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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Should My Porcelain Veneers Still Hurt?

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My porcelain veneers hurt, and I want them removed. I got them in early September, and all eight veneers still hurt. I take ibuprofen twice daily – in the morning before work, then six hours later. I know ibuprofen isn’t good for my stomach, but my dentist seems clueless. He examined the veneers and my teeth and asked me to be patient because the veneers would become more comfortable. How long will it take for the pain to go away? And why didn’t anyone tell me that porcelain veneers hurt for weeks after you got them? Thanks. Dehlia for IN

Dehlia,

Should Your Porcelain Veneers Still Hurt?

Porcelain veneers after photo of a woman's smile that was restored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek.

Porcelain veneers should look natural and be comfortable

Porcelain veneers should not hurt. Although you may experience sensitivity in your teeth after getting veneers, the sensitivity should not linger. Still, the veneers should not hurt. You’ve experienced symptoms for over a month, which is unusual, so we recommend scheduling an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

A cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth and veneers to determine the cause of your discomfort and how to alleviate it. Perhaps the dentist aggressively prepared your teeth by shaving away too much tooth enamel, or you may have tooth infections.

Can You Remove Porcelain Veneers and Return to Natural Teeth?

After a dentist prepares your teeth for porcelain veneers, you cannot have them removed and return to your natural teeth, which would increase sensitivity. You will need some type of cosmetic dentistry to protect your teeth, and veneers are less invasive than dental crowns.

Without an exam and X-rays, we will not guess what is causing your pain, so promptly make an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist. The dentist will explain your options for getting relief.

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

Why Do I Have Black Triangles Between My Teeth?

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If you have black triangles between your teeth, you may be interested in how to reduce them and fill the gaps in your smile. We explain what causes black triangles and which treatment options advanced cosmetic dentists use for spaces between teeth.

What Are Black Triangles Between Teeth?

Black triangles between teeth are triangular spaces near the gumline. The gaps form when you do not have enough gum tissue between your teeth.

What Causes Black Triangles Between Teeth?

Factors that can cause what looks like black triangles between teeth include tooth shape, gum recessions, bone loss, or trauma.

  • Tooth Shape. Misshaped teeth that narrow at the gumline can create gaps that look like black triangles.
  • Gum Recession. Gum recession from aging, gum disease, or aggressive brushing leaves less gum tissue to cover a tooth. Gaps can result.
  • Bone Loss. Advanced gum disease also causes bone deterioration, leaving spaces between teeth.
  • Gum Trauma. Inserting hard or pointy objects between your teeth instead of using dental floss can create gaps between them. Also, aggressive dental work can damage the gum tissue and leave spaces between your teeth.
  • Orthodontics. Although braces or Invisalign may have straightened your teeth, you may notice gaps at your gumline when they are in the correct positions.

What Is the Treatment for Black Triangles?

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers can close black triangles between teeth

Depending on the condition of your teeth and the extent of black triangles, treatment options may include one or more of the following:

  • Gum Disease Treatment. If gum disease contributes to spaces between your teeth, a dentist must treat it before using cosmetic dentistry to close the gaps.
  • Gum Grafting. Tissue loss may require grafting to fill the gaps and protect your tooth roots.
  • Bone Grafting. If some of the bone that supported your teeth has deteriorated, grafting material can build up the bone.
  • Dental Bonding. An advanced cosmetic dentist can layer dental composite by hand to widen teeth and fill in the black triangles. The composite will match your natural teeth perfectly.
  • Porcelain Veneers. Custom dental porcelain shells fit over the fronts of  the teeth in your smile zone, making them larger where needed to fill the gaps in your smile.

 

Please schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss the cause of the black triangles between your teeth and how to treat them.

 

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

My First Premolar Tooth Is Sensitive to Cold

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My upper left first premolar tooth is sensitive to cold and air. My dentist’s diagnosis with the air test was too fast. She did not tell me what had been causing the sensitivity. I fear an infection will affect the porcelain veneer tooth in front of it. Addison from Tacoma, WA

 

Addison,

Sensitivity in a tooth can be easy to diagnose, and an air test is the primary way to assess it. At other times, it is more complicated

Air Test for Tooth Sensitivity

An air test helps a dentist identify unprotected and sensitive areas. A dentist may apply a desensitizing bonding agent to coat the tooth and minimize sensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity to Cold?

The cause of tooth sensitivity depends on several factors, including the type of pain and the tooth’s condition.

Type of pain

  1. Brief pain – Irritated tooth pulp or nerves can cause brief pain. The irritation will heal.
  2. Lingering pain – A tooth infection causes lingering pain. Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment.
  3. Pain around a tooth filling – Bacteria can leak in any space between a tooth and the filling, causing sensitivity.

