Emergency Dentist Archives - Cornerstone Dentistry

My New Dental Crown Keeps Falling Off

Posted on January 31, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist removed a large silver filling from my top right first molar and covered the tooth with a temporary crown. The temporary crown fell off twice. I should have known to switch dentists then. I got the new crown last November, which has fallen off three times. I made an emergency appointment with another dentist when it fell off mid-January. She said that my dentist over-prepared my tooth, and she didn’t want to touch the tooth or the crown. I saw my dentist last week, and he said he would build up my tooth and replace the crown for $425. If my dentist says he will charge me for his mistake, I can’t expect to get a refund. I didn’t want to return to him, but now I’m angry. What should I do? Thanks. Brad

Brad

Your experience is unfortunate, but we encourage you to avoid the dentist who placed your crown. We understand why the dentist who saw you for an emergency visit did not want to interfere with your dentist’s work.

Why Does Your Dental Crown Keep Falling Off?

If your dental crown keeps falling off, your dentist may have over-prepared your tooth for the crown or used faulty bonding techniques. A dentist is responsible for matching your crown color with the surrounding teeth and ensuring the crown is secure. We recommend contacting the insurance company to report the issue if you have dental insurance. If you paid your dentist anything toward correcting his mistake with the crown, ask the credit card company or your bank to reverse the charges.

Get a Second Opinion for Your Dental Crown

Consult a cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training to ensure your dental crown fits well and looks natural

Look for a cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training to identify the problem and correct your tooth. A first molar tooth shows when you smile, so finding an expert cosmetic dentist is essential. Your new cosmetic dentist may be willing to talk to your current dentist to help resolve your concerns about paying for a service you didn’t receive—a functional crown that fits well.

Some patients leave online reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook to let potential patients know about their experiences with a dentist.

Best wishes for a smooth resolution.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Will a Root Canal Get Rid of a Lump Above My Tooth?

Posted on November 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I have a tender lump in my gums above my top left incisor. I noticed it a year ago. My dentist says it is a chronic, benign abscess. The lump is the same size and does not hurt. However, it is obvious when I smile. Because I questioned my dentist, she referred me to an endodontist who said it could be a cyst or an abscess, but the X-ray didn’t indicate it. The endodontist can do a root canal or go through the gums and bone at the root. I’m undecided because the dentists do not know what is beneath my gums. What if it doesn’t heal, and I need an extraction and dental implant? I have holiday plans and hope I won’t need to see a dentist in Georgia. Thank you. Miguel from IL

Miguel,

We understand your concerns, especially if the dentist and specialist are unsure about the lump in your gums. Although the lump may be a cyst, gum cysts are rare. You likely have an infection that will resolve with root canal treatment. An apicoectomy isn’t necessary unless the endodontist is sure you have an abscess and he cannot treat the tooth with standard root canal therapy.

Unfortunately, your dentist has observed the infection for two years without recommending treatment. Bacteria from an abscess can affect your jawbone, other teeth, and your bloodstream. When the endodontist removes the infection, you may feel more energetic. A lingering tooth infection can tire you as your body fights it.

Root canals have at least an 85 percent success rate. The success rate is higher for endodontists and dentists with advanced root canal technology in their offices. If the root canal fails, you can get an apicoectomy later.

If you are uncomfortable with your dentist’s and the endodontist’s advice, you can get a third opinion from an endodontist from another office. With planning, you can avoid an out-of-town emergency dental visit for root canal therapy.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post.

Can I Get My Tooth Reattached?

Posted on October 7, 2023 by AllSmiles.

The other day, I had a hard blow to my face, and the upper right first premolar was loose. Now it feels even more loose, and I fear it will come out soon. I have tied floss around the teeth in front and behind the loose one and made a knot to keep it in place. I don’t have dental insurance, so I haven’t really seen a dentist in over a year. If the tooth falls out before I figure out what to do, can the emergency room reattach it? Thanks. Seth from NJ

Seth,

Please see a dentist immediately. An emergency room is equipped for medical emergencies, not dental emergencies.

Can You Get Your Tooth Reattached?

Whether a dentist can reattach a tooth depends on its condition and how long it has been out of the socket. Handle the tooth carefully and keep it moist without touching the tooth roots. See a dentist immediately.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

A loose tooth must be stabilized to strengthen its attachment to ligaments, bone, and gums. According to the American Association of Endodontists, a dentist or endodontist may recommend the following treatment for a loose tooth:

Repositioning and stabilizing the tooth
Root canal treatment to remove infection
Replacing damaged tooth pulp with a root canal filler material

Please don’t delay scheduling an appointment because you don’t have dental insurance. A dentist may be able to save your tooth, but delays can increase the risk of losing it.

