Tag: NJ top dentist

Why is my crown still sensitive to hot and cold?

I got a crown on a bottom left molar in April 2015, so soon it will be a year since I’ve had it. I didn’t have any problems with it for the first 2 months but after that it started feeling sensitive. Any time I eat or drink something hot or cold I get a tingling sensation in my mouth. If something is really cold it actually hurts. Also I have started to notice that if I have to chew something that puts a lot of pressure on it, it hurts. I have mentioned this to my dentist a couple of times and he did x-rays at first. He has adjusted it both times. It is still tingly, but it doesn’t seem that my dentist is really trying to figure out what is going on. Does anything I’ve described give clues about what might be happening with my teeth? Scott

Scott – At times, when a crown is first placed, the tooth nerve is irritated and can be sensitive for a few weeks. Longer periods of sensitivity indicate that there is another issue causing irritation. There are several possibilities.

A Sensitive Dental Crown - Possible Causes

One possibility is that you are grinding your teeth while you sleep. Your dentist can examine your teeth and look for signs of wear. A customized night guard can be made for you to wear at night. The night guard will cushion the effects of teeth grinding.

It is possible that there is a problem with your natural tooth beneath the crown. The crown can be removed to check the condition of the tooth. A root canal treatment may be needed.

Another less common factor is that some of the cement from the bonding material was left around the crown. It can cause inflammation, irritation, and sensitivity.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination of your crown and tooth. If he or she is not able to find the cause of the sensitivity, consider getting a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist. Properly trained cosmetic dentists are skilled in the placement of dental crowns. He or she will work to resolve the issue with the sensitivity in your crown.

This post is sponsored by a NJ Monthly Magazine Top Dentist—Dr. Allyson Hurley. She is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

 

Should I switch to a new dentist?

After getting recommendations on a dentist from 3 different people, I felt pretty confident about letting this dentist do my porcelain veneers. I had 3 appointments before the temporary veneers were made and I thought the discussions were so good that there was no question that my veneers would look great. I approved the mockup and now that I am wearing the temporary veneers I think they are way too white. Even people that don’t really know me tell me how white my teeth are and some people actually ask if these are my real teeth. It’s really embarrassing. I am getting concerned because after so many discussions with the dentist, I ended up with veneers that seem to be 5 shades lighter than what I asked for. I told my dentist that they are way too white and he said that when I receive the porcelain veneers, the color will be corrected. I asked for new temporaries and I am waiting for them. Is this a warning sign for me to switch to a new dentist? I’ve started looking for top dentists in my area so I can make the move without wasting a lot of time. Thanks. Mariah

Mariah – After you receive your second set of temporary veneers, it will help you decide whether or not you need to switch dentists. If the veneers are not the exact shade you requested, it may be an indication of a communication problem between you and your dentist, or your dentist and the lab being used to make the veneers.

Even if you decide to find a top cosmetic dentist in your area, be sure to check the dentist’s credentials, patient reviews, and before-and-after pictures of porcelain veneers cases. Schedule a consultation with each dentist first and ask questions about what will be done to ensure that you receive veneers in the shade that you desire.

If you switch dentists, your new dentist can help you communicate with the previous one to obtain your dental records and have your case transferred. Don’t rush your decision, though. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of changing providers for your veneers, and carefully choose your new cosmetic dentist.

 

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Since 2005, Dr. Hurley has been named a top NJ dentist by NJ Monthly Magazine!

“Top dentist” ruined my teeth

Over a 2 month period I searched for a top dentist in town. I will let the dentist I found be anonymous but my teeth are now ruined. Nothing is top about them except that they are at the top of the list for the crappiest looking, most expensive teeth in town. You can bet that I have documented all of my discussions with this dentist who claims that I got exactly the look that I asked for. This mix of veneers and crowns is a mess. They are not even color matched. I am self-conscious about smiling which is ridiculous because I smiled before I even got this bogus smile makeover. If I could, I would get my natural teeth back because at least they looked like my own teeth. Not getting this fixed is not an option, but I just don’t know what to do or who to trust. How do I start? Thank you. G.C.

