Archives for March 2019

Is Peri-Implantitis Causing Swelling around Your Dental Implant?

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Peri-implantitis is rare. It is even more unsual for it to occur around a dental implant that you’ve had for years, but it can happen. Usually, an infection around an implant occurs within the first few months of placement, but not every infection is caused by peri-implantitis. What should you do if you think your implant is in danger of failing?

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a rare infectious disease that causes bone loss and infection around a dental implant. Many specialists agree that dental implant complications are often prematurely diagnosed—or misdiagnosed—as peri-implantitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis

Some of the signs and symptoms of peri-implantitis are listed below. If you are experiencing some of them, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have peri-implantitis; the disease is rare. Most often, swelling and infection around a dental implant are caused, not by an infectious disease, but by poor planning, improper placement, cheap fixtures, or implant mistakes.

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red or swollen gum tissue
  • Bone loss around the implant
  • Pus around the implant
  • Loose implant fixture
  • Pain

Risk Factors

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are several risk factors:

  • Smoking
  • Plaque accumulation
  • Diabetes
  • A history of periodontal (gum disease)

Why Get Prompt Treatment?

It’s important to have a highly skilled implant dentist take a look at the implant site. You’ll need an examination for accurate diagnosis and treatment. If the disease is left unchecked, there are several risks:

  • The infection can worsen.
  • Your jawbone can become infected or begin to dissolve.
  • The implant can completely loosen and need to be replaced.

We recommend that you promptly schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist or periodontist (specialist in gum disease and dental implants). The sooner you act, the less time and money it will cost to correct the issue.

This post is sponsored by East Cobb dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.

Are Porcelain Veneers the Only Way to Hide Fluorosis Stains?

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Your smile is an expression of your personality and a memorable part of your physical identity. But fluorosis stains on your teeth can make you hesitant about smiling. Are there any temporary ways to hide fluorosis stains on your teeth?

Background for our readers: Fluorosis stains occur from an excessive intake of fluoride during childhood while teeth are still developing. Stains on teeth are white, and in severe cases are brown.

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can personally do to hide fluorosis stains in your teeth. Even many general dentists are not able to successfully conceal the stains. But experienced cosmetic dentists have great success in rejuvenating smiles that are affected by fluorosis stains.

Porcelain Veneers and Other Options for Treating Dental Fluorosis

single porcelain veneer being held up by a dental tool

A porcelain veneer is bonded to the front of each affected tooth

Porcelain veneers are commonly used to conceal the stains. A delicate balance is needed to manipulate porcelain in a way that conceals the stains, yet the color and translucency of your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist will work closely with a ceramist to ensure you receive natural-looking results.

Enamel Microabrasion

This process uses various acids and specific dental instruments to remove up to 0.2 mm of affected tooth enamel. Sometimes it is used when fluorosis stains are not deep. Not all dentists use it, it’s not right for every case, and it might be used along with porcelain veneers, teeth whitening treatment, or cosmetic bonding to conceal fluorosis stains.

Teeth Bleaching

Teeth bleaching can be used along with porcelain veneers or other cosmetic treatments to lighten the natural pigmentation of your teeth and brighten your smile. A dentist with training in dental esthetics understands the amount of whitening required, as well as when it should be used in the treatment process.

Composite Bonding

A cosmetic dentist can blend various shades of dental composite to hide stains and produce natural looking results. The dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth, apply the composite, and shape, harden, and polish it.

What Treatment Should You Request?

Before you request porcelain veneers or any other type of treatment, we suggest that you schedule consultations with at least two highly skilled cosmetic dentists. You will need an examination to receive a precise treatment plan, but during the consultation, the dentist will explain your treatment options and the results you can expect. To make this easier for patients, at Cheek Dental we offer free online consultations.

 This post is sponsored by East Cobb cosmetic dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.

TMJ Problem or Cavity

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I’ve never had a cavity before so I don’t know what they feel like. Lately, I’ve been having pain at the back of my mouth with a couple of my molars. It comes and goes. I thought it might be a cavity but I was asking a friend about it and she said that hers was that way because of TMJ problems from grinding her teeth. I know I do that because my dentist said I do. So, how do I know if my problem is a cavity or TMJ?

Alana

Dear Alana,

An illustration with a close up of a TMJ Joint
The Temporomandibular Join

I will say first I am more than a little concerned your dentist told you that you were grinding your teeth but didn’t explain the importance of it being dealt with or suggest a treatment.

The grinding of your teeth will wear them down to little nubs until you’ll either need them crowned or they will begin to crack. Additionally, it will begin to wear down your the joint that is the center of TMJ Disorder.

He should have suggested you wear a nightguard. This is such a simple fix. He custom fits a special nightguard for you to wear while you sleep. Most people who grind their teeth, do so at night and don’t realize it is happening. Wearing the guard protects your teeth from the grinding motion.

Leaving TMJ Causes Untreated

If you don’t get a nightguard, eventually you will need what is known as a full-mouth reconstruction. This means every tooth will have to be crowned. It is a very expensive procedure and only a handful of dentists have the training necessary to do it right.

Simple prevention now will save you a fortune.

Cavity or TMJ

As to your original question. The only real way to know if you have a cavity is to go in and have it checked. Your dentist will do x-rays as well as a physical examination.

The earlier you catch a cavity the better. A filling is better than a crown. A crown is better than an extraction and tooth replacement.

My recommendation is you go in to see your dentist and eliminate a cavity. From there find a TMJ dentist who will give you the proper solution for your grinding.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.