Will I Need Another Full-Mouth Reconstruction?

I paid $42k for a full-mouth reconstruction in 2023. My mouth is raw, chewing, hurts, and I have lost several crowns and veneers. I’m afraid that two of the dental implants are failing. How can I start over again? I’m sure I don’t have a choice. Thanks. Kofi from TX

Kofi,

We are sorry that you’re experiencing multiple problems with your full-mouth reconstruction. We know it’s frustrating.

The first step is to find a highly qualified dentist when faced with the need for dental implants and addressing previous cosmetic dental issues. Some dental practices may offer lower costs by taking shortcuts, but this can compromise your treatment. While you don’t have to choose the most expensive dentist, beware of unusually low fees because you may not get comprehensive care, which is essential for full-mouth reconstruction.

Finding a clinician with demonstrable skills in implant procedures and advanced cosmetic dentistry is essential. To identify a dentist who can meet these demanding needs, consider the following factors:

• Verification of Implantology Credentials: Look for dentists with advanced training and earned credentials from reputable implant organizations. A strong indicator of expertise is attaining fellowship or diplomate status from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Board of Oral Implantology (associated with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry). Training from American university implant programs or the Misch Implant Institute is also a higher level of qualification.
• Commitment to Careful Diagnosis: Pay attention to the thoroughness of the diagnostic process. For example, a dentist planning multiple implant placements should use a 3D CT scan to ensure precise implant placement.
• Assessment of Online Reviews: Check online patient reviews, especially on Google and Yelp, for mentions of clinical issues or positive experiences. Weigh individual reviews carefully because some dentists with limitations might still have enthusiastic supporters. Still, reviews are critical in choosing a dentist for full-mouth reconstruction.

Finding a Dentist Who Produces Cosmetic Excellence

The success of your treatment requires functional implants and beautifully crafted and durable crowns or porcelain veneers. Beyond the technical aspects of implant placement, your dental history requires an advanced cosmetic dentist who can correct your full-mouth rehabilitation and help you smile comfortably and confidently.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.

 

Why Do My New Dental Crowns Cause Sensitivity and Mouth Sores?

My new dental crowns have caused more oral problems that make me regret replacing my old crowns. I have teeth sensitivity, excess saliva, mouth sores, bitter taste, bad breath, and chapped lips. My dentist has offered to readjust my bite, but that’s not my complaint. Will I need new crowns? – Thanks. TJ from Boston

TJ,

We understand your concerns and frustration.

What Symptoms Can You Expect with New Dental Crowns?

Well-crafted, properly placed dental crowns should not create lingering symptoms. Although you may feel temporary tooth sensitivity after a procedure, your crowns should not be noticeable—without discomfort or undesirable oral complications.

Your symptoms require a thorough assessment to determine whether they relate to your new dental crowns or underlying medical conditions. A professional evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Below are considerations for your symptoms:

Oral sores

Stress can be a contributing factor, but a dermatological evaluation may be required to rule out inflammatory skin conditions.

Bitter taste and bad breath

• Bacteria and salivary buildup m
• Systemic factors such as medications, supplements, respiratory infections, and GERD should also be investigated

Teeth sensitivity

• Post-operative sensitivity following crown preparation is typical.
• Prolonged sensitivity beyond eight weeks necessitates a dental review.

Diligent oral hygiene, including gums, teeth, and tongue, can minimize bitter taste and halitosis. However, we recommend a second opinion and a comprehensive dental examination for multiple oral tissue concerns. A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether crown adjustments or new crowns will resolve your symptoms.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Find out how he strives to provide some of the best dentistry in Rocky Hill.

 

Why Are My Crowned Teeth Sensitive to Heat?

I have implant crowns and three crowns on my natural teeth. The crowns on my natural teeth are more than 20 years old. The crowns are on my left front tooth and the two teeth behind them. Two of the teeth are sensitive to heat. Maybe I notice it more now that the weather is cooler, and I have been eating more soup and drinking more tea. The pain is increasing. My dentist is from Portugal and is out of the country on holiday until February 12. He takes the trip yearly. Is this something that can wait, or should I see another dentist? – Thank you. Giovanni from NJ

Giovanni,

We understand your concerns. You need dental care promptly.

Why Are Crowned Teeth Sensitive to Heat?

Sudden pain and sensitivity to heat are symptoms of a dying tooth. Your sensitive teeth are infected. As the tissue inside the tooth swells, it releases gasses. When the tooth is exposed to hot temperatures, the pressure increases, and so does your pain.

What Causes an Infection Beneath Dental Crowns?

Decay beneath your crowns or exposed root surfaces might be the cause of irritation and infection in your teeth.

