dental implants Archives - 5 Star Dental Group

Why Do I Need Root Canals If I Floss and Brush Daily?

Posted on November 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

Although I floss and brush my teeth daily, I still need root canals on two teeth. I’m frustrated because my dentist started my Invisalign treatment 2 months ago. And now I’m having problems with my teeth. One tooth had a filling that failed, and the other tooth had a crown on it. Both teeth were getting sensitive. My dentist and I decided to do the root canals, let my teeth relax, and resume Invisalign. I’m worried about my teeth because I’m only 31 years old. I also grind my teeth at night. But I don’t want to go through orthodontic treatment, spend thousands of dollars on it, and still need extractions because I have bad teeth. – Chelsea

Chelsea,

Why Do You Need Root Canals If You Floss and Brush Daily?

You may still need root canal treatment even if you floss and brush daily if your teeth are weak or sensitive. For example, grinding your teeth stresses them and can make them sensitive.

According to the Nation Institute of Craniofacial Research, bruxism or teeth grinding affects teeth in the following ways:

Creates cracks or chips
Causes pain or sensitivity
Loosens teeth
Wears away tooth enamel

Other factors that can weaken teeth include:

Binge eating
Excessive alcohol use
Nail biting
Smoking
Sugary foods and drinks

Dental implant

It’s worth interrupting Invisalign treatment to take care of your teeth. Otherwise, pressure from the aligners moving your teeth can cause more irritation. Without treatment, a tooth infection will progress, so it’s best to treat it immediately to avoid losing the tooth and needing dental implants.

Successful root canal treatment lasts a lifetime. You don’t need to worry about losing teeth and wasting money on orthodontic treatment. Proper tooth alignment promotes better oral health.

Our advice is that you continue to receive good dental care. It sounds like your dentist is concerned about your oral health. Let her follow through with root canal treatment and stabilize your oral health. You can resume Invisalign with healthy teeth.

I Have a New Tooth Gap from Gum Disease

Posted on July 24, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have a new tooth gap from gum disease between my front left center tooth and the canine. I had braces from ages 15 to 17, and my teeth were straight, but now my smile is messed up. I am afraid of what will happen to my teeth. How does a dentist close a gap that results from gum disease? Thanks, Martine

Martine,

Periodontal (gum) disease is advanced when it causes your teeth to move. If you have not begun treatment, schedule an appointment with a periodontist for an evaluation.

Why Do Tooth Gaps Form with Gum Disease?

Tooth gaps can form with untreated gum disease. The infection and bacteria cause teeth to separate from their ligaments and supporting bones. The condition will also destroy the bone. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, a periodontologist (gum specialist) will assign a stage to your gum disease—from initial to severe—and recommend treatment.

What Is the Treatment for Tooth Gaps from Gum Disease?

Treating tooth gaps from gum disease depends on the severity of your case but can include:

Deep cleanings – Removing plaque and toxins from gum pockets and smooth tooth roots
Bone graft – Replacing damaged or destroyed bone with grafting material
Gum grafts – Replacing destroyed gum tissue with donor material or soft tissue from your palate

A dental implant can replace unsavable teeth

Your specialist will explain which treatment combinations you need. Some treatment plans include braces to realign teeth.

Unsavable teeth require removal and replacement with dental implants. A dental bridge may be an option if your budget does not allow you to get dental implants.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with a periodontist and a skilled cosmetic dentist to help restore your oral health and smile.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Dental Implants Infection Won’t Improve

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I broke 4 teeth in an accident when my face hit the steering wheel. They have horribly broken almost to the gumline, so it was easy for me to decide on dental implants. I chose a dentist here whose cost was $3000 less than the other 3 quotes I got from other dentists. I am almost in tears and 2 months into an infection that won’t disappear. Somehow, I convinced myself that the doctor was looking out for me and that the other dentists were trying to make a profit. Now the dentist is telling me that my implants need to be redone. The dental implants were cheap because the price was so low, but now I see they are also cheap. I don’t know what went wrong. The dentist said he would fix it at all no cost, but I am so afraid that my mouth will never heal. What should I do? Thank you. Vaibhav

Vaibhav,

Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio regarding your dental implants.

What Can You Do When a Dental Implant Infection Lingers?

When a dental implant infection does not improve, we recommend getting a second opinion from an independent, experienced implant dentist. If your dental implants have failed and a dentist must replace them, something went wrong in one of these areas:

Planning
Placement
Implant quality

Dental implant

It is possible that your dentist made more than one mistake.