Many dentists accept same-day appointments. Call a few of them, explain that you don’t have dental insurance, and ask about payment plans.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Why Is My Root Canal Tooth Still Hot and Sensitive?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist did a root canal on my top left upper molar this past February. Why do I still feel pressure, heat, and sensitivity in the tooth? I had an appointment with my dentist last month, and she took another X-ray. She missed one of the canals in my tooth and said she needed to do a repeat root canal. I appreciate that she admitted her mistake, but my anxiety is increasing. My dentist did the root canal two weeks ago. Even though I finished the antibiotics, I still feel sensitivity and pressure in the tooth, which feels hot. Did the second root canal fail because my dentist missed something again? This is so frustrating. Could a third root canal from another dentist work? – Thanks. Simeon from Alpharetta, GA

Simeon,

We understand your concern. It seems like your dentist made the right decision. A second-opinion dentist must examine and X-ray your tooth for an accurate diagnosis.

Should You Feel Pressure or Sensitivity After Root Canal?

Although you should not feel pressure or sensitivity months after root canal therapy, complications can occur in the following situations:

The root canal procedure failed.
Infected tooth pulp lingers in the root tip.
Your dentist missed a canal, failing to treat it.

Your dentist failed to treat a canal but retreated the tooth, accessed another canal, and removed the infection. Therefore, the pain and pressure in your tooth should gradually improve. If it worsens or does not improve in a week, ask your dentist for a referral to an endodontist (root canal specialist). Research published by Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Dentistry shows that teeth with root canal treatment last an average of 11 years. Treatment from a specialist can increase the success of your procedure.

Scheduling an emergency appointment with a dentist will lead to a follow-up visit. If the dentist does not have advanced training in root canal treatment, you will need to see an endodontist anyway.

Meanwhile, avoid food that can increase tooth pressure and sensitivity, including crunchy, hard, chewy, or sticky foods.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

My New Crowns Make My Jaw Lock

Posted on July 21, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My jaw keeps locking, and my neck hurts. The pain was so bad last night that I couldn’t sleep. I took ibuprofen and put a warm compress on the side of my face to get relief, but I knew this would not go away by itself. The problem began after I got six new crowns. My dentist took impressions of my mouth four months ago and gave me a night guard, which is not helping. The pain interferes with eating, talking, working, sleeping, etc. Do I need an adjustment to the night guard? Or should I skip another visit to my dentist and get another opinion on why my jaw keeps locking? Thank you. Jana from San Diego

Jana,

We are sorry you are experiencing discomfort and pain after getting new crowns. As you may know, jaw locking is often a symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder. We will explain why your jaw continually locks and what to do about it.

Why Does Your Jaw Keep Locking?

Jaw locking, or trismus, is often related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Other conditions can cause jaw locking, including:

Trauma
Oral surgery
Infection
Cancer
Radiation treatment for head or throat cancer

How Can You Find the Cause of Jaw Locking?

You can find the cause of repeated jaw locking by scheduling an exam from a dentist with post-graduate TMJ training. Depending on the severity of the issue and the tests you have already had, a thorough examination includes the following:

Analyzing your jaw joints and bite
Bloodwork
CT scan
Measuring your mouth opening
MRI
X-rays

Are Your Symptoms Related to TMJ?

A trained dentist can determine if your symptoms are TMJ related. Occasional jaw popping and clicking are not unusual and do not necessarily mean that you have a TMJ disorder. Still, you might have a TMJ disorder if you experience these signs and symptoms:

A bite that feels off
Chronic headaches
Dizziness
Ear fullness or pressure
Earaches
Jaw locking, pain, or stiffness
Neck and shoulder pain
Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Vision problems

What Is the Right Treatment for TMJ?

The proper TMJ treatment depends on the cause and severity of your signs and symptoms. A dentist may recommend any of these methods:

Pain reliever
Orthotics
Adjusting your bite
Splint
Night guard
Adjustments to (or replacing) your dental crowns
Warm or cold compresses
Temporarily limiting yourself to soft foods to minimize chewing and let your jaw rest

Schedule a Second-Opinion Appointment

If you are experiencing ongoing jaw pain and locking, search online for a dentist with advanced TMJ training. After an exam, the dentist will determine whether your concerns are TMJ related or if you need further care from another medical professional. Getting a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist can help you prevent a dental emergency.

Sugar Land, Texas dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

My Wisdom Tooth Is Emerging Brown. Is It Rotten?

