Tag: top North NJ 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.

 

“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.

 

Should a get a second opinion from a pediatric dentist?

My son’s permanent bottom teeth are growing in with chips in them. His dentist says this is normal, but I am concerned that he is going to have problems with the teeth in his teen years. Should I get a second opinion from another pediatric dentist? - Marcie

Marcie - We would need to examine your son’s teeth to determine if there is a problem. But what you describe sounds like normal tooth development. Ridges or bumps on the incisal, or biting, edges of teeth are referred to as mamelons. They are the result of three groups of cells that unite to form the incisal edge of a tooth.

The size and depth of mamelons vary by the individual. It is common to see them as teeth erupt. Some parents are concerned when they see teeth erupt with uneven edges, but as children grow into adulthood, the ridges slowly wear off. In some cases, the mamelons wear off unevenly, but a cosmetic dentist can contour the teeth to make them even.

You can ask your son’s dentist for more information. And if you want reassurance that the teeth are erupting normally, you can always seek a second opinion.

This post is sponsored by NJ top 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.

Will Zoom get the spots out of my teeth?

My teeth are very spotty. It is a genetic disorder. My doctor doesn’t do Zoom whitening, only the take home kits. He said that he is not sure if Zoom will help the spots or not but maybe the take home kit would whiten my teeth and make the spots look lighter. He did not sound very sure. Will Zoom get the spots out of my teeth? Rebekah

Rebekah – You should have your teeth examined by an experienced cosmetic dentist, who is also experienced with the use of Zoom Whitening.

Depending on the cause of the spots, whitening your teeth can make the spots even more noticeable. A cosmetic dentist will let you know if whitening your teeth is the answer or if another cosmetic treatment, such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers, is needed to conceal the spots.

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.

Can’t afford porcelain veneers and need alternatives

I want 8 porcelain veneers but I know that I can’t get them because they cost too much. I hate the way my teeth look. What are my alternatives? - Danette

Danette - Your alternatives depend on what corrections need to be made to your teeth. If your teeth are misaligned or have spaces between them, braces or Invisalign will correct them, and those treatments may be less expensive than porcelain veneers. It is possible that contouring or reshaping your teeth will enhance your smile.

Some people consider porcelain veneers because they want whiter teeth, but depending on the cause of the stains in your teeth, professional teeth whitening from a dentist will brighten them.

Have consultations with a few cosmetic dentists to discuss your options. If porcelain veneers are required to correct your teeth, you will be able to find a dentist who makes them affordable for you. Payment plans or financing can help you get the smile you want without breaking your budget.

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

Sensitive top teeth. Can dentist do anything about this?

Several of my top teeth are sensitive. I have noticed this for about 2 to 3 months. I just turned 42 and my mom said she has the problem, and it started when she was around my age. I am thinking that maybe this is something hereditary that I just have to deal with. I am wondering though if this is something that I should be a dentist about. Thank you. Vanessa

Vanessa - Tooth enamel protects your teeth. The layer beneath the enamel, dentin, is susceptible to sensitivity. If the dentin in your teeth is insufficiently protected by the enamel, heat, cold, sticky foods, and acidic foods, can cause you to feel sensitivity in your teeth. For some people, even breathing in can cause sensitivity.

What can damage your tooth enamel? At times, aggressive tooth brushing is responsible. Brushing your teeth or gums too hard can damage the enamel or expose your tooth roots.

A gum infection, which can spread to your tooth roots, can also cause sensitivity. Gum disease can cause your tooth roots to become exposed and very sensitive. A tooth infection can also cause sensitivity.

Depending on the cause of sensitivity in your teeth, a dentist may recommend that you use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If the toothpaste is not effective enough, you may need fluoride treatments from the dentist.

When gum disease is causing the problem, it can be treated. Or if your gums are exposed, gum grafting may be needed to cover your tooth roots. In cases of severe sensitivity, a root canal treatment may be needed.

Schedule an appointment for an examination, proper diagnosis, and treatment.

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

Which is the best dentist for my teeth a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist?

So I have spaces between 5 of my top teeth. not all 5 in a row but the spaces are random. I want to close them up and I am wondering which is the best dentist for my teeth. a cosmetic dentist or a orthodontist? Thanks! Sydnee.

Sydnee – An orthodontist will provide you with braces to close the spaces between your teeth. A cosmetic dentist provides alternatives to lengthy treatment with braces, including dental bonding and porcelain veneers.

The treatment recommended for you depends on the size of the spaces between your teeth. Smaller spaces can be closed with dental bonding. Porcelain veneers are a beautiful way to conceal larger gaps. Make an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley. Dr. Hurley was voted a NJ top dentist six years in a row.