Look for a dentist with advanced implant training and proven experience in proper and successful implant placement. You will discover what went wrong with your current dental implants and what a dentist must do to correct the situation. Although your dentist offers to replace the implants at no cost, it may cause more discomfort and other concerns with your oral health that will be even more costly.

A second opinion will help you decide what to do in the best interests of your oral health.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

My Implant Crown Color Is Off. Should I Switch Dentists?

Posted on October 25, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Although my dentist replaced the first mismatched implant crown, he gave me, the second crown is no better. Twice I went to the lab my dentist uses for color assessment. But my dentist attached the crown without assessing the color. He did not even ask my opinion. I thought he was putting the crown on for me to check—not cementing it. It felt as if my jawbone would break because my dentist had trouble attaching the crown to the implant. Well, now the crown is the wrong color, and it hurts. I chose this dentist for his holistic approach, but it doesn’t seem like he is good with crowns. Should I ask for a refund and find a better dentist? Am I wrong for thinking this is ridiculous? Thank you. Sherry from Utah

Sherry,

Your frustration is understandable. Unfortunately, you are the victim, but your case shows the difference between dentists who understand aesthetics—creating beautiful dental work—versus those who want to fix it and get it done.

Although your dentist is interested in holistic care, it seems your dentist lacks aesthetics training, so your crown does not match. And your description makes it seem that your dentist is not interested in your satisfaction with the work either.

What Can You Do If Your Implant Crowns Do Not Match?

Dental implant

If your dental crowns do not match and your dentist cannot correct them, you need to find a dentist trained in aesthetics and with artistic inclination. A skilled cosmetic dentist is your best option for getting predictable results.

A cosmetic dentist would ensure the crown color is correct before cementing it. And if the color is off, they will return your crown to the lab to correct it.

When a dentist sends you to the lab for a color check, it is a clue that the dentist is not skilled in matching restorations (e.g., a crown) to your tooth color. Your dentist should be more qualified than the technician and instruct the technician with notes on what to do to color-match the implant crown to your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist also sends a shade guide and pictures of your smile to help the lab tech craft an accurate match.

How to Find a Reliable Cosmetic Dentist

We recommend looking for a holistic dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. How can you find a trustworthy cosmetic dentist?

Look for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.
Look at a few holistic dentists’ websites and smile galleries to see the quality of their work.
Then, schedule consultations with two of them, discuss your concerns, and decide who you can trust to finish the work.

Best wishes for a beautiful new implant crown.

Gilberto Tostado, DDS of San Antonio, TX, sponsors this post. Dr. Tostado is a prosthodontist, or specialist in tooth replacement and restoration.

How Long Should I Wait Before I Can Get an Implant?

Posted on September 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

How long does it take an infection to go away after tooth extraction? I am waiting to get a dental implant. My dentist seems anxious to place the implant, but I do not want another infection. I just finished antibiotics last week. Is it too soon to get an implant? Thank you. Lucas from Ft. Lauderdale

Lucas,

Thank you for your question.

The pulp (the living tissue inside) dies whenever you have a tooth infection. The infection can spread to the root tip and into your jawbone.

Does Tooth Infection Remain After Extraction?

Dental implant

Tooth infection does not remain after extraction because the condition goes with the tooth. Your body will quickly get rid of any infection in your jawbone. Also, removing the tooth leaves a drainage opening that prevents the infection from lingering. It is rare for an infection to remain after tooth removal. Your dentist prescribed antibiotics to eliminate any trace of infection.

Infection in wisdom teeth exists between the tooth and the gum. A dentist must remove the infected tissue and the tooth to prevent the disease from spreading. A dentist will prescribe antibiotics if it is more likely to have a lingering infection after wisdom teeth. Still, dentists do not replace wisdom teeth with dental implants, so although a lingering affection is a concern, it is unrelated to dental implants.

You control when you schedule the surgery for implant placement, so you can give it a few weeks. Although it is probably safe to get an implant now, explain to your dentist that you prefer to wait a few weeks before getting an implant. Waiting will not be an issue if your dentist is concerned about your preference and comfort level.

San Antonio prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.

