Archives for September 2021

Teeth whitening did not help my stained bonding

Posted on September 30, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I’ve only had dental bonding for two years, and it is turning yellow. My dentist whitened my teeth before I got bonding, and I get gel with every dental cleaning appointment. I tried teeth whitening, but it did not help at all. Will my dentist need to reapply the bonding? Why is this happening? – Thank you. Jada from TN

Jada,

Thank you for your question. We will explain why bonding stains, how composite bonding and porcelain veneers compare, and how to keep your bonding bright.

Why Does Composite Bonding Stain?

Quartz, plastic resin, and other materials make up dental composite. The substance is porous and absorbs stains. Dark drinks, such as colas, coffee, tea, or grape, will penetrate composite and stain it.

Surface stains – As composite surfaces get tiny scratches in them over time, stains adhere to them. But a cosmetic dentist can polish the composite bonding to get rid of the scratches and stains.
Deep discoloration – Stains that deeply penetrate composite are challenging to remove. Your dentist cannot polish them out.

Teeth whitening and dental bonding

Teeth whitening products will not improve composite bonding color. Abrasive whitening toothpaste can further scratch dental bonding and make stains look worse.

Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is non-porous and resists stains better than tooth enamel.

Preventing Composite Bonding Stains

Polishing the composite – A skilled cosmetic dentist can help you maintain composite bonding by polishing away tiny scratches and stains.
Avoid abrasive toothpaste – Non-abrasive toothpaste, such as Supersmile®, will help keep your dental bonding bright.
Avoid staining beverages – Coffee, tea, and colas can stain your bonding. Drink them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Although composite bonding costs less than porcelain veneers, they attract stains and do not last as long. When it is time to replace your bonding consider if veneers might be an option for longer-lasting results.

Ryan Perry, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

I am taking amoxicillin and my tooth infection is worse

Posted on September 14, 2021 by AllSmiles.

My dentist could not have my second molar tooth, so she removed it. I have been taking amoxicillin since the extraction, but the swelling and pain are worse. And the pain reliever barely takes an edge off. The left side of my face is hard and thick. I am afraid that my dentist did something wrong. My sister suggested calling another dentist for an emergency appointment if my tooth is not better instead of seeing my dentist again. Should I go back to my dentist or see a different one? – Thank you. Monica T. from LA

Monica,

Thank you for your question.

When infection does not improve, it does not necessarily mean that your dentist was negligent. Amoxicillin is a good choice for tooth infections, but sometimes it does not work.

Reasons Your Antibiotic Might Not Work for Your Tooth Infection

Antibiotic resistance can develop if you have a history of taking antibiotics or if a bacterial strain has developed resistance. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), each year about 2.8 million people experience antibiotic resistance.

History of taking antibiotics – Some people have medical conditions that lead their doctor to prescribe antibiotics. But taking them for an extended period might increase your risk of getting a severe infection that does not respond to certain antibiotics. Also, taking antibiotics to treat viral infections for a cold or flu can increase your resistance to antibiotics.
Bacterial strain resistance – Bacterial strains mutate and adapt to changing environments, including environments with antibiotics. If the bacterial infection in your tooth is amoxicillin resistant, the condition will increase and thrive.

Jaw infections can become severe, so report the problem to your dentist and get a new prescription. If your dentist is not available for some reason, schedule an emergency appointment with a dentist you can trust.

Ryan Perry, DD, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.