dental implants Archives - West Seneca Dentist

Gum Sensitivity in One Spot

Posted on June 13, 2023 by writeradmin.

Could you advise me? My dentist is suggesting we extract this tooth, but I am fairly certain that the tooth isn’t the problem. There is a spot on my gums exactly between two teeth. The first tooth being the last molar and the second being the molar adjacent to it. The pain occurs for around 30 minutes after I eat. I would describe it as throbbing. After relief, the pain does not return again until I have my next meal. There are no signs of abcess and now fould smell. I’ve even been to my dentist about it twice. He’s x-rayed it and found nothing. I’m not keen on the idea of extracting the tooth as the tooth itself seems healthy but that is the only recommendation my dentist has for me.

Angela

Dear Angela,

I’m glad you wrote. Do not have this tooth extracted. I honestly don’t think this is the best dentist for you. Your dentist is recommending you take out this tooth simply because he can’t figure out what is wrong. To put it frankly, that is one of the stupidest reasons to do so, especially because the problem is with your gum, not the tooth. That’s like saying, “Well, we can’t figure out this pain in your leg, so let’s remove your spleen.” What?! The only thing I can think of is he is hoping to provide you with a dental implant to replace the tooth.

While you look for another dentist, I would like you to see a periodontist, which is a gum specialist. If I were treating you, the first thing I’d check is for is a pocket in the gums between those two teeth. It is possible that you have food getting trapped in there and once it disintegrates some, the pain lessens. A deep cleaning may be all you need.

You may be going to a dentist who does not pay much attention to gums. This is a shame because giving that the attention it deserves can help with the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease. When gum disease is left untreated you can end up losing your teeth.

Look for another dentist and see that periodontist.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Why Do I Keep Needing Extractions if I Care for My Teeth?

Posted on April 20, 2023 by writeradmin.

I am very frustrated and looking for an independent opinion. I go to the dentist two, sometimes three times a year. I’m fastidious with my teeth and do all the at-home care as well. After each appointment, I ask specifically whether or not there are any problems. Two visits ago, I had a tooth under what my dentist called “watch status”. However, by the time I got to my next appointment, he told me the tooth was unsavable and I would need to have it extracted as well as get a replacement tooth. I had my doubts about this but he said that my teeth are uncommon and just develop problems faster than others. Odd that this was not a problem with the dentist in the previous state I lived in. However, I decided this one time to give him the benefit of the doubt. Shortly after this, a filling I had done by him the year before just fell out. I had not been warned there were any problems with this filling. I went to his office and “shocker” he tells me the tooth needs a root canal treatment. Then, when I go for my root canal, “shocker”, this tooth has to be extracted. I’m feeling taken advantage of. Is there any way to recoup some of my money?

Darren

Dear Darren,

Yes, I believe you have a definite situation of negligence here. Bear in mind, I am only going on the information you’ve provided. That being said, it is highly unusual for someone who keeps up with their dental appointments and oral hygiene to need a root canal treatment. In fact, that is the entire point of going to dental appointments is to prevent things like this, which is why we call it preventative dentistry. To go from watch to unrestorable between appointments is gross negligence on his part. “Watch” status should have been so small that there was hardly any way for it to grow that quickly.

Secondly, having a filling just fall out is unusual as well. It can happen, but it is not likely. Combined with the first incident, I see a pattern. Not a good one, either.

What Can You Do About This?

A lawsuit may not be your best option because it will be hard to prove. You’d have to have all the x-rays showing what the watch condition was, and let’s be honest, who knows if he actually has them or even if he won’t accidentally lose them. Your best bet is to find a different dentist. Then, tell the other dentist that you will not report him to the dental board or leave a review telling about his gross negligence that has cost you a fortune if he pays for the additional expenses he has cost you, especially any tooth replacements you need, such as dental implants.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Gum Inflammation After Dental Crown

Posted on July 30, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had a dental crown placed on a tooth. Since then, my gum has been painful and inflamed. It has been months and with no change. Neither my dentist nor my periodontist has any idea how to fix this. I saw a prosthodontist who said that the dentist put in the crown too deep and went to the bone. He also said it is a health risk that needs to be treated but that the surgical treatment could lead to some cosmetic damage to the area between my two front teeth. He also said there is no guarantee this will resolve the issue either. I feel lost as to how to handle this.

Dana

Dear Dana,

The one thing they were right about is that this does have to be dealt with. The inflamed gums means something is wrong and is generally a sign that gum disease is developing. I am frustrated with the timidity of their recommendation. They’re saying you should have the gum surgery. However, they are saying it in such a way that they have an “out” and can’t get sued if you don’t like the results. They’re saying that you may have some cosmetic damage, but let’s be honest, you already have cosmetic damage here with the gums. Even if there is some minor cosmetic damage to the papilla, that is better than leaving gum disease untreated.

My recommendation is you have the surgery. Find a prosthodontist to do this that you trust and has done the surgery enough times to have some skill, but get it done. When gum disease is left untreated, you can end up losing teeth, and not just the tooth that has the gum diease right now. It will spread and you can lose all your teeth and end up needing dental implants.

