Bleeding and Peeling Gums Between My New Crowns

Posted on January 17, 2024 by AllSmiles.

For the past two months, I’ve been bleeding and peeling gums between my center front teeth. The two teeth and the two behind them on either side are crowns. I asked my dentist for a certificate of the alloys, but the assistant gave me a piece of paper that said the crowns were GC LiSi Impress. Is this product causing an infection? If so, I would rather not return to my dentist. I’m afraid to schedule an emergency dentist that I don’t know. This is frustrating. – Brianne from Tampa

Brianne,

Ten dental crowns for various tooth positions on black glass — A skilled cosmetic dentist will ensure your dental crown matches your surrounding teeth.

If all your crowns are made of the same material, you should react—inflammation or discomfort—near all the crowns, not just the center front one. GC LiSi Press is ceramic — is a high-density lithium disilicate, and we cannot find credible, documented allergies to the material. We are unaware of a dental allergy causing bleeding, but something may be irritating your gums.

Food particles or something else can sometimes get trapped on an overhand behind a dental crown. Floss thoroughly around and behind the crown to remove anything that is trapped. If you feel a ledge beneath your gum tissue while flossing, it is an overhang that your dentist must correct.

Rather than schedule an emergency dental visit, schedule an exam and X-ray. You and the dentist would not accomplish much during an emergency visit anyway. Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to see if either dental crown is causing bleeding and peeling gums.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

Why Is My Tooth Still Infected After an Apicoectomy?

Posted on November 28, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My tooth is still infected after an apicoectomy. I had a raging toothache and infection that required a same-day visit in early October. The dentist did an apicoectomy on a tooth that had a root canal 2 years ago. I had a checkup and x-ray two days ago. The bone is rebuilding, but a small pus sac on my gums shows an infection is lingering. My dentist gave me antibiotics to take for ten days. Is there anything else I can do to get rid of this infection? I

t’s going to be three months and counting with this. I’m waiting for it to clear before I get a new crown. I opted for a one-visit crown because I want to wrap this up and move on. Since I’ve had problems with this tooth, my dentist wants to wait before making the crown. I feel like making an emergency appointment with another dentist before I return to mine – if I return. I don’t know what to do. Thanks. Marianna from TN

Marianna

After your struggle with a tooth infection for almost two months, your concerns are understandable. We will share some information that may help you decide whether to wait for your dentist or to get a second opinion.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

Unlike root canal treatment that approaches the pulp chamber by drilling a small hole in the tooth, with an apicoectomy, a dentist or endodontist surgically accesses the tooth through the gums.
The surgery allows the dentist to access the root tip and remove infection or inflammation.
The dentist places a small filling to seal the root tip.
Stitches close the small incision.

How Will Antibiotics Help?

Root canal treatment, apicoectomy, and any other apical surgery will help the tooth heal, and the infection will eventually disappear. The dentist or endodontist needs to remove all the dead tissue inside the tooth and seal the end of the root well.

Antibiotics

Although antibiotics can speed up the healing process, removing the source of the infection determines if the treatment will succeed.

If the bone around your tooth is healing, your dentist likely removed the infection. Any residual infection will eventually disappear, and the antibiotics will speed up the healing process. It takes patience, but your tooth will heal, and you can get a dental crown.

Although you can get a second opinion from a dentist with root canal treatment experience, an emergency dental visit won’t give you the necessary information.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

What’s Next If I Had a Root Canal Fail?

Posted on July 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

What’s next if I had a root canal fail? A toothache that has been bothering me for the past two months got so bad last weekend that I saw a nearby dentist for a same-day appointment. I did not want to return to my previous dentist because I didn’t like the customer service at the practice, and the hygienist is quirky. The toothache was in an upper left first molar tooth that my dentist did a root canal on two years ago. The dentist I saw most recently said she would need to refer me to an endodontist for a procedure called an apico? I have been a little slack about going to the dentist, and I haven’t seen one since I quit my last dentist, so maybe I could have avoided this. What is this apico procedure, and do I really need it? Thanks. Malachi

Malachi,

It’s good that you made a same-day appointment with a dentist. If you have a lingering toothache, you need treatment. Whether you need an apicoectomy depends on the X-ray results. You can get a second opinion from another dentist or an endodontist (root canal specialist). If you have problems with a root canal tooth, you will probably still need to see an endodontist.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that accesses the tooth root through an opening in the gum tissue and bone. An endodontist will remove the inflamed or infected tissue and remove the root tip. The endodontist will fit the root with a special material and seal it. Stitches will close the area and help it heal. According to the American Association of Endodontics, your jawbone will heal around the tooth root in a few months.

