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Archives for March 2018

Will teeth whitening clear up my white spots?

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I was wondering if teeth whitening will work to remove these ugly white spots on my teeth. They were left behind after my braces were removed.

During three years of braces, I probably didn’t do the best job at caring for my teeth and keeping them clean. My dentist promised me a free teeth whitening treatment after they came off. But now he’s not recommending it because he is convinced that the whitening will not be even. Does this sound normal or should I get a second opinion to see if another dentist thinks the teeth whitening will get rid of the discoloration.

-Becky in Missouri

Becky,

girl with metal braces smilingCongratulations at getting your orthodontics off! That is always an exciting milestone. Unfortunately, the white spots left behind by braces are not uncommon. Generally, it occurs more with kids that don’t take keep up with cleaning their teeth as they should.

Teeth whitening after braces all depends on the type of stains that were left behind. For example, the “white spots” may actually be areas of decay that are beginning to form and causing the stains. Or they may be surface stains that can be polished away.

It is also possible that there is some cement residue that may be left behind where the braces and brackets once were. A good cleaning will take care of any of the remaining residue. And if it turns out to be decay that is the culprit, tooth bonding may be used to touch up those areas.

At this point, it may be worth it to seek a second opinion from a reputable cosmetic dentist in your area. The right cosmetic dentist will be able to address the aesthetics of your smile and make the correct recommendations regarding tooth whitening. You deserve a beautiful, white smile now that your teeth are straight.

Good luck!

This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD

Should I schedule an emergency dentist appointment for a loose tooth?

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I am wondering if a loose tooth is a dental emergency. I am such a klutz! When I was up on a step stool in the garage a couple nights ago, a can fell and hit me square on the mouth. I iced my face and I thought everything was fine. But, when I woke up today, one of my teeth feels pretty loose.

At first, I thought it was just in my head. But, I’m pretty convinced it’s wiggling now. I’m not having much pain. It’s just a bit sore. Do you think it will heal on it’s own? Or do I need to schedule an emergency dentist appointment to have it looked at?

-Heather in Kansas

Heather,

First off, you need to stop wiggling it and testing it. It is possible that the ligaments may have been torn or loosened. Think of it like a rubber band. Normally the ligaments that secure the teeth are kept nice an tight. But a trauma can cause them to stretch and even break. Therefore, you definitely want to call into your dentist and let them know what’s going on. They will likely want to see you as soon as possible.

woman placing hand on face indicating toothacheLeave it alone, as much as possible. Any more strain on the ligaments and you may cause irreversible damage because they may break. If you get in right away for an emergency dentist appointment, the tooth can be stabilized. Sometimes, the dentist will actually bond them to the surrounding teeth to keep them still. Or they may use another method to form a splint to keep it secure. If this is taken care of immediately, then there is a chance that the ligaments will heal.

However, if the inside pulp of the tooth is damaged, than you may require more invasive treatment. A root canal treatment may be a possibility after the movement of the ligaments has subsided. Then, after the root canal, typically a porcelain crown is placed over the existing tooth for protection.

The first action is to get the tooth stabilized. Then, it can be assessed from there. Until you are able to get in to see the dentist, eat very soft foods and avoid touching it. If there is any inflammation or swelling around the tooth, it may impact the surrounding teeth too. Ibuprofen will help manage the swelling.

It’s difficult to assess the level of damage without seeing you in person. So, if it’s only some minor ligament issue, your tooth will be okay in a couple weeks time. However, if the damage is more extensive, you may require multiple follow up appointments so the dentist can monitor the healing and recommend additional treatment as needed.

This post is sponsored by York PA dentist Donald H. Currie, DMD