Should I Get Dental Implants or Braces First?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I want to replace three missing teeth with implants, but also want Invisalign if I can afford it. Otherwise, I will settle for braces with clear brackets. Should I do dental implants or Invisalign first? Thank you. Tremaine in Mobile, AL

Tremaine,

Thank you for your question.

Should You Get Dental Implants or Braces First?

A single dental implant with labels for the screw, abutment, and crown

Braces will not move dental implants

If you wonder whether to get dental implants or braces first, consider the facts about how each treatment works and will affect the other. Ultimately, a dentist will recommend treatment options after an exam and a three-dimensional CT scan.

Dental Implants

After a dentist inserts implants, they fuse with your jawbone in three to six months.
Implant fixtures are titanium, although some are zirconia.
If you lack jawbone density, a dentist may recommend bone grafting.
Unlike natural teeth, implants do not contain ligaments that will stretch and move during orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, precisely aligns your teeth.
A dentist may use orthodontic treatment to move teeth and make room for dental implants.
Although braces will move your natural teeth, dental implants will not move. If you already have dental implants, a dentist must carefully plan your orthodontic treatment to ensure your implants do not damage your teeth.

Dental Implants After Braces – What Can You Expect?

In most cases, a dentist will recommend braces before dental implant surgery. As teeth move with treatment, they get damaged if they get too close to dental implants. Some patients need braces, although they already have dental implants. A skilled dentist will plan carefully to avoid damaging teeth and their roots.

Implant placement

Dental implants are rigid and anchored in your jawbone. If you do not have implants but want to replace missing teeth with them, a dentist will develop a treatment plan to match your goals.

Request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to get natural-looking dental implant crowns. The dentist will coordinate your care for orthodontic treatment and dental implants for replacing missing teeth.

San Antonio prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.

Why Do Two Of My Three Dental Implants Itch?

Posted on June 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I received three dental implants in February. Two of the three dental implants have started to itch. I wonder if this is a symptom of a problem with the implants. They are not loose and they don’t hurt. They just itch. What could be going wrong? Andrew T. from Cincinnati

Andrew –

Thank you for your question. Dr. Tostado would need to examine your implant sites to determine the cause of your symptoms, but we will answer your question in general.

Why Do Dental Implants Itch?

When you first receive dental implants, there are some normal reactions that are part of the healing process. These include:

Swelling
Mild to moderate pain
Itching

The symptoms should improve a week or two after surgery. Your surgery was in February, so itching should not be a recent occurrence.

Why Might You Experience Late or Prolonged Itching?

If you have prolonged itching or itching that begins late in the healing process, report it to your oral surgeon or implant dentist. Irritation or an allergic reaction can cause itching. Your implant dentist will examine the surgical sites, your gum tissue, and the implant fixtures determine what is causing the discomfort.

A model of a tooth with a dental implant and crown next to it

Dental implants should not itch continuously

Schedule an appointment right away. If you are experiencing sensitivity to the dental implants, prompt attention can prevent an infection and other complications.

Dr. Gilberto Tostado, a San Antonio, Texas prosthodontist, sponsors this post.

Should I Get a Dental Implant or a Bridge?

Posted on April 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Last September, I had a root canal that went bad. My dentist tried to save the tooth, but he couldn’t. So last week, he extracted the tooth. It’s a front tooth, too. I’m going back and forth with whether to replace it with a dental bridge or an implant. And I’m not sure if I’ll let my dentist do the work or find a new dentist to do it. Other than the cost, would I be making a mistake if I asked for a bridge? Thanks, Octavia from Charleston, SC

Octavia,

There are several factors to consider when you have a missing tooth. It is essential to replace the tooth for function and appearance, but you should consider the long-term effects of treatment on your budget and your oral health.

Dental Implant vs. Bridge

Model of a dental crown and dental implant with a crown

Dental implant considerations: If you receive a dental implant, it will not affect teeth on either side of the missing one. A dentist or surgeon places the implant in your jawbone. After a healing period, your dentist will attach a dental crown. You can get an implant and a temporary replacement tooth on the same day. Dental implants are generally more expensive than a dental bridge, but they are also permanent. The implant will look and feel like your natural teeth. High-quality implants can last a lifetime.

Dental bridge considerations: The bridge work will be less expensive than an implant. The tooth on either side of the missing tooth must be shaved down for the bridge to fit over it. The missing tooth is suspended between the two crowns. If you take good care of it, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years. It will eventually need to be replaced.

