Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for February 2022

Need Names of Dentists for Implants in Mexico or Costa Rica

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Now that the pandemic is calmer, I want to revisit getting dental implants. I need a six-implant denture that fits my budget. For me, this means leaving the country to get them done. How do I find the names of dentists who do dental implants in Mexico or Costa Rica? Thanks. Noland

Noland – We do not have a list available of implant dentists abroad, but we are concerned about your long-term oral health related to dental implants, regardless of where you receive them.

Even in the United States, to receive successful dental implants much more is needed than a list of dentists in your area who place dental implants. An implant dentist needs extensive training and credentials to place your implants properly.

When you receive dental implants from another country, there are many factors that you need to consider. Some of the things you should consider are:

  • How the country regulates implant dentistry
  • The training and experience of your implant dentist
  • The quality of implant fixtures the dentist will use
  • what you will do if you return to the U.S. and experience problems with the implants
  • the number of return trips you will have to make for follow-up appointments
  • Whether the dental crowns for the implants will be provided by a cosmetic dentist so that you will receive natural-looking teeth
Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Schedule a consultation for affordable implant dentures

You can consider scheduling consultations with a few implant dentists in the U.S. The appointments will help you understand the things you need to consider if you choose to receive dental implants in another country. If you are interested, you can also find out how the dentist can make implants affordable for you.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Will I Need a Veneer After a Front-Tooth Root Canal?

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I have a front tooth that is turning dark and requires a root canal. Will the tooth be just as dark after the root canal? Will teeth bleaching before and after help? Or will I need a veneer? I’m sure my dental insurance will not cover all of this, but I am concerned about my smile. Thank you. Nicholas from Springfield, MO

Nicholas,

Thank you for your question.

Generally, root canal treatment darkens a tooth.

Why Does Root Canal Treatment Darken a Tooth?

Root canal treatment darkens a tooth if a dentist leaves root canal filling material in the pulp chamber, which is visible above the gumline.

How to Prevent Tooth Darkening After Root Canal Treatment

After treating the tooth, a dentist can prevent discoloration with these steps:

  • Remove root canal filler material from the pulp chamber
  • Bleach the tooth internally by sealing bleaching solution inside
  • Insert a fiberglass post into the root
  • Fill the tooth with composite

Your dentist should complete internal bleaching as soon as possible after the endodontist completes the root canal. Also, they should wait to place the post until the endodontist is confident that the root canal is successful. After removing the filler material, your dentist will wait a few weeks to check your tooth color. If it is stable, the results can last for several years.

What If Your Dentist Cannot Correct Your Tooth Color?

Root canal emergency diagram of five procedure steps
A cosmetic dentist can lighten a tooth after root canal treatment

If your dentist is not familiar with the techniques required to lighten your tooth color after root canal treatment, we recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. It may be helpful to consult with two cosmetic dentists before root canal treatment to ensure you have found a dentist to treat the tooth as soon as possible after the endodontist confirms that your root canal was successful.

Otherwise, a skilled cosmetic dentist can correct your tooth color with a porcelain veneer. A dental crown is an aggressive treatment that can weaken your tooth and increase the risk of breaking. And unless the tooth is dead, you will not need to replace it with a dental implant. Talk with the dentist about making treatment affordable with payment plans or financing.

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.