One other thing. Your dentist caused this problem and as such should take responsibility for its repair.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

My Dentures Won’t Stay In

Posted on November 14, 2021 by writeradmin.

I’ve worn dentures for 25 years and recently, they just won’t stay in. I’ve tried every kind of adhesive known to man. If I saw a dentist, would just re-lining them work or will they need to be replaced? I haven’t needed a dentist in years.

Brent

Dear Brent,

What you are battling at the moment is known as facial collapse. When your teeth were removed for your dentures twenty-five years prior, your body immediately began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. This is because it wants to use your body’s resources as efficiently as possible. Without teeth, you don’t need that bone to retain the teeth roots. The unfortunate side effect of that is your jawbone slowly begins shrinking. With the amount of time that has past, you no longer have enough bone in your lower jaw to support your dentures. This is why they keep falling out.

The solution to this is two-fold. First, you will need to have a procedure known as bone grafting done. This will build back up the bone structure necessary to keep your dentures in place.

Once that is completed, your second step is to have new tooth replacements made. You have a couple of choices with this. You can simply have a new pair of dentures made. That is the cheapest option. The obvious downside to that is the cycle of facial collapse will start again. Your other option is to have implant overdentures placed.

Implant Overdentures

With implant overdentures, you will have between four to eight dental implants placed and then, after a period allowed for healing and for the bone to integrate with the implants, your dentist can anchor your dentures to them. These are more expensive, but it will prevent any future facial collapse and your quality of life will go up in regard to your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Adult Teeth Behind Baby Teeth

Posted on November 8, 2021 by writeradmin.

I’m 16 years old and have three baby teeth still. The adult teeth are there, but grew in sort of behind the baby teeth. Is there any way for me to fix this?

Cassie

Dear Cassie,

I am sorry you are even having to deal with this. I don’t understand why your pediatric dentist didn’t deal with this years ago. Here is what should have been done for the benefit of any parents out there reading. If your child has baby teeth that are not coming loose with adult teeth ready to erupt, the thing to do is have the baby teeth removed. This opens up the space so your child’s teeth can properly come in at their correct positions.

For you, Cassie, you’ll have to take a two-step process. First, the baby teeth will need to be extracted. That won’t be difficult because they should hardly have any roots left. However, if you’re worried, I would see a family dentist who offers dental sedation. This can give you an anxiety-free appointment.

After the teeth are erupted, I would first see an Invisalign Dentist to see if your case will qualify for that treatment. Invisalign allows patients to straighten their teeth without anyone even knowing because they use clear aligners.

If Invisalign is not an option for you, then you will have to go the traditional braces route. Either way, you will have a nice, straight smile in the end.

What if there are not adult teeth?

There are cases where a patient has congenitally missing adult teeth. That means while most of his or her adult teeth come in, there are some that just aren’t there. In that case, you would still do something like Invisalign or braces to open up the spot for a full-sized tooth. Then, when you are older and your jaw is fully developed you can replace the missing teeth with dental implants. In the meantime, after the orthodontics, you can use a dental flipper to keep the space open.

I hope this helps and, again, I’m sorry your childhood dentist did not help you prevent the situation to begin with.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

Gum Disease and No Dental Insurance

Posted on October 26, 2021 by writeradmin.

I need to figure out what to do. I was told I have gum disease at my last checkup, which was a year ago. I don’t have dental insurance so I waited to deal with it. I noticed this morning that the gums on the two front bottom teeth are getting lower. Is this from the gum disease? If so, what do I do?

Carol

Dear Carol,

You want to take gum disease very seriously. Yes, the lowering of your gums is a direct result of that gum disease. They will continue to do that until eventually your teeth become loose and fall out. I would not wait on dental insurance for this. Instead, I would take this by the reins and start getting treatment right away.

Believe me when I tell you this will cost you less money than what it will take to replace your teeth. The cheapest option is dentures, but unless you are in your 80s, this is not a good long-term solution. Once your teeth are removed, your body will begin resorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. After ten or so years, there will not be enough bone left to keep your dentures in place. In dental circles, this is known as facial collapse.

The way to prevent that is by getting implant overdentures instead. These use between four and eight dental implants and then anchor dentures to them. The implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots and signal to your body that you have teeth there. As a result, it leaves your jawbone intact.

However, dental implants are expensive. Your best bet is to get to the dentist and have that gum disease treated. Look for a dentist who advertises as an affordable dentist. They are often willing to allow you to make payments on your treatment instead of having to pay it all at once.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.

I Think I Have Gum Disease & am Afraid of Dentists

Posted on March 22, 2021 by writeradmin.

The last few times I’ve brushed my teeth, there has been blood. I also noticed that the gums of my lower teeth are pretty low, much lower than they should be. I looked this up on the internet and it sounds like I have gum disease. I have had a phobia of dentists. I know this needs to be taken care of but I’m a bit terrified. Do you know of anything that can help me?

