Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Sensitive root canal

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I had a root canal about two weeks ago that is about to get a crown, but my gum is sensitive. The temporary crown is sensitive too. Do I have root canal failure, or is this normal?

Jean- Ontario, Canada

Jean,

What you are experiencing is quite normal with a root canal treatment and nothing to worry about. Removing infected tissue causes some irritation and it takes some time for your body to work through and resolve that. As long as the pain doesn’t get worse, I would just go ahead and get your permanent crown.

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

Snap on smile with a bridge

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Can I use snap on smile if I have a dental bridge? I have an eight tooth bridge and one of the teeth broke. My dentist said the whole unit will have to be replaced and I just can’t afford that.

Cecil T.- Missouri

Cecil,

Yes, Snap-on Smile can work with a dental bridge. To tell you if it can work with your particular bridge, I would have to examine you. However, the general answer is yes, it can fit right over your bridge work.  Even if it will work in your situation, you need to be aware that Snap-on Smile is only a temporary solution. The units only last about four years, so you’ll need to be prepared for a more permanent solution in the future.

One of the problems with a dental bridge with several units is that when part of it breaks the whole unit needs to be replaced. I hope your dentist warned you of that ahead of time. The ideal treatment for missing teeth would be dental implants. They work as individual units, just like your natural teeth. However, they are more expensive than a bridge. I know that won’t work in your current situation, but it is something you might try to save up for in the future, especially since the Snap-on Smile won’t last forever.

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

You may also be interested in affordable dental implants.

 

Can I whiten my teeth with Clorox bleach?

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Hey,

I was wondering if it was possible gargle with Clorox bleach to whiten your teeth? I thought I should check before trying it. I want to get my teeth whitened, but don’t want to have to go to a dentist every week.

Brent W. -Little Rock

Brent,

I’m glad you checked. No, absolutely do not use a household bleach as a gargle to whiten your teeth. Bleach is a corrosive and can burn your living tissue. Plus, if it comes in contact with certain other chemicals it releases a toxic gas that can kill you. That is why they always say not to mix household cleaners.

I think somewhere you developed a misconception about teeth whitening. You don’t have to go to the dentist every week to get them whitened. Usually you are given trays to take home and wear on your teeth in the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to go to the dentist to use the trays.

I wonder if you’re thinking of the in-office whitening method called Zoom Whitening? You do go in the dentist’s office to complete this procedure, but it only takes one appointment, and not weekly appointments.

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

Replacing a bottom tooth

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Is it possible to get a dental flipper placed on a bottom tooth?

Parker S.- Texas

Parker,

Yes, it is possible to get a dental flipper placed on a bottom tooth. Bear in mind that these are not very sturdy. It consists of a false tooth attached to a plastic plate that snaps in with some wires. These are generally used as a temporary replacement while you get a permanent fix arranged. My suggestion would be to get a dental implant as your permanent tooth replacement. They are much sturdier and will protect you from bone loss at the extraction site.

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

Did my filling cause the rash on my face?

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I recently had a silver filling placed on one of my back teeth to repair a broken tooth. Now I’m dealing with this itchy red rash on my face, right where the broken tooth was. There also seems to be a round circle on my face. Is this cause for concern, maybe an allergic reaction of some kind? I am supposed to get a crown on the tooth in a month and I’m worried.

– Sherry from South Carolina

Sherry,

Based on the procedures you have had done and what you described, it is unlikely that the rash and circle on your face was caused by the filling. When individuals are allergic to materials used in the filling, it is typical to see a reaction on the inside of the mouth. For example, the gum tissue that actually comes in contact with the filling may become irritated.

In regard to the silver filling or what is called an amalgam filling, they are actually made up of more than half of mercury. They also contain slightly less than half of silver, copper, and tin, as well as some other materials. Some people are concerned over the potential health concerns with having mercury placed in their mouths. That said, I am not familiar with a case where the amalgam caused a rash on the face.

If it was right after your dental appointment that the rash occurred, it may have been the use of the latex gloves that your dentist used.

This post is sponsored by Tulsa dentist Region Dental.

Related links: mercury-free dentist, white fillings, emergency dentist