Archives for September 2024

Do I Need to Replace a Dental Bridge If a Tooth Beneath It Cracked?

Posted on September 28, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist recommends placing the dental bridge on the upper left because my first premolar beneath the bridge cracked. I didn’t know the tooth cracked until my dentist completed the X-ray. The tooth has no symptoms, so I want to avoid the cost of a new bridge if it isn’t necessary. Does a cracked tooth automatically result in bridge replacement? Thank you. Justin

Justin,

If your diagnosis as a cracked tooth beneath a bridge is accurate, it would require extracting the tooth and constructing a longer bridge to replace an additional missing tooth. However, there are several reasons to question this assessment.

You’re not experiencing any symptoms. If the root of the tooth were cracked, you would likely feel sharp pain when biting down on hard foods. The absence of pain suggests that the tooth may not be cracked.
It is unusual for a crowned tooth to develop a crack in the root. Crowns strengthen and protect weakened teeth, preventing cracks from spreading and leading to tooth loss. While it’s possible for a tooth with a crown to fracture above the gum line, especially in cases of extreme biting force, a root crack is less common.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of crowns in preserving even severely fractured teeth. In some cases, the pieces of a fractured tooth can be reassembled and crowned, saving the tooth from extraction.

We recommend seeking a second opinion. However, it’s important to approach this consultation with caution. Avoid mentioning the previous dentist’s diagnosis or any specific concerns that might influence the second dentist’s assessment.

Instead, request a general evaluation of your oral health. Ask the second dentist to examine your upper right teeth and look for any potential issues. This approach will ensure an unbiased and independent opinion.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

My New Dental Crowns Ruined My Bite and Dried Out My Mouth

Posted on September 23, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist insisted that all my teeth needed to be restored with crowns. I realize that I neglected my oral health for years, but the crowns have ruined my life. My dentist opened my bite too wide. I must consciously close my mouth and breathe through my nose. My dentist has ground on the crowns twice, but I don’t see or feel improvement. I think I know what needs to be done to resolve this, but I’m afraid of the answer and how many months it will take. What do you advise? Thanks. Tyler from Philadelphia

Tyler,

You underwent a full-mouth reconstruction, a significant dental procedure involving crowns on all your teeth. The goal was to enhance your smile by creating a more “open” bite. Unfortunately, this intervention has led to a severe side effect: dry mouth, or xerostomia.

Dry mouth can significantly impact oral health. It can lead to increased tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty eating and speaking. The cause of your dry mouth appears to be lip incompetence, a condition where your lips cannot close naturally when your mouth is at rest. Lip incompetence is often a result of an improperly adjusted bite.

Your dentist’s decision to open your bite without considering the potential consequences of lip incompetence was a grave error. This procedure requires specialized knowledge and skill, often obtained through advanced training. Perhaps your dentist, attracted by the high fees associated with full-mouth reconstruction, may have overstepped their capabilities.

A full-mouth reconstruction, especially when opening the bite, requires a gradual and careful process. A dentist must use temporary restorations to assess the patient’s comfort and tolerance for the new bite before making permanent changes with the final dental crowns. The dentist should never open the bite beyond the point of lip competence.

Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids, and contains minerals that help repair tooth enamel. Dry mouth can significantly increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.

We recommend seeking a second opinion. A qualified periodontist or restorative dentist can assess your situation and recommend how to restore your oral health.

A skilled dentist with advanced training can successfully redo your full-mouth reconstruction. The goal should be to create a aesthetically pleasing and functional bite, without causing adverse side effects like dry mouth. A skilled dentist can help you achieve this.

If you believe your dentist’s actions have caused you harm, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. It’s always best to resolve the issue amicably with your dentist, but legal action may be necessary if that’s not possible.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

Should I Decline Wisdom Tooth Removal If the Roots Are Deep?

Posted on September 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

All three of my remaining wisdom teeth are impacted. The roots of my lower left wisdom tooth are past the nerve. The oral surgeon gave me the options of removing the tooth but leaving the roots, waiting until the tooth becomes uncomfortable, or removing the tooth. – Thanks. Millie

Millie,

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant dental problems if left untreated. Having them removed while you’re younger is generally recommended, as the procedure becomes more complex and carries higher risks with age.

The Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal

As you get older, your jawbone becomes denser, and the roots of your wisdom teeth may thicken. This makes extraction more challenging and increases the likelihood of complications. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, cysts, and other dental issues.

Considering Root Retention

Sometimes, a dentist or surgeon can leave a small portion of the wisdom tooth root behind. However, your oral surgeon should decide if that’s best for your long-term oral health. The surgeon can assess the situation and determine if partial root retention is viable.

Taking Proactive Steps

Addressing your impacted wisdom teeth now can avoid potential complications and maintain your oral health. It’s often easier and safer to have the procedure done on your terms rather than waiting for an emergency to arise.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.