Archives for June 2015

June 29, 2015 by

Two years ago I was hospitalized for 5 weeks for an infection that at the time was unidentifiable. I received heavy doses of antibiotic intravenously. During the time I was on the antibiotics I noticed my teeth turning brown. I was told that tooth discoloration is a known side effect of the drug. Although my teeth have lightened a bit over the 2 years that have passed, they are still noticeably brown. Can porcelain veneers help my brown teeth at all or will the brown show through? – Wilda

Wilda – Your teeth need to be examined first, but it is likely that a skilled cosmetic dentist can provide you with porcelain veneers that will conceal the stains, but still look beautifully natural.

We emphasize that you should find a skilled cosmetic dentist because it can be complex to have porcelain manipulated in a way that keeps it translucent while hiding brown stains. If you do not know anyone from whom you can receive a recommendation for a cosmetic dentist, you can do an online search.

Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist, review his or her smile gallery on the website, and contact the office to schedule a consultation. Choose two or three dentists with whom you can schedule a consultation for porcelain veneers. Be prepared to ask questions, and compare the options, costs, and treatment completion times you are given.

This post is sponsored by top NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

June 14, 2015 by

My 11 year old daughter chronically gets cavities. We just can’t figure out why. We have always limited her sugar intake but it seems that with every appointment she has a new cavity. Our pediatric dentist insists it is diet related. She isn’t even trying to find a reason for the recurring cavities. I am really disappointed. Also I am beginning to wonder if my daughter has had as many cavities as we have been told. We schedule an appointment for the end of the month to have the cavities filled. I am rethinking this whole thing, though. Is it too late to switch pediatric dentists even though we schedule the appointment? Thanks Kendyl

Kendyl – It isn’t too late at all to switch pediatric dentists. Before you switch though, consider getting a second opinion from a pediatric dentist or a family dentist who accepts children as patients.

If you are certain that your daughter’s cavities aren’t related to her diet, it should be one of the first things you communicate to the dentist from whom you are getting a second opinion. The cause of the cavities can be genetic, or system. The new dentist and your daughter’s pediatrician may need to work together to identify the cause of the recurring cavities.

Don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns with your daughter’s dentist. Be candid in letting the dentist know your concern for your daughter’s oral health and the need to try to get some satisfying answers, in addition to the appropriate treatment.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.