Why Do You Need an Apicoectomy?

If a dentist or endodontist cannot access a tooth infection near the root tip by opening the crown, they will recommend an apicoectomy. Sometimes after root canal treatment, infection in the tooth’s canals in the tooth can remain, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Then, you may need a second root canal or an apicoectomy.

You can get a second opinion from another dentist or an endodontist, a specialist who can provide the most accurate diagnosis and precise treatment.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

I’m Holding My Split Tooth Together with Floss

Posted on April 4, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My tooth split in half below the gumline, and I am holding it together with floss. It split last night, and I am calling offices for a same-day crown. I’ve been asking dentists how soon I can get a crown, but the first available appointment is at the end of next week. How long will the tooth hold? It’s beginning to feel loose. – Thank you. Andrej

Andrej –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office. We recommend getting an emergency appointment with a dentist. Your request for a same-day crown was insufficient for a dental office appointment scheduler to understand that you need urgent care. Instead of asking for a same-day crown, please explain that your tooth split, and a dentist will see you immediately if the office is open. Otherwise, the dentist will return your call with advice on handling the situation.

What Is the Treatment for a Split Tooth?

The treatment for a split tooth depends on its condition. According to the American Association of Endodontics, these factors affect your treatment options:

The extent of the crack
Crack location
Whether a dentist or endodontist can save a portion of the tooth

You should not tie the floss around your tooth. The floss can add more tension to the tooth and cause more damage. You should see a dentist right away.

Please remember that a dental crown is insufficient for saving your tooth. Sometimes, an endodontist (root canal specialist) will recommend root canal treatment to remove damaged, inflamed, or infected tooth pulp.

The longer you delay treatment, the more challenging it will be for a dentist to save your tooth. Call a dentist or endodontist’s office to get care right away.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

My New Porcelain Veneers Are Too Small

Posted on January 17, 2023 by AllSmiles.

In July 2022, I had a bottom right molar tooth break. I had not seen a dentist in the seven years prior, so I made an emergency appointment with a dentist near my job. He said the tooth was too damaged and decayed to save, so he recommended a crown. I made an appointment with the same dentist who placed a crown. I didn’t have any problems with the crown or my bite.

After a dental cleaning and a conversation with my new dentist in early December, I decided to do something about the rest of my misaligned, crowded, and worn teeth. The dentist explained that cosmetic dentistry could correct the issues without dentistry, so I agreed.

The dentist recommended cosmetic reshaping, dental bonding for my top left incisor and canine teeth, and two veneers. When my dentist finished the work, I noticed that he left a gap near the gumline above the porcelain veneers, which were too small. My teeth were still crowded and uneven, and the bonding was peeling, so I don’t know what kind of reshaping and bonding he did.

I told my dentist that the results were not what we agreed to, and I asked what he needed to do to achieve it. He said that I would need root canals and four crowns. Of course, I did not agree to the treatment because the dentist lied about what he could do.

A co-worker had Invisalign and recommended the cosmetic dentist who did her Invisalign and new crowns on her front teeth, which look natural to me, although I am not trained to know what to look for. Anyway, I scheduled a second opinion with the cosmetic dentist, and she said she recommends five veneers to correct the crowding and alignment. She thinks she can resolve the problems with veneers without root canal treatment or crowns.

I don’t know who to trust, but I would like to ask my previous dentist for a refund. And can just five veneers correct the misalignment issue, as the second dentist recommends? Thank you. Jessica

Jessica,

Although the dentist resolved your emergency with your broken tooth, he failed with your smile makeover. You deserve a refund because the dentist did not deliver what he promised and asked for more money to correct it.

Getting a Refund for Faulty Cosmetic Dentistry

Ask your dentist for a refund based on these facts:

Your porcelain veneers are too small
The issues with your teeth remain despite the dentist’s work
Your dental bonding is peeling

If your previous dentist refuses to issue a refund, you can follow these steps:

Find a skilled cosmetic dentist for your new dental work and ask if that dentist will help you request a refund
Threaten to report the issue to the state dental board
Seek legal advice

How to Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist

Although a cosmetic dentist can provide affordable work, you can still get quality results

A dentist’s ability to handle emergencies doesn’t automatically make them an artistic cosmetic dentist. Before you choose a dentist to correct your smile, find answers to these questions:

Does your second-opinion cosmetic dentist have post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training?
How many porcelain veneer cases has she completed?
Did the new dentist show you porcelain veneers photos of her patients?
What do patients say about the dentist’s work?

