants fuse with the bone to provide stability.

We recommend that you schedule an appointment with an endodontist or specialist. After an examination and digital x-rays, an endodontist is skilled at accurate diagnosis or treatment options, including another root canal treatment or root canal surgery. The specialist will also explain the risks and success rates.

If there is a chance of saving your tooth, let the endodontist try to save it. If keeping the tooth isn’t an option, a dental implant is the tooth replacement option that’s closest to mimicking the look and function of your natural tooth.

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

Can a dentist reuse your crown after root canal treatment?

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There is decay beneath three of my five dental crowns. I need another root canal on one of the teeth. I’m wondering if it’s possible to reuse a crown after a root canal. I have a gag reflex and hate the thought of needing dental implants or dentures. I thought that when I got the crowns in 2011, I wouldn’t need another root canal. It’s disappointing that this process keeps repeating itself. Should I switch dentists? Thanks for your advice. – Harleigh from Portland, ME

Harleigh,

Whether or not your dentist can save your crowns depends on the extent of decay beneath them. Your dentist might need to cut off the crowns, which would make them impossible to reuse.

If your dentist can remove the crowns intact, it may be possible to reline them and bond them back in place.

Switching dentists probably won’t resolve the issue with decay beneath your crowns. If you frequently need crowns and get decay beneath them, several factors can help:

  • Reduce your frequency of eating and snacking throughout the day
  • Brush your teeth regularly and floss between them
  • Keep in mind that good oral hygiene isn’t a substitute for a lot of snacking
  • Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental cleanings and exams so your dentist can monitor your crowns
After cosmetic dentistry close-up photo of a patient's smile after receiving dental crowns to close a gap and even and brighten her teeth.

Snack less often to prevent decay beneath crowns and the need for dental implants

Neither dentures nor dental implants should be necessary if you get treatment promptly. Untreated decay will progress and eventually cause infection, which can lead to extraction and the need for a dental implant. Unless all your teeth are unhealthy and beyond saving, you shouldn’t consider dentures.

It’s best to pursue good oral health and take care of the decay beneath your crowns. Even if you need new dental crowns, they are less expensive than dental implants. And it’s worth the cost to preserve your natural teeth instead of extracting them in exchange for dentures.

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

3 Reasons Not to Put Porcelain Veneers Over Old Implant Crowns

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I have 15-year-old dental implants on my four center front teeth and the crowns on them are not as white as I want. I wasn’t expecting them to turn this fast. The crowns are noticeable because they are darker than my natural teeth. What do you recommend for whitening them? Thanks, Darren

Darren,
Neither you nor a dentist can whiten your implant crowns because they are colorfast. The crowns need to be replaced.

Although some companies promote whitening crowns by placing porcelain veneers over them, the process is costly. The cost of a porcelain crown and a porcelain veneer are similar, so it makes sense to replace the crown.

Why It’s Not Worth It to Veneer Old Implant Crowns

Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Replace dull implant crowns with new ones

  1. Decay or leakage – As dental crowns age, there is an increased risk of decay or leakage beneath them. It’s to your advantage for a cosmetic dentist to remove the crowns and check beneath them for stain or decay. The dentist can also check around the dental implant sites to ensure they are still stable and healthy.
  2. Difficulty with the bonding technique – Bonding a new porcelain veneer onto an old implant crown isn’t easy. It’s difficult to get a firm bond, and it doesn’t last long—perhaps another five years.
  3. Age of your crowns – If you had the implant crowns for 15 years and they are discoloring, it’s not worth it to try to patch them up. You’ll spend a lot of money to have veneers bonded to them when they really need to be replaced.

Advanced cosmetic dentists work with a master ceramist to craft natural-looking crowns. Find an accredited cosmetic to replace your crowns and ensure they match your surrounding teeth. But before you receive crowns, ensure your natural teeth are as white as you want them. If you want to brighten your entire smile, complete whitening treatment first. Your dentist will provide crowns to match your white smile. Don’t waste time and money trying to salvage old, discolored dental implant crowns.

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

3 Things to Know About Dental Implants and Playing Contact Sports

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I am an avid soccer player. Last November, I received a dental implant because I lost a front tooth when I was playing goalie and collided with another player. I found a dentist online, went to the office, and asked for an implant. I had the surgery in early November, and everything is going well so far. It’s healing, and I am waiting for a permanent crown. Yesterday, I spoke with my cousin, who is in dental school in CA. She told me that I shouldn’t have asked for an implant. She said that if I continue to play soccer and have another accident that affects the same tooth, I will have huge problems with the implant. She is only in dental school, so I need another opinion. Is it too late to get the implant removed and get a dental bridge instead? – Jordan from South Portland, ME

 

Jordan – Your cousin’s concern is valid. If you experience an impact to the same tooth, the implant can be knocked out of your jawbone, damage the bone, and require bone grafting.

Your implant surgery was in November, so there is no need to remove the implant fixture now. Your jawbone is in the process of fusing with the bone. A dental bridge requires preparing each tooth adjacent to the missing one. The bridge connects the teeth, so if you receive impact again, those teeth would be at risk for significant damage.

Are Dental Implants a Good Option If You Play Contact Sports?

Diagram of three phases of dental implants, for information on implants and diabetes from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Dental implants fuse with the bone to provide stability. But repeated and strong impact to your mouth can dislodge it.

If you’re an avid boxer or play, soccer, hockey, football, or other high-contact sports, talk with your dentist about the best form of tooth replacement.

Ideally, when you’re active in sports:

  1. A dentist can provide you with a removable dental flipper to replace the missing tooth.
  2. You can remove the flipper while you’re playing sports and wear a mouthguard to protect your mouth and teeth.
  3. Get a dental implant when you’re no longer an avid player of impact sports.

What Can You Do Now that You Have an Implant?

You’ve already received an implant, so talk to your dentist about your concerns and order a custom mouthguard to provide maximum protection while you’re playing sports. Limit or avoid soccer-playing while the artificial tooth root is healing. Allow time for it to stabilize by avoiding activities that can cause an impact to your face or mouth.

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