Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Can I Trust My Dentist About Dental Implants?

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I’ve lost two teeth. My dentist said I need to look at tooth replacement options. But, he said the only thing he’d recommend is dental implants. Of course, it’s the most expensive treatment. Is it really my only serious option?

Mark

Dear Mark,

Dental Implant Diagram

Dental implants are the top of the line tooth replacement option. So, would I recommend them? Yes. However, there are times when a dental bridge makes more sense. For instance, if the teeth adjacent to the one you lost are in need of a dental crown, then get a bridge. Other than that, if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, then I’d recommend those over other lesser options, such as a removable partial denture.

Reasons to get a dental implant

  • It’s the most like having a healthy, natural tooth back.
  • It preserves your bone structure
  • You can eat and brush normally
  • No food will get underneath

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Can Children Get White Fillings?

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I went to a pediatric dentist who said children can’t get white fillings, but I have a friend who gets them for her children. Is my dentist right or hers?

Pamela M.

Dear Pamela,

It’s not a right or wrong as much as what the individual dentist is comfortable doing. If your pediatric dentist isn’t comfortable giving white fillings to children, don’t press it. The results won’t be good, neither will your child’s experience. It’s better you go to a dentist familiar with placing them on children.

One word of caution. They do require the patient to be perfectly still. If the white filling doesn’t stay dry, the bond won’t hold. For that reason many dentists who place white fillings on children will suggest you get nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide is perfectly safe. Dubbed laughing gas, it will relax your child. In fact, a friend of mine just took her child in for six white fillings. She opted for the nitrous with him, even though he’s a compliant child. He’d need six shots of lidocaine and she wanted him to be as relaxed as possible. He ended up so relaxed he actually slept through half the procedure.

The key will be to find a dentist who’s done this procedure with children that you’re both comfortable with.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Is There an Inexpensive Smile Makeover?

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I’ve always wanted a smile makeover. Every year I think I’ll get one with my tax refund, but every year something else seems to break down, whether it’s my car or an appliance at home, to commandeer the money. It’s equally disappointing every year. Is there an inexpensive smile makeover?

Alice V. – New Hampshire

Alice,

I wouldn’t say it’s a complete smile makeover, but teeth whitening is the most inexpensive way to make a significant difference in the cosmetics of your smile. It’s affordable with most budgets and takes years off your appearance.

Another benefit is it doesn’t require an expensive cosmetic dentist. Your family dentist can perform the service quite well for you. Your biggest decision will be whether you want in-office or take-home teeth whitening.

With in-office, everything is done in just one appointment. Your teeth will get as white as they’re capable. Often, the color will settle just a little after the first week, but they will still be extraordinarily white.

Take-home whitening is different. You’ll wear the whitening gel for a minimum of 20 minutes each day, using custom made trays. Often that is repeated for a week or more depending on the level of whitening you’re hoping to obtain,

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Is There a Special Dentist For Implants?

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I’m in need of a new tooth. I’ve done some research on my options and think a dental implant is my best choice. Is there a special dentist for that or just a regular dentist?

Andrew P. – Utah

Andrew,

I applaud your choice of tooth replacement. It will be the most like having your natural tooth back. If you’re asking if there is a recognized specialty in implant dentistry, there isn’t. However, while any general dentist can place dental implants, it is an advanced procedure so I wouldn’t allow just anyone to do it.

You’ll want to be sure they’ve had significant implant training. For instance, Dr. Noah has had enough training and experience with dental implants to be named a fellow with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Less than one-half of one percent of dentists reach this level.

Don’t hesitate to ask them where they received training for dental implants and how many procedures they’ve completed successfully. If they’re qualified, they won’t be the least bit offended. In fact, they would expect an educated patient to inquire.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Can I Whiten My Dental Crown?

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My dental crown is showing it’s age, like my regular teeth. If I whiten my teeth, can I also whiten my crown?  Will I need a cosmetic dentist or a general one?

