Can’t find a pediatric dentist to do veneers before pageant

My 7 yr old is in her 3rd year of pageant competition. Late last month she was bike riding, fell off, and chipped 2 teeth. I am trying my best to find a pediatric dentist to give her veneers, but I can’t. She has another pageant coming up next month. How can I find a kids’ dentist do her veneers? Tasha

Tasha – It is unlikely that you will find a pediatric dentist to give your child two porcelain veneers. You can speak with a cosmetic dentist to find out what he or she recommends for restoring your daughter’s teeth.

It may be easier to have dental bonding applied to the chipped teeth. Composite bonding can be made to match the color and translucency of natural teeth. Teeth are lightly etched; bonding is applied and hardened; and then bonding is smoothed and polished for natural-looking results.

You can contact a few experienced cosmetic dentists in your area and explain your situation to find one who accepts children as patients and may be willing to treat your daughter.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Porcelain veneers hurt and I want them off!

I got porcelain veneers 3 weeks ago and they are killing me. Eight veneers and my teeth are hurting really bad. I have been taking ibuprofen every day since I got them. I know it’s no good for my stomach. Yes, I have called my dentist several times and visited the office complaining about the pain. He keeps telling me to be patient and the pain will gradually get better. It has not improved at all. Can I get them taken off and just go back to my natural teeth? – Jasmine

Jasmine – Make an appointment with a different dentist. If possible, find an accredited cosmetic dentist to examine your porcelain veneers and teeth.

It is normal to experience some sensitivity in your teeth after you receive porcelain veneers. The enamel of your natural teeth is removed in preparation for the veneers, so sensitivity is expected. But persistent pain that is not diminishing is not common.

Your teeth and veneers need to be examined to determine the cause of the problem and how to alleviate your pain. Once you receive veneers, you can’t return to having your natural teeth exposed. Your teeth have been lightly shaved to support veneers, so some type of cosmetic dentistry will be needed to cover and protect your natural teeth—either veneers or crowns.

Without examining your teeth, we won’t guess as to what is causing your pain, so make an appointment promptly.

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

How much does it cost to remove mercury fillings and put in white fillings?

How much does it cost to remove mercury fillings and put in white fillings? - Angela

Angela - The cost of removing mercury fillings varies, depending on the dentist who does the work, and where you live in the U.S.

The replacement fillings you will receive can vary, depending on the size of the previous fillings. Fillings can be replaced with composite or with porcelain inlays or porcelain onlays.

Make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth, recommend treatment, and let you know the cost.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

What’s the best way to whiten your teeth at home?

What’s the best way to whiten your teeth at home? Thanks Jamie

Jamie – Although many people use whitening strips or peroxide, the results will be limited.

If you want the most effective way to whiten your teeth at home, get a teeth whitening kit from your dentist.

The whitening from the dentist works better because the bleaching trays are custom made to fit your teeth. With the trays snugly fitting your teeth, the bleaching gel penetrates better. Also, your dentist will provide you with professional-strength bleaching gel that will get your teeth their whitest.

Another advantage of seeing a dentist for teeth whitening is that he or she will be able to determine if bleaching your teeth will whiten your teeth, or make the stains in them more noticeable. Depending on the cause of the stains in your teeth, whitening them may make matters worse.

If cost is a concern, speak with your dentist about your desire to whiten your teeth. You may be surprised at how your dentist can make take-home treatment affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

Is Chewing Tobacco Safer than Smoking Cigarettes?

No form of tobacco use is safe. 12 to 14 million Americans use smokeless tobacco. Finely ground tobacco is sold in pouches or cubes. It is smokeless tobacco and is often used as chewing tobacco or snuff. Snuff is pinched and placed between the inside of the lower lip and gum. Chewing tobacco is placed between the cheek and gum. It sits in the mouth to suck on and extract the juices from the tobacco. Built up saliva is spit out.

Like cigarettes, chewing tobacco contains addictive nicotine and it’s harmful to your health. In fact, in just thirty minutes of holding tobacco in your mouth, you receive nicotine equal to smoking three cigarettes.

Smokeless tobacco can create sores in your mouth, stain your teeth, cause your gums to recede (your teeth will be prone to decay), and cause your lips and gums to crack and bleed. The sugar in tobacco promotes tooth decay. Your heart rate and blood pressure can increase, and as most people know, smokeless tobacco can cause mouth and throat cancer. About 30,000 American are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year.

If you are interested in breaking the habit, speak with your doctor about how you can do it.

This post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

 

 

Do cracks in teeth show up on x-rays?

Hi – Last month, I was a passenger in a car that was involved in an accident. The air bag did not go off. My entire face hit the dashboard very hard. My teeth were hurting, but I couldn’t see any damage. My dentist x-rayed my teeth and didn’t see any damage. She referred me to an endodontist who also did an x-ray. The endodontist said I need a root canal for two teeth that are cracked. I am wondering if I need to get a third opinion and another x-ray. Should a crack in a tooth show up in an x-ray? – Jennifer from Somerville

Jennifer- A crack in a tooth will show up only if the x-ray is taken at the correct angle—the exact angle of the crack. So, it is difficult to see from an x-ray that a tooth is cracked.

The endodontist may not have seen the crack on the x-ray. He likely saw evidence in your tooth that it is cracked.

You may seek another opinion, but it is unlikely that another x-ray will reveal the problem with your teeth.

This blog post is sponsored by New Jersey cosmetic dentists Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Does medical insurance cover treatment for tetracycline stains?

Dear Dr. Hurley,

Can you tell me if medical insurance covers treatment for tetracycline damage to my teeth? My teeth are very sensitive and weak. I am afraid of biting into things, because I’ve chipped my front teeth before. Since my teeth were damaged from tetracycline for treatment for infections and asthma as a child, I’m hoping insurance will cover this. Can you please advise me on this?

Sharon from San Diego

Dear Sharon,

It would seem practical that medical insurance would cover treating the side effects of a medical treatment like tetracycline teeth stains. Unfortunately, the medical policies normally exclude dental work though. I have yet to hear of a case of medical insurance helping to pay for the treatment of tetracycline teeth stains.

You should contact your insurance company to find out exactly what is covered on your plan.

Learn more about teeth whitening and how to treat tetracycline stains here on my website.