If you cannot verify that the second-opinion dentist is skilled in a cosmetic dentist, keep looking for a dentist with experience in smile makeovers.

Best wishes.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

How Long Does a Sinus Perforation Infection Last?

Posted on October 14, 2022 by AllSmiles.

My cheek swelling increased after wisdom teeth extraction from a sinus perforation. I called the oral surgeon when a yellow discharge started coming from my nose and sockets. The surgeon prescribed Augmentin, which decreased the welling. After two weeks, one sinus was still infected. The surgeon took a CT scan and said my sinus was clear of any fragments that could cause infection. He prescribed Azithromycin, and I have a few pills left. The sinus hole is still draining, and I feel some pressure in it. I use a prescription rinse and Flonase. Are my symptoms typical, or do I need to see a sinus specialist or make an emergency appointment with my dentist? Thank you. Naaman from Brooklyn

Naaman,

Thank you for your questions.

Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth or refer you to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will use your description of your symptoms to explain what may be happening.

Does a Sinus Perforation Cause an Infection?

Although a sinus perforation does not usually cause an infection, bacteria from the tooth can push into the sinus as a doctor removes the tooth. Augmentin and Azithromycin are appropriate medications for swelling and infection. If a CT scan does not show any tooth fragments in the sinus that can interfere with healing, your oral surgeon is managing your symptoms well.

Lingering Sinus Infection After Finishing Antibiotics

After finishing the antibiotics, you may need an Azithromycin refill if you have a lingering sinus infection. Continue taking the medication until the infection clears to avoid antibiotic resistance.

Flonase reduces inflammation and sinus pressure over time. Although we do not have all the details about your case or dental records, you should not need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist or schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. Call your oral surgeon if the infection lingers because you may need another prescription to continue taking Azithromycin.

We wish you a steady recovery.

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

Dentist Said I Need an Apico Instead of Root Canal

Posted on August 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Our family was out of the country for three weeks. A toothache that has been bothering me for the past months got really bad, so I had to go to an emergency dentist. It’s a tooth that had a root canal 2 years ago. The emergency dentist said I need probably need to see an endodontist for a procedure called an Apico??? I have been a little slack about going to the dentist, and I haven’t seen one since I moved last year. What is this procedure, and do I really need it? – Greg from Armon, NY

Greg –

The procedure that the emergency dentist is referring to is an apicoectomy. When you receive a root canal treatment, a dentist cleans out the canals of a tooth root the very tip to remove the infection. A filler material is used in the empty space. An apicoectomy uses a different approach.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a procedure that accesses the tooth root through an opening in the gum tissue instead of the crown of a tooth. A trained dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) will take these steps:

Remove the inflamed or infected tissue and the root tip
Fill the root with a special material and seal the tooth
Use stitches to close the area and help it heal

In a few months, the jawbone will heal around the tooth root.

At times, infection in the canals in the tooth can remain, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Sometimes, a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist) performs a second root canal. If a second root canal treatment fails or if it is impossible to complete it, an apicoectomy may be the preferred method.

You can receive a second opinion from another dentist who will examine your tooth and recommend treatment.

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

Root canal emergency diagram of five procedure steps — Root canal therapy access a tooth from the crown, but an apicoectomy is performed at the root tip

Can I Delay Wisdom Teeth Removal If It’s Not an Emergency?

Posted on March 15, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Is getting wisdom out urgent? have all four wisdom teeth, and three are impacted. They hurt on and off, so my dentist referred me to an oral surgeon. The surgeon says I should have all four teeth extracted to prevent future problems and another surgery. There is a low risk of never damage from the impacted teeth. My dentist and surgeon are really pushing for surgery. But as I mentioned, the teeth hurt on and off, but the pain is not severe. Sometimes I feel a little pressure, too. I am 29 years old, and if I do not need surgery now, I would be happy to wait. – Thanks. Taylor

Taylor,

Thank you for your question.

Your dentist and oral surgeon are concerned about future complications and increasing the complexity of your surgery.

Avoiding a Wisdom Teeth Emergency

You can avoid a wisdom teeth emergency by getting them extracted while your symptoms are mild. The older you get, wisdom teeth become more impacted and more challenging to remove.