A dentist must remove your crowns to examine your teeth and see their condition. Afterward, root canal treatment will remove the dead pulp. And a dentist can replace the pulp with filler material. And you will need new crowns. Ask the dentist also to check the old crown on the third tooth. Beneath the crown, your tooth may be irritated and at risk for infection like the others.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

Getting a dental implant from start to finish takes three to nine months. The process takes time because of several phases. Depending on your situation, you can expect several steps:

• Initial consultation – Your dentist or oral surgeon will complete an exam and a 3-D x-ray to ensure you are a candidate for implants.
• Tooth removal – Surgically removing teeth takes about 30 minutes unless there are complications.
• Implant surgery – Inserting implants through your gum and jawbone takes one to two hours per implant.
• Healing – You will wait three to four months while the implant and bone fuse.
• Periodic checkups – Your surgeon or dentist will check the surgical sites for proper healing during the healing process.
• Final crown – After the healing period, your dentist will take images of your mouth for a lab to make the final implant crowns. Your dentist will attach crowns to the implants.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

Will New Dental Crowns Help My Bleeding and Irritated Gums?

My dentist replaced my eight upper crowns this past summer because my gums were swollen and bleeding. The new crowns didn’t improve the situation, so my dentist referred me to a periodontist who advised me to wear temporary crowns for about three months until my gums healed.

Two weeks ago, I got a second opinion from a dentist who said the crowns were over-contoured and irritated my gums. She recommended new crowns. I get deep cleanings for gum disease now, and the hygienist said she removed excess cement near my gumline. I can’t afford to keep getting new crowns, so I had a virtual consultation with a US-trained dentist who practices in Mexico. Will new crowns that fit well improve my gum inflammation and bleeding? – Thanks. Jonah from Dallas, TX

Jonah,

Over-contoured crowns can cause gum inflammation, swelling, redness, and bleeding. Natural teeth have contours that dental crowns should replicate to support your gum health.

Over-contoured crowns cause the following problems:

• Exert excessive pressure on the gums
• Create spaces that trap food particles, increasing the risk of irritation and gum disease

A dentist must meticulously remove all excess cement after crown placement because leftover cement can contribute to gum irritation. Failure to remove excess cement is unacceptable dental practice. You probably need new dental crowns. However, consult an advanced cosmetic dentist in the US to evaluate your gum health and crowns.

Should You Get New Dental Crowns in Mexico?

Before getting new dental crowns in Mexico, consider these factors:

• Potential for recurring issues: Given your experience with subpar dental care, seeking treatment in Mexico may increase the risk of encountering similar problems.
• Standard of dental care in other countries: Quality and care standards differ among countries. The American Dental Association advises you to consider how a country’s sterilization technique and quality standards will affect the outcome of your denture procedure.
• Finding a qualified dentist is crucial: It is crucial to prioritize finding a highly competent and reputable dentist, regardless of location.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is the best dentist in Rocky Hill.

Which Crowns Can Hide a Dark Front Tooth?

The porcelain fused to metal crowns on my center front teeth are 20 years old and look like it. I love to smile and want to know the best crown types. One tooth is dark from a root canal. What crowns should I ask for? Thanks. TJ

 

TJ

Cosmetic dentists use all-ceramic crowns to produce beautiful results that even a trained specialist can’t distinguish from natural teeth. Any all-ceramic option will withstand the forces of biting with your front teeth. Your choice of a cosmetic dentist is more important than the crown selection. Look for a dentist with keen artistic ability and allow them to choose ceramic crowns. Advanced cosmetic dentists collaborate with a master ceramist who knows dental materials and can recommend a crown type based on your surrounding teeth and the condition of the teeth beneath the crowns.

How Can a Crown Conceal a Dark Front Tooth?

A cosmetic dentist will prepare a dark tooth for a crown by masking the color with an opaquer. Options for blocking out the dark color include:

• Applying a composite buildup material over the natural tooth before placing the crown
• Asking a master ceramist to add an opaque layer in feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate, or zirconia crown to hide the dark tooth. Zirconia and lithium disilicate may require a thin layer of feldspathic porcelain on the surface to look natural
• Selecting e.max crowns, which have a lithium disilicate core, and applying feldspathic porcelain over the crown

Instead of choosing a crown type and asking a dentist to use it, look for an expert cosmetic dentist. Their advanced training will help them select a crown for your needs and conceal the dark took. Selecting the crown first without knowing a dentist’s credentials can yield unattractive crowns for your front teeth. Schedule consultations with two expert cosmetic dentists to discuss options for natural-looking results with crowns on front teeth.

Rocky Hill cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.