Tooth condition

  1. New filling – It is normal to feel sensitivity after a new tooth filling. But if bacteria from tooth decay is left behind during the filling process, the tooth can become infected. Root canal treatment will remove the infection.
  2. Tooth decay – Decay or infection can cause sensitivity to heat or cold. It will not spread and infect your porcelain veneer tooth if a dentist catches the decay and treats it.
  3. Fracture – A fracture from trauma or wear can irritate tooth nerves and cause sensitivity. Untreated pulp damage can require root canal treatment and a dental crown.
  4. Gum recession – If your gums pull away from a tooth, it can be sensitive to cold or heat. You can use desensitizing toothpaste, or a dentist may recommend a gum graft or another technique to restore gum tissue.
  5. Worn tooth enamel – Worn tooth enamel exposes dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). Dentin contains small tubes that lead to tooth nerves that can become sensitive.

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

Large Tooth Gap Left After Gum Disease

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There is a very large gap between 2 teeth on the front left side of my mouth. I went to the dentist 2 weeks ago and found out that I have gum disease, which is causing the gap. I have an appointment with a periodontist on the 26th of this month. I know she will get the gum disease under control. At least, I hope she can, but what can be done about the gap between my teeth? What are my options for closing it? Thanks, Michele

Michele –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office

You are correct. Getting your periodontal disease under control is the first priority. Afterward, a cosmetic dentist can examine your teeth and evaluate your oral health to determine if you are ready for cosmetic dentistry for the gap.

How Can You Close a Large Gap Left from Gum Disease?

The severity of the periodontal disease and the gap size will affect how the space between your teeth should be treated. Two options include porcelain veneers and dental implants, both of which require good oral health before treatment begins.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers can close a tooth gap after you achieve good oral health

If the teeth can be saved, porcelain veneers may be used to close the space between them. Or, it is possible that braces can be used to move your teeth into position. Dental bonding works for small gaps.

Dental Implants

If the teeth cannot be saved, a dentist can replace them with dental implants and ensure the results look natural, without a gap between your teeth.

A cosmetic dentist is concerned with the appearance of your smile—that it is beautiful and natural looking. If your dentist is not a cosmetic dentist, consider finding one to restore your smile after treating your periodontal disease.

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

I Still Have Gum Disease After Two Years of Deep Cleanings

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After searching for three weeks, I found an affordable dentist to treat me for gum disease. I had called several offices, and their fees were too high. Although I have dental insurance, most fees exceed my budget, so I selected my current dentist. My concern is that in June of this year, it will be 2 1/2 years since treatment started. I go for a deep cleaning about every four months, and I still notice that my gums bleed when I brush my teeth, and some of my teeth are still a little loose. My dentist doesn’t think it is cause for concern.

The situation is a little better, but I still don’t think I made the right choice. I have two missing teeth and need porcelain veneers for two chipped teeth. We were waiting until the gum disease was under control to take care of the issues with my teeth, but I’m beginning to think it will take another two years to complete my treatment. Was it a mistake to choose a dentist with low fees just to get treatment? I’m concerned that I will have to go into debt to get the care I need. Thanks. Kristina from Saginaw, MI

Kristina -Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office.

The length and frequency of your treatment suggest that although your dentist is making treatment affordable for you, he might not be able to resolve your periodontal disease.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers or Dental Implants with Gum Disease?

Your gums must be healthy before a dentist places porcelain veneers or dental implants.

  • Porcelain veneers – Custom-made shells of porcelain are made to fit the fronts of your teeth. Your gum tissue will frame the veneers like natural teeth. Bleeding and inflamed gums will worsen with porcelain veneers.
  • Dental implants – Healthy gums and bone support dental implants and keep them stable. Unhealthy gum tissue can prevent your dental implants from healing.

Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding, sore, and inflamed gums
  • Infected or inflamed gums
  • Gum recession
  • Gum tissue separates from teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breaths

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms, they must be controlled before you get cosmetic dentistry treatment or dental implants.

What Can You Do If  Gum Disease Will Not Go Away?

If you are still experiencing discomfort and some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease after a series of deep cleanings, it is time to ask your dentist for a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist). If your dentist is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, you can self-refer if your dental insurance allows it or get a second opinion.

Does Affordable Treatment Result in Low-Quality Care?

Drastically lower fees may indicate that a dentist takes shortcuts or lacks the skills or experience to resolve specific issues. Still, even dentists with high prices can provide inadequate treatment if they don’t have expertise in an area.

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

You need healthy gums for porcelain veneers

We recommend getting a second opinion. A conscientious dentist will let you know if they can resolve the issues with your gums. If not, the dentist will refer you to a periodontist—a specialist in diagnosing and treating problems with your gums.

Find a dentist who will provide care yet work with your budget. But look for dentists with advanced training in treating periodontal (gum disease). There are several ways a dentist can make care affordable for you, including:

  • Completing dental work in phases whenever possible
  • Offering payment plans
  • Offering financing options

The condition of your teeth and your gums are closely related. After your gum disease is controlled, a cosmetic dentist can let you know your options for improving the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers and dental implants. For now, it’s crucial to get a second opinion. Remember to check with your dental insurance company for dentists and periodontists within the network. It will help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

 

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