Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

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 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.

Implant Dentist or General Dentist

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I need to replace two teeth and want to get dental implants. Can I go to a general dentist or do I need an implant dentist?

Rex B. – Fayetteville, AR

Rex,

There isn’t really such a thing as an implant dentist, because there is not a dental specialty in implants. Therefore, any dentist who does implants is, though they may call themselves an implant dentist, is really just a general dentist.

The reason they call themselves that is so that patients know it is a procedure they do. However, you need to be careful. Not every dentist who does the procedure actually has the training necessary to do a good job.

Take a peek at Dr. Noah’s implant page to get an idea of what kind of training you want the dentist to have. It’s an advanced procedure, with a chance of failure, so you want to give yourself the best chance possible.

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

Do it yourself braces

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Will you help me?  My daughter saw a video on youtube by a teen who is doing her braces herself because her parents can’t afford braces.  We’ve been saving up to get our daughter invisalign teen, but just don’t have all the funds….yet.  I expect we will by next summer.  But, my daughter is impatient and I saw her watching the video and trying to do it herself.  I’m not dentist, but I think this is dangerous.  Will you tell me what I can say to her?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

You’re right to be concerned.  I’ve seen the video you’re referring to (if we’re thinking of the same one). There are a couple of pretty serious things that can go wrong with this:

  • Dentists move teeth in two stages. This is true whether you use traditional braces or Invisalign. First we move the teeth and then we have a rest period for the bone to reform over the newly positioned tooth root.  With the do it yourself method, you’re tipping the teeth which doesn’t take the root into consideration.  Eventually, your teeth can come loose and even fall out.
  • The bands that the teens are using can actually cut off the blood supply in their gums. Even just a minor blood supply cut-off can change the color of her teeth. Fully cutting it off can lead to painful inflamation and infection.

I know it seems like forever to your daughter now, but waiting will not only give her a more beautiful smile, but do it in a safe way that doesn’t put her teeth or health at risk.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist 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.

Could my teeth be keeping me from getting hired?

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A company I worked for has closed.  I worked with them for ten years.  The owner sold it and the new owners decided to only use their own people.  So, here I am looking for a job, something I never thought I’d have to do again.  My qualifications and recommendations are good.  I always get an interview, but once the interview is over someone else gets the job.  I’ve done interview skills tutorials and even mock interviews with peers I trust.  My interviewing doesn’t seem to be the problem.  I’ve begun to wonder if it is my teeth.  I know that sounds a little far fetched, but I’m getting desperate and reaching for anything that can help.  I will admit I have an ugly smile.  My teeth are stained. A few are chipped and crooked. Could that be the problem?

Davis L., Washington

Davis,

I don’t think that is far fetched at all. We are often judged and categroized in the first few seconds of a meeting with someone. As they haven’t had time to really get to know us, the judgment is based on appearance and maybe very intitial greetings and responses.  Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us.

If yours is unattractive, and you readily admit it is, that could likely be the factor that is keeping you from closing a deal with a hiring company.  The easiest way to find out would be to fix your smile.

I recommend you use Invisalign to do that. It is invisible, even at a conversational distance, so that will allow you to go to interviews without feeling self conscious about your orthodontics.

It is possible to whiten your teeth at the same time.  You can ask your dentist to allow you to use your invisalign aligners as whitening trays and just provide you with the gel.  This will also save you money.

Good luck with the job search.  This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Do you have to go to an orthodontist for invisalign?

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I was thinking of getting invisalign, but wondered if I’d have to see an orthodontist?

Jennifer R. – Mississippi

Jennifer,

No, you do not have to see an orthodontist for invisalign.  Many general dentists are qualified to handle your orthodontic needs, including not just invisalign, but braces as well.

Each dentist is a little different with how they handle it.  Some do it themselves. Others, share their practice with an orthodontist who comes in once a week.

I’d start with talking to your family dentist. If he doesn’t place invisalign, he can certainly recommend you to someone who does.

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.

Why can I taste metal?

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I used a paper clip to pick some food out of my braces. When I did that I got a horrible metallic taste in my mouth?

Ben H. – Ohio

Ben,

Your saliva works as an electrolyte to the two different metals you placed in your mouth. One being the braces and the other the paper clip. When you did that, it caused a reaction. That’s how a battery is formed.  Depending on what metals you use, the voltage can get pretty high and can shock or burn you.

Hopefully, your orthodontist told you not to put metal in your mouth, but if not, you know now.

The same thing can happen with silver fillings.

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