Posted on May 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I wonder if my emerging wisdom tooth is already rotten because it is brown. This tooth is on the lower left, and the nearby back teeth are dark near my gums. I may have cavities or enamel damage from acid exposure on my teeth. I am concerned about the wisdom tooth because it is dark but has not fully emerged yet. Isn’t that weird? Thanks. Ashlee

Ashlee,

Dr. Thomas would need to examine and x-ray your teeth for an accurate diagnosis. However, we will explain what may be happening based on your description.

Is Your Brown Wisdom Tooth Rotten?

If an emerging wisdom tooth is brown, it may be due to defective tooth enamel. Decay that starts but stops with treatment can darken tooth enamel. However, an erupting brown tooth can result from a health condition that occurred while the wisdom tooth’s enamel was forming.

Partially impacted wisdom teeth are at risk of decay, affecting the gum tissue around them and neighboring teeth. Defective tooth enamel can make a tooth susceptible to decay too, and the tooth may eventually need a crown. However, our jaws usually don’t have enough room for wisdom teeth, and a dentist or oral surgeon extracts them anyway. So, although your brown wisdom tooth is not an emergency, we recommend consulting with an experienced dentist to evaluate its condition, as well as the surrounding teeth. The dentist will determine whether you need dental fillings for your surrounding teeth and if your wisdom teeth require any attention.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post.

Can Gum Recession Cause a Tooth Cavity?

Posted on May 14, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I had a toothache on and off for six months that got so bad that I finally scheduled an appointment with an urgent care dentist. The dentist said I had a cavity in my canine tooth because the gums above it were thin and had pulled away from my teeth. I set up an appointment to have the cavity filled, and the dentist said that I have a lot of gum recession and three other teeth had gum recession, and I would likely get cavities in them, too. The dentist wants to refer me to a gum specialist. How do I know that gum recession is really the problem? Can receding gums cause cavities? Thanks. Levi from Uniondale, NY

Levi,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land regarding gum recession and cavities. We commend you for scheduling an urgent dental appointment instead of delaying care.

Can Gum Recession Cause Cavities?

Gum recession exposes teeth and their roots and increases the risk of cavities. According to the American Association of Periodontology, when you notice gum recession, it is one aspect of periodontal recession, affecting your gums, teeth ligaments, and the bone surrounding your teeth. Your teeth can also become sensitive to brushing and hot or cold foods.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession causes include the following:
Gum disease
Aggressive teeth brushing
Misaligned teeth
Teeth grinding
Autoimmune conditions that may cause gum tissue destruction

What Is the Treatment for Gum Recession?

When tooth root exposure exceeds 3mm, a dentist or periodontist may recommend tissue gum grafting. During a gum graft procedure, you can expect your dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) to do the following:

Numb your gums with a local anesthetic
Take tissue from the roof of your mouth or use another donor source for tissue
Place the tissue in areas of recession
Secure the graft with stitches
Your gums will heal in two to three weeks.

How Can You Prevent Gum Recession?

You can prevent gum recession after your dentist identifies its cause. Recommendations may include:

Brushing your teeth more gently
Wearing a night guard to minimize teeth grinding
Gum disease treatment
Orthodontic treatment for teeth alignment

If you are uncomfortable with the gum graft recommendation from your dentist, you can get a second opinion from a skilled dentist or periodontist.

Sugar Land, Texas dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Will a Dentist Need to Pull My Loose Tooth?

Posted on March 30, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I took my kids to a park yesterday and had an accident that loosened my right incisor tooth. I was so concerned about their safety, but I was the one who fell. After brushing my teeth this morning, I felt my tooth was loose.

I’ve been dentist-hopping because I haven’t found a dentist that makes me feel comfortable. Now I must return to one of the previous dentists or find a new one. What will a dentist do about a loose tooth? Will they have to pull it? – Violita

Violita

Thank you for contacting Dr. Thomas’s office. We hope you will have seen a dentist before you can read our response. Loose teeth need urgent care, and we hope a dentist can save your tooth.

What Is a Loose Tooth?

A loose tooth lacks support from the surrounding gums, ligaments, or bone. You may eventually lose the tooth from lack of support.

What Is the Treatment for a Loose Tooth?

Treatment for a loose tooth depends on what causes its looseness. Trauma, gum disease, and teeth grinding can loosen a tooth.