In either case, select an artistic cosmetic dentist to do the work. Whether you choose a dental implant or a bridge, you will get natural-looking results. If you choose an implant, avoid looking for cheap implants or insisting on getting the lowest cost for them. Costly implant mistakes can occur when shortcuts are taken.

We suggest that you schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options and the cost.

San Antonio dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.

Why Are My Crowns Are Sensitive to Heat?

Posted on January 6, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have implant crowns and three crowns on my natural teeth. The crowns on my natural teeth are more than 20 years old. The crowns are on my left front tooth and the two teeth behind them. Two of the teeth are sensitive to heat. Maybe I notice it more now that the weather is cooler, and I have been eating more soup and drinking more tea. The pain is increasing. My dentist is from Portugal and is out of the country on holiday until February 12. He takes the trip yearly. Is this something that can wait, or should I see another dentist? – Thank you. Nathan from Austin, TX

Nathan,

Sudden pain and sensitivity to heat are symptoms of a dying tooth. Your sensitive teeth are infected. As the tissue inside the tooth swells, it releases gasses. When the tooth is exposed to hot temperatures, the pressure increases, and so does your pain.

What Causes an Infection Beneath Dental Crowns?

Decay beneath your crowns or exposed root surfaces might be the cause of irritation and infection in your teeth.

A dentist needs to remove your crowns to examine your teeth and see their condition. Afterward, root canal treatment will remove the dead pulp. And a dentist can replace the pulp with a filler material. And you will need new crowns. Ask the dentist to check the remaining old crown on the third tooth, too. Beneath the crown, your tooth may be irritated and at risk for infection like the others.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

Getting a dental implant from start to finish takes three to nine months. The process takes time because of several phases. Depending on your situation, you can expect several steps:

Initial consultation – Your dentist or oral surgeon will complete an exam and a 3-D x-ray to ensure you are a candidate for implants.
Tooth removal – Surgically removing your teeth takes about 30 minutes unless there are complications.
Implant surgery – Inserting implants through your gum and jawbone takes one to two hours per implant.
Healing – You will wait three to four months while the implant and bone fuse.
Periodic checkups – Your surgeon or dentist will check the surgical sites for proper healing during the healing process.
Final crown – After the healing period, your dentist will take images of your mouth for a lab to make the final implant crowns. Your dentist will attach crowns to the implants.

Dental implant and crown

San Antonio dentist, Gilbert Tostado, DDS sponsors this post.

Implant Overdentures with Metal Allergies

Posted on October 3, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I wanted to get some advice from you. I am currently wearing dentures and hate them. I want to switch to implant overdentures but have been told that I am allergic to nickel, mercury, and cobalt. I can’t wear jeans that have metal buttons or snaps. Is it possible for me to get implant overdentures with those limitations?

Jack

Dear Jack,

Zirconia Versus Titanium Implants

There are many denture wearers that are looking for options. The good news is, you will still be able to get implant overdentures with your allergies. In fact, you’ll have two options. Before we go into that, though, I want to check something. You did not mention how long you have been wearing dentures. That will have an impact as to how quickly you can switch.

When your teeth were first removed, your body began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone because it sensed that you no longer had any teeth roots there. The longer you wear dentures, the less jawbone you have. Unfortunately, you need that jawbone in order to retain the dental implants for the overdentures. When you see an implant dentist, they should do a lot of diagnostic x-rays. Make sure they also include a CT scan. That is important. Those diagnostics can tell whether you still have enough jawbone.

If you don’t, there is a procedure that can be done. You’ll need some bone grafting in order to build back up the necessary bone. Once that is done and has had time to heal, you will be ready for those dental implants.

Dental Implants with Allergies

Traditional dental implants are made from titanium, which are highly biocompatible. They have been used for decades in the human body as prosthetics for things like hips, bones, joints, and teeth roots. It would be foolish to say no one has an allergy to titanium, but I will say it would be extraordinarily rare for you to be. The allergies you listed above, with the exception of mercury (which most patients try to avoid anyway as it is toxic), are fairly common metal allergies. You should not have any problems with titanium.

If you are still concerned, there is a second option. There is a newer material being used for dental implants called zirconia. This is so strong it is dubbed liquid steel. The only downside is that not as many dentists offer it because it has not been around that long. Your best option would be to look for a metal-free dentist or a holistic dentist if that is the type of implant you would like to use.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Tostado.