Dear G.C. – We are very sorry to hear about your negative experience. We suggest that you start by asking friends or family members for recommendations for cosmetic dentists. If you can’t get recommendations, search for an accredited cosmetic dentist, or an award-winning cosmetic dentist. A dentist’s website should list verifiable credentials, training, and awards.

After you select two to three cosmetic dentists, schedule a consultation with each of them. Explain your situation, ask the dentist how he or she would resolve the issue, and take notes. Prepare a list of questions about your concerns, and ask away. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of cases like yours that the dentist has completed, or work done by another dentist that he or she has corrected. Also ask for recommendations on how you can be reimbursed, or in some compensated, for the work done by the dentist who placed your crowns and veneers. The dentist you choose will likely be willing to help.

Remember to be patient. The resolution can take time, but with the right cosmetic dentist who has a proven record of being one of the top dentists in your area, your smile can be beautifully restored and look completely natural.

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

 

Dentist shaved my top tooth now it’s too short

I thought I was getting my teeth contoured. The dentist I saw shaved my top left front tooth and now it is too short. She said that she can lengthen it with bonding but I don’t trust her. What are my options? Thanks. Kameel

Kameel – We recommend that you schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist. A tooth that is too short can be lengthened and restored with dental bonding or a porcelain veneer.

The cosmetic dentist will examine your tooth and determine which options are best for restoring it. A skilled dentist can manipulate composite bonding to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. Bonding can last for years, but will eventually stain or wear and need to be replaced.

A porcelain veneer covers the entire front of your tooth. It can require light preparation of the tooth to prevent it from extending beyond the adjacent teeth or looking bulky. Veneers are very durable and can last for many years.

You can select a few cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations, discuss your options, and compare the recommendations.

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

Which is the top dentist for veneers, a cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist?

I think I want veneers and I am lining up the dentists that I want to see about them. I have 2 appointments scheduled with prosthodontists, but my roommate says that I should see a cosmetic dentist too. Which is the top dentist for porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dentist or a prosthodontist? By the way I am asking the same thing on a prosthodontist’s site to see how your answers differ. Thanks much! - Gwen

 

Gwen - The best dentist for your porcelain veneers is an artistic dentist—a dentist who not only knows and has the tools required to give you a beautiful smile, but also has an artistic approach to it.

A prosthodontist is trained in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Many prosthodontists have artistic inclination—but not all of them do. A cosmetic dentist has taken training to give you a smile that looks beautiful and natural, but not every cosmetic dentist is an artist.

With each dentist that you visit, ask to see before-and-after pictures of smile makeovers that he or she has completed from start to finish. Look for the color, shape, style, and size of the teeth. Do they look natural, personalized, and beautiful? Find out how much input you will have on the look of your new smile. The dentist’s willingness to listen to your preferences will give you an idea of whether or not you will get the smile you really want. Ask questions about how the steps each dentist will take to ensure that your veneers are not too thick or too white, and that get the smile you really want.

Before you schedule appointments look for credentials for both the prosthodontist and the cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has successfully completed written and oral exams, submitted beautiful cosmetic cases, and participates in ongoing training to even further develop his or her skills.

This post is sponsored by a NJ top dentist (voted by NJ Monthly Magazine) and accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

My pointy tooth is cutting my tongue

One of my top left molars keeps cutting my tongue. It feels sharp and pointy. What will happen to the tooth if I go to the dentist? Thx. Sienna

Sienna – A dentist will examine your tooth. The sharp part of the tooth that is cutting your tongue will be gently shaved, shaped, and polished.

The procedure is called tooth reshaping or contouring. It is completed in a few minutes. You will feel a slight vibration while the pointed part of your tooth is reduced, but the process is painless.

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

How do I find top 10 dentists for teeth shaping?