Trauma – When trauma loosens a tooth, a dentist will examine it and take x-rays. A tooth’s internal condition determines whether a splint is enough or if the tooth needs root canal treatment.
Gum disease – A tooth will loosen as bacteria destroy gum tissue and bone. Your treatment plan may include laser treatment, gum surgery, or bone grafting to give a loose tooth a healthy foundation. A dentist or periodontist (gum disease specialist) will complete root scaling and planing (deep cleanings).
Teeth grinding – Pressure from untreated teeth grinding can loosen ligaments and cause teeth to loosen. A dentist will prescribe a custom mouth guard to relieve your teeth of pressure. You may need additional treatment to align your bite (how your upper or lower teeth meet).
Age and chronic illness – According to the American Dental Association, some people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more susceptible to tooth loss as they age. Patients may need more frequent dental checkups to monitor their oral health.

Whenever you experience trauma to your mouth or teeth, even if you do not have signs or symptoms of any damage, see a dentist right away for an exam.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.

Anbesol Doesn’t Work for My Toothache Anymore

Posted on March 7, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I’ve been using Anbesol, ibuprofen, and cold packs on the side of my face for two months. Anbesol doesn’t help anymore. This morning, the toothache woke me up at 3:00 am. I am afraid that I will have an abscess. The last time I was at the dentist, I had to leave before treatment because I was so nervous. The dentist recommended that I agree to sedation, or he couldn’t do anything for me. I probably need sedation, but I don’t like how the dentist responded to my anxiety. I want to find another dentist, but can you tell me how much time I have before I’m forced to choose a dentist quickly? I don’t want any regrets and need to keep switching dentists. Thank you. Mike from DE

Mike,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. After an exam and an x-ray from Dr. Thomas, he could estimate when the tooth infection might worsen. As a tooth infection progresses, over-the-counter products, such as Anbesol®, become less effective, and you need professional care from a dentist. Below are some guidelines for finding a dentist to care for your tooth.

How Can You Find a New Dentist?

You can find a new dentist by asking friends or family for recommendations, visiting dentist’s websites, and checking patient reviews.

Asking for recommendations – Someone you know may be a dentist’s long-time patient. So, ask friends, family members, or acquaintances for a recommendation. Also, ask if they have seen the dentist only for a routine exam or if the dentist has performed any procedures for them. Ask questions about the dentist’s chairside manner and whether they are gentle.
Visit dentist’s websites – Look at the dental practice’s services and the dentist’s biography page. Services offered and a dentist’s training and background can help you understand their experience and treatment philosophy. Also, check the website for types of sedation the dentist provides.
Patient reviews – Read Google reviews for each dentist to see what patients may or may not like about the care received.

If you have a tooth infection, you can expect the dentist to recommend root canal treatment, so look for the dentist’s training and experience in that area. After root canal treatment, you will likely need a dental crown to protect the tooth. A dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training can provide you with a natural-looking crown.

We encourage you to complete your search for a dentist as soon as possible to prevent an emergency and a rushed decision for a new dentist.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

I Want a Tooth Extraction Instead of a Crown

Posted on January 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentist is trying to cap a cracked tooth because she says she can save it. I need a tooth out ASAP, and I would like to schedule an urgent care appointment with another dentist. I want the tooth out. I am leaving for NY next week to visit my mom for a month, and I don’t want problems with the tooth while I am away. And I want to avoid seeing a NY dentist and getting caught up for hours at maxed out dentist’s office. Can I do a walk-in and get the tooth pulled? Thanks, Ryan M.

Hi Ryan,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. Dr. Thomas needs to examine and x-ray your tooth to see if it is savable. Like any conscientious dentist, even a dentist who would see you on an emergency visit would examine and x-ray your tooth and try to save it.

Can You Get a Tooth Extraction Instead of Getting a Crown?

Digital model of a dental crown vs tooth removal

A dental crown is better than extracting a tooth that a dentist can save

You can get a tooth extracted instead of getting a crown. But if a dentist can save the tooth, they recommend a crown. The benefits of keeping a generally healthy tooth outweigh the effects of removing it. Consider what happens when a tooth is missing:

The underlying jawbone will shrink.
Adjacent and opposing teeth will drift toward the space where your tooth is missing.
Your shifting teeth can cause problems with your bite.
You may develop a need for braces.
If you decide to replace the tooth in the future, you may require a bone graft before getting a dental implant.
If you opt for a partial denture or a dental bridge, either option will affect the tooth on either side of the missing one.
Your missing tooth may detract from your smile.

Consider allowing your dentist to place a temporary crown over your tooth and give you time to decide whether you want to keep or remove it. A well-bonded temporary crown can last several months.

Discuss your concerns with your dentist before requesting the tooth removal. You won’t regret preserving your natural tooth if an experienced dentist does it.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.