Natalie – Wisconsin

Natalie,

Despite how it sounds, there isn’t a cosmetic dentistry specialty, so every cosmetic dentist is just a general dentist who also does cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening is an easy procedure, so any dentist can do it. However, while it will whiten your teeth, it will not whiten your dental crown.

Here is where someone who has more training in cosmetic procedures will come in handy. My suggestion is for you to whiten your teeth first. then, get a porcelain crown done to match your new bright, white teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Why is my gumline gray?

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I’ve had dental crowns for a while, but for some reason, recently, I’ve been noticing a gray line at my gumline. Am I having some kind of reaction or infection?

Kevin T. – South Dakota

Kevin,

If there are not other symptoms but a gray line at your gumline, then it sounds like your dentist gave you porcelain fused to metal crowns.  These always end up with a gray line at the gumline.  There is absolutely nothing you can do about the gray line once it is there except to get completely new crowns.

If you do decide to get new crowns make sure your dentist gives you all-porcelain crowns. These will not only look more natural, but you will never have to worry about a gray line develop.

Talk to your dentist. Make sure you’re clear about what you want.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Implant Specialist

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Is it better to go to a general dentist or an implant dentist to get dental implants? My dentist is a general dentist. He does dental implants, but I wondered if a specialist would be wiser.

Janna S. – Benton, AR

Janna,

There isn’t a recognized specialty in implantology, so technically every implant “specialist” is really just a general dentist.  Some general dentists have done more implant training than others.

For instance, Dr. Noah a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and  a fellow at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Less than one-half of one percent of dentists have reached this level.

The key, when you need a procedure that is a little more specialized, is to find out what kind of post-graduate training your dentist has.  It’s OK to ask questions, because you don’t want to end up as one of the horror stories.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is my gumline turning grayish?

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I have a dental crown on one of my front teeth. It’s been Ok and not giving me any problems.  For some reason, lately there has been a dark line at my gumline.  Could I be having a reaction to the crown even if I don’t feel anything?

Dana L. – Montana

Dana,

Based on your description, I suspect the type of dental crown you have is a porcelain fused to metal crown. Those eventually develop a gray line at your gumline.  It’s not an infection. Neither is it a reaction, so you don’t have to worry about that.

The only real problem you face with it is there is no real way to remove it, unless you switch to all-porcelain crowns. You mentioned this is a front tooth. Was there some reason you haven’t mentioned that prompted your dentist not to use an all-porcelain crown on your front teeth?

If not, my suggestion would be to have it replaced.  Although you’ve been happy with the feel of your crown, I’m sure you’re going to find the all-porcelain crown much more natural looking. Plus, there is the added benefit of no dark line.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Crest Whitestrips

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Will Crest Whitestrips really whiten your teeth? If so, what is the difference between that and the teeth whitening you get with a dentist?

Sarah A. – Vermont

Sarah,

I can kind of answer your first and second question simlutaneously. Yes, the will whiten, but it will take much, much longer than if you did professional teeth whitening with a local dentist.

The reason for this is the strength of the bleaching gel. There are restrictions as to how strong over-the-counter bleaching gel can be.  The reason for this is safety. Unfortunately, this means that it could take months longer to get your teeth whitened, which will mean a lot of whitestrip kits.

There is the additional issue that the strips are not very long. This means that depending on your smile, it may only cover four to six of your teeth. You’ll have many more teeth visible than that which won’t be whitened. Professional teeth whitening trays will go across your arch.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

 

Can any dentist do teeth whitening?

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I have a great general dentist. He’s good at what he does and very dependable. However, I want my teeth whitened. I asked him to recommend a good cosmetic dentist, but he said he could do the job himself. I wondered if that was true or I needed someone who was a specialist?

Denae H. – Florida

Denae,

There is a common misconception that cosmetic dentistry is a recognized specialty. In fact, any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist. There are some cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers, that would require some additional training. In those cases you’d want someone with some expertise and artistry.

Teeth whitening is different. Any dentist can do it. It’s fairly straight forward. I’d go ahead and let your general dentist do it.

Enjoy your new smile.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.