Dental implants Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

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

June 16, 2020 by AllSmiles

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?

April 30, 2020 by AllSmiles

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

March 31, 2020 by AllSmiles

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

Replace dull implant crowns with new ones

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.
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.
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

January 14, 2020 by AllSmiles

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?

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:

A dentist can provide you with a removable dental flipper to replace the missing tooth.
You can remove the flipper while you’re playing sports and wear a mouthguard to protect your mouth and teeth.
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.

3 Things You Should Know About the Dental Implants Recovery Period

November 14, 2019 by AllSmiles

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.

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.