Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for July 2013

Can I Replace a Single Porcelain Veneer and will it Match?

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Just over a month ago, I had veneers put on my teeth. One of the veneers on my front tooth is causing me some issues. It was left with some dentin exposed and I have had a lot of sensitivity. Although the sensitivity is getting better, the dentist wants to replace this veneer and fit it properly. I’m worried the color won’t match and I’m also concerned there will be risks to my underlying tooth when the veneer is removed.

What do you think? Will the tooth underneath be okay when the veneer is removed? Will the dentist be able to match the color?
– Brenda from Oklahoma

Brenda,
I recommend you work with a cosmetic dentist with a good track record. A great cosmetic dentist will have no trouble matching your existing porcelain veneers; they are artists and color is just one of many details they master. Excellent cosmetic dental laboratories will keep their color formulas for the cosmetic dentists so the work can match previous projects. These labs realize things may need to be done later and matching is the key in doing great work.

There’s no need to worry about damaging your tooth. This is a non-issue because you actually pose more risk to the tooth by leaving this source of irritation then by redoing the veneer. When teeth have exposed dentin, this causes tooth sensitivity because the dentin has tubules that go straight into the pulp. Open tubules are at risk for attracting bacteria so it’s important to redo the veneers.

For more information about Dr. Noah, visit the Region Dental website.

Dental Hygiene Resolutions

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I have been exercising and improving some habits in my life. I know I need to do a better job taking care of my teeth. What are some things I can do to improve my oral habits?
– Cindy from Oklahoma

Cindy,
I recommend a few things to make sure you stay on track with your dental care.

1. Start by brushing two to three times a day for at least two minutes and be sure to floss daily. If you’re unsure about the proper technique for brushing and flossing, there are many informative online videos to help you. Just a few small changes in your hygiene make a big difference. One device that helps with brushing is the Sonic toothbrush. This toothbrush removes more plaque than a regular toothbrush and you can even set the time on the toothbrush for two minutes.

2. Make sure you visit your dentist every six months and get an exam and professional cleaning. It’s important to have an oral cancer screening if you have never had one done as the dental professional is trained to detect small changes in the mouth and early detection is important as just over half of the patients diagnosed with oral cancer will survive more than five years. If you are over 50 and smoke or drink excessively or have had the HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus), you are at higher risk for oral cancer and should be screened.

3. Finally, add an over-the-counter fluoride rinse to fight bad breath and cavities. There are many choices but they should contain sodium fluoride to decrease your risk for cavities. Some studies have indicated a reduction in cavities of up to 70% when used as directed.
By following these practices, you will improve your dental hygiene and suffer from fewer dental issues.

This blog is brought to you by Region Dental.