Almost each of my teeth look like they belong in a different mouth. The shapes are so random it’s crazy. One tooth is pointy but the next tooth is square. Others are round on the edges and there are some that even look more oval. They are poorly shaped. My dentist told me that he can shape them for me. I asked him if it’s something that he normally does and he said that he never did before! Now why would I let him practice on me? Actually shaping my teeth sounds like a good idea but how do I find say the top 10 dentists that can do it right? Bella I.

Bella - You have made a wise decision to find an experienced cosmetic dentist to shape your teeth. And that’s the key—find a cosmetic dentist, not a general dentist to do the work. Although you won’t necessarily find a list of top ten dentists for tooth contouring in your area, you can visits websites of cosmetic dentists to find out whether they are accredited or not, and how much experience they have. After you have narrowed your choices you can call dental offices to ask questions specifically about tooth contouring.

An examination by a cosmetic dentist will also tell you if you are a candidate for contouring or whether a different treatment will work best for your case. You can start by having a consultation with two or three cosmetic dentist before you decide whom you would like to enhance your smile.

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

Tooth pulled and I’m still bleeding

I got my tooth pulled yesterday afternoon at an emergency dentist and the hole is still bleeding. Should it still be bleeding or is something wrong? Do I need to try to stop it? – M.L.

M.L. - Bleeding at the tooth extraction site is normal for the first day or two. You may have some fluid oozing from the site also. Keep a small piece of gauze on the site, which will absorb the blood and apply pressure to help stop the bleeding. You can also gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. The bleeding will eventually stop on its own.

During the first 48 hours, limit your activity. Also avoid drinking through a straw, because it can cause the blood clot to dislodge.

If the bleeding increases, or if it continues after 48 hours, call your dentist.

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

What’s the fastest way to get my teeth straight for my wedding?

I just got engaged last weekend. I wasn’t expecting it so soon, but I am very happy. I am regretting that I didn’t get Invisalign before now. I have several front teeth that are crooked and now I am in a rush to get them straightened out before December. I want a beautiful smile for my wedding pictures. We were thinking about engagement pictures, but I don’t want to send out photos of my crooked teeth. Is that enough time for my teeth to be aligned before the wedding? - Dana

Dana - Congratulations on your engagement! You need to receive an examination to find out how much time it would take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign.

No doubt with less than nine months to go, you will be busy with planning and preparation for your wedding. Find an accredited cosmetic dentist for your examination. One option to align your teeth is porcelain veneers. They can give you a quick, natural-looking smile makeover in just a few weeks.

A cosmetic dentist will be able to tell you which teeth need veneers. The veneers are bonded to the front of your natural teeth to make them appear straight. A cosmetic dentist can perfectly adapt the veneers to match the characteristics, color, and translucency of your natural teeth. If you have a budget for your smile makeover, speak with the dentist about financing and payment plans.

You will be amazed at the results, and your smile will be ready for lots of pictures!

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

 

Pediatric dentist wanted to fill son’s cavities, but new dentist doesn’t

Our family had to move in the middle of the school year because of my job transfer. My husband and I were trying to avoid it, but delaying it may have cost me my job. Our 4 yr old son was in the middle of dental treatment too. We chose a family dentist that we thought we liked and had our records transferred here. Our previous pediatric dentist said that our 4 yr old has three cavities that need to be filled. We questioned filling the cavities, but the explanation was reasonable. Now the new dentist says that he won’t bother filling the cavities, I don’t understand. - Emilee

 

Emilee - Many dentists—pediatric dentists and general dentists—will decide to fill cavities on primary teeth. If the decay in a tooth progresses, the tooth may need to be extracted. And the bacteria from it can affect other teeth.

If primary front teeth need to be filled, those teeth would normally remain another two or three years. If molar teeth are the issue, they might remain another five or six year. The goal in filling the cavities is to stop the progression of decay and preserve the teeth because they can help guide permanent teeth to the correct position.

You may choose to get a second opinion on your son’s teeth, or you can ask your new family dentist to fill the cavities anyway, even if he doesn’t think it’s necessary.

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