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My same-day crown keeps hurtingDental Loft

Archives for April 2021

My same-day crown keeps hurting

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In early April, I received 3 same-day crowns on my bottom right teeth. When I chew on that side of my mouth, one of the teeth hurts, and I feel nerve pain. I returned to the dentist twice. Each time he shaved the tooth and said that the problem is from the way that I chew. Before I got the crowns, I did not feel any pain. Why is my dentist blaming this on me? Could the way I chew affect same-day crowns differently than my natural teeth? I am annoyed. Thanks for your help. Dana from NM

 

Dana,

Dr. Reddy would need to examine your teeth and crowns for an accurate diagnosis. It is unlikely that your sensitivity and pain are because you have a same-day crown. A dentist uses precise CAD/CAM technology, which makes them easier for the dentist to fit.

Why Do Your Same-Day Crowns Hurt?

Same-day crown computer, scanner, and milling maching

Same-day crown technology helps a trained dentist to precisely fit your crown

When your same-day crowns—or any new crowns—hurt when you chew, there are two possible causes.

  • Your bite is too high – If a dental crown is higher than the surrounding teeth, the upper teeth hit it first and harder than the other teeth when you chew. Your tooth will become sensitive.
  • Your tooth is infected – If a tooth is infected, the ligament connecting your tooth and jawbone can become inflamed. When you bit or chew, the tooth is tender and sensitive. Or the inflammation may cause a constant toothache.

Lingering Pain After a Bite Adjustment

If your pain and tingling continue despite your dentist adjusting the bite twice, your bite is probably not too high. It is time for your dentist to x-ray your tooth and see if it is infected.

Signs of a tooth can be subtle on an x-ray. If your dentist cannot see an infection, you may need a second opinion from an endodontist (root canal specialist). The pain you describe sounds like you have an infection that needs prompt attention.

Ask your dentist for a referral to an endodontist. Or, if you can self-refer to a specialist, schedule an appointment promptly.

Dr. Rekha Reddy of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

My Dental Bonding Makes Fluorosis Stains Look Worse

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It might be hard to believe, but my dentist’s dental bonding job made my fluorosis stains look worse. The bonding color is uneven, the stains still show through, and the bonding is peeling off. On the day that I got the bonding, it fell off two teeth the same evening. I returned to my dentist to replace the bonding and told him that the color is off. He added another layer of bonding that fell off. Unfortunately, my dentist is implying that I must grind my teeth or have a habit that is weakening the bonding. He recommended that I wear a night guard. I tried it, but the bonding will not stay on. This situation is more stressful and embarrassing than my fluorosis stains. I know that bonding should not fall off, but is it unrealistic to expect it to stay on fluorosis-stained teeth? I am willing to try again with another dentist if my dentist gives me a refund. Thank you. Jade from OK

Jade,

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is frustrating when you are excited about a solution for your teeth, but the results make things worse. Without advanced cosmetic dentistry training, fluorosis stains can be challenging to conceal.

What Is Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that results from consuming too much fluoride as a child—while permanent teeth are still developing. Although fluorosis does not affect the health of your teeth, it can spot and discolor them. The stains are usually limited to the tooth enamel and do not affect the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). See the Center for Disease Control’s website for guidelines on the use of fluoride supplements and toothpaste.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains can be mild, moderate, or severe.

  • Mild fluorosis – White specks, spots, edges, or lines randomly appear on teeth. The stains may be limited or extensive.
  • Moderate fluorosis – Moderate stains cover a wider area of your teeth. The stains are often brown.
  • Severe fluorosis – Brown spots or streaks dominate your teeth. Fluorosis can make the tooth surface feel rough.

Concealing Fluorosis Stains

An expert cosmetic dentist can conceal fluorosis stains. After a thorough examination and x-rays, the dentist will let you know the results you can expect from dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers.

Most general or family dentists do not stock the tools and composites to achieve beautiful results. But a cosmetic dentist can get beautiful results with steps like these:

  • Grind out the discoloration
  • Bond high-quality composite to replicate your tooth enamel
  • Apply a base layer that has some opacity
  • Overlay the base with translucent composite
Before-and-after upper front teeth treated with Bioclear; avaialbe in Dallas, TX from Rehka Reddy, DDS

Bioclear flowable composite beautifully restores teeth

In recent years, advance dental technology introduced heated flowable composite that increases the accuracy and durability of bonding. And the results are beautiful.

Whiten Your Teeth Before Dental Bonding

If you want to whiten your teeth overall, ask your dentist for teeth whitening treatment before composite is applied. Afterward, your dentist will apply bonding that matches your whitened teeth.

Why Does Dental Bonding Fall Off?

Dental bonding falls off due to faulty technique. It requires specific steps to keep it intact:

  • Etch, rinse, and dry the tooth enamel
  • When fluorosis stains are severe, increase the etching time
  • Apply a liquid bonding agent and cure it with a curing light
  • Place composite over the cured bonding agent

Your dentist must ensure that your bonding is so firmly in place that the only way to remove it is by grinding it off. If your cosmetic dentist does bonding correctly, it will not fall off.

Asking Your Dentist for a Refund on Bad Bonding

You paid for a service that you did not receive. That is the basis for asking your dentist for a refund. Depending on your dentist’s response, you have these options:

  • Reporting the issue to your dental insurance company
  • Asking your new dentist for help in requesting a refund
  • Filing a complaint with the state dental board
  • Leaving negative online reviews
  • Hiring an attorney

Schedule a Consultation

If you want your fluorosis stains concealed without anyone noticing your dental work, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Rekha Reddy, DDS, of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

 

 

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