As you age, the risk of complications increases:

Jawbone hardens and stiffens
Tooth roots thicken
Tooth position locks in
Increased risk of infection

When you have multiple impacted wisdom teeth, the risk of becoming infected will progress. And infection can spread to other teeth, your jawbone, and your gums. An infection can even reach your bloodstream. If that happens, you need emergency dental care and oral surgery. And you will need antibiotics to treat a blood infection.

Although you may be able to wait a little longer for wisdom teeth extraction, why wait until it becomes an emergency? Planned surgery is less inconvenient than an unexpected one. If you are still unsure what to do, you can schedule an appointment with another dentist for a second opinion. And remember to take your x-rays with you or send them to the dental office.

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

Can I Get Affordable Wisdom Teeth Removal With No Dental Insurance?

Posted on December 13, 2021 by AllSmiles.

Both my bottom wisdom teeth have been hurting on and off for the past year. Last month, the pain increased, and three weeks ago, it was not intense and throbbing that I was nauseous. I do not have a regular dentist, so I found one online that takes emergency patients 24/7. The dentist examined my teeth, took an x-ray, and said both teeth were infected and needed to come out.

The dentist referred me to an oral surgeon who quoted a price that I could not afford, and they wanted the money upfront. But the dentist prescribed antibiotics, so I am happy about that because the infection won’t worsen. How can I get affordable wisdom tooth removal without dental insurance? Thank you. Ryland from TN

Ryland,

Thank you for your question.

It is good to realize that antibiotics are not enough to resolve the infection. The antibiotics cannot remove the source of the infection in your wisdom teeth.

Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed Without Dental Insurance

If you do not have dental insurance, you should still get your infected wisdom teeth removed. Without removal, the infection and pain will get worse.

Some tips for getting the care you need:

Take antibiotics as prescribed – Keep taking the antibiotic from the dentist who gave you a same-day appointment, but still get the teeth removed promptlt. Otherwise, your body can develop antibiotic resistance, and it will become more challenging to get rid of the infection.
Get dental care right away – You can get wisdom teeth removed affordably without dental insurance by finding a dentist with advanced training in oral surgery. You can call the office to ask if the dentist accepts patients who do not have dental insurance. Many dentists offer payment plans or financing to help you pay for care over time.
Consider a university dental school or dental clinic – For our readers experiencing extreme financial hardship, find a nearby university with a dental school clinic. Or look for a local dental clinic.

Ryan Perry, DD, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Perry makes treatment affordable by offering financing options like CareCredit®. And he offers a free initial exam for new patients.

Should I Get My Molar Tooth Extracted?

Posted on November 22, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I had a toothache in my bottom right first molar several weeks that escalated so bad I made an appointment with a nearby dentist even though I was not her patient. The dentist took an x-ray and said that the tooth is infected, so I need a root canal to save the tooth. I already lost my second molar. The dentist also recommends a dental implant for the missing tooth. I was hoping for a cheaper resolution. Can I just have the tooth extracted and use a removable appliance like a snap-on smile when I am in public. I work from home, so I think I can manage social with something cheaper than an implant. Thank you. Brandon from WV

Brandon,

Thank you for your question.

It is good that you saw a dentist right away. Without treatment, a tooth infection will spread and become more costly to treat.

Should You Get Your Molar Tooth Extracted?

You should not get your tooth extracted unless it is so damaged or infected that it cannot be saved and is affecting your health. If you have already lost your second molar, removing the infected first molar would leave you without any lower right teeth for chewing. It would affect your diet and your oral health—not just how your smile looks in public. Also, without molar teeth, the neighboring teeth will begin to drift into the space.

Any appliance that snaps onto front teeth with no support in the back will be unstable. The instability is like a long table with legs in the middle and only one end. Any pressure on the table will cause it to tip or fall. Your oral appliance will lift or fall out without back teeth supporting it.

Root Canal Treatment or a Dental Implant?

Root can treatment is better than removing your tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. Although dental implants are highly effective, they are not better than preserving natural teeth.

Root canal

The root canal procedure removes the infection. After getting a root canal on a molar tooth, you will need a crown to protect it and help the tooth withstand the forces of grinding and chewing on back teeth. Also, a root canal is less expensive than a dental implant.

Dental implant

When a dentist must remove your tooth before placing an implant, it requires oral surgery. And after your dentist places the implant, you will need three to four months of healing time before receiving your final dental crown.

We hope you will decide to keep your natural tooth and protect your oral health for the long term.

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