Lindsey,

Dear Lindsey,

I am very glad you reached out and I feel quite confident I can help you. First, I will say that you are correct. It does sound like you have gum disease based on what you described. It is imperative you know that it is important you deal with this issue. If it is allowed to progress, you will end up losing your teeth. The good news is, this can be fixed. So, the next issue is how to get you comfortable in the dental chair.

I would like you to look for a sedation dentist in your area, specifically a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation. This is administered simply by you swallowing a pill. However, it is a seriously strong pill. You will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment, as well as stay with you for a little bit afterward until you are lucid and steady on your feet again.

Dentists who offer this service generally cater to patients with dental anxiety. There should not be any lectures or judgment that comes with the appointment. Instead, you’ll get a healthy smile and gums in a completely stress-free way.

Patients who spent years avoiding the dentist find that this completely changes their lives. You will feel completely different about your dental appointments.

I want to make certain that you don’t put this off. Gum disease is serious. I am still hopeful that you will be able to save your bottom teeth, but if your gums are as far down as it sounds, I’d like you to get in as soon as possible.

Don’t panic if they cannot be saved. There is a way to replace them that is just like having healthy, natural teeth. My recommendation would be dental implants as the best replacement, though you may need some bone grafting first. Hopefully, none of that will be necessary and the sedation dentist you choose will save all of your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Informed Consent with Dental Sedation? Nope

Posted on November 26, 2020 by writeradmin.

Can you advise me? I went in to get one tooth extracted and another crowned. I am a bit of a baby when it comes to dental work, so I had dental sedation. When I got home they called to see how I was and told me that they had to extract the second tooth, rather than place a dental crown on it. Then, the next day I was having some pain in my sinuses and called them. That’s when they informed me the second, unplanned, extraction perforated the sinus a little. I have had multiple complications since, including a massive infection and the need to go to an ENT for extraction of bone fragments. I want them to pay my medical care. They’re refusing on the grounds that I consented. But, I have no recollection of giving consent to the second extraction. Where do I go from here?

Alicen

Dear Alicen,

There are some real problems with the treatment you have received. First, if you were under dental sedation, you were unable to give informed consent. Period. It is poor form on their part to try to claim that. Second, the extraction technique wasn’t correct because it led to a sinus perforation which included bone being left in the cavity. Third, they didn’t inform you of the perforation until two days later. That likely led to your infection.

I’d give your dentist one more chance to make this right, which would include them paying all your follow up medical care. If they refuse, my suggestion would be to let them know you will be contacting an attorney. That should sober her. If it doesn’t, her attorney and malpractice insurance certainly will. They will tell her to settle. If you end up going to court, you’ll likely get more than just the medical expenses.

Hopefully, she will smarten up and do the right thing. If not, you’ll have to follow through. I am sorry this happened to you. I hope it doesn’t discourage you from further care.

You didn’t mention what they replaced your teeth with, if anything. It will be important to have a replacement or the remaining teeth will begin to shift or tip into the empty space. If at all possible, you should replace the missing teeth with dental implants. These are by far the best tooth replacement option available. They are the most like having a healthy natural tooth.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Novocain Resistance

Posted on October 4, 2020 by writeradmin.

I am 30 years old and very behind in my dental care. The big reason for that is I have a resistance to Novocain. It just doesn’t work for me. As you can imagine, this has made most procedures at the dentist absolutely excruciating. I have three teeth in bad condition and I don’t feel like I can put off getting them taken care of any more. I’m pretty sure they’ll need to come out. Have you had patients in my position before? Have you found anything helpful?

Meredith

Dear Meredith,

Sleep dentistry changes lives.

Yes, I have seen this before AND I have a solution for you. I’m sorry you’ve had to go this many years without getting the help you needed. The reason for that, unfortunately, is that many dentists do not know the connection between dental anxiety and Novocain resistance.

There is a metabolic phenomenon that the higher your anxiety, the less effective the Novocain will be. Given your history of painful dental appointments, my guess is your anxiety is through the roof. It is no wonder you avoid the dentist! What I’d like you to do is find a dentist who offers dental sedation options. I think you, in particular, will need someone who offers Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS). This is sometimes called sleep dentistry because you are able to sleep through your appointment if you want to. Then, once you have all the major work done, you can relax a bit more and maybe use something less strong, such as nitrous oxide.

There is an additional benefit that with Oral Conscious Sedation, you will be able to get more work done in each sitting. The only real downside to it is its strength. You will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment because you will be too woozy to drive.

What if Your Teeth Can’t Be Saved?

I haven’t examined the particular teeth you need to have treated. Hopefully, they can be saved. If not, I want you to have the best replacement possible, especially at your young age. If the teeth have to be extracted, the best possible tooth replacements are dental implants. These place prosthetic tooth roots into your jawbone that will help your body to recognize you still have teeth there.

Without those root forms, your body will begin to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in the area of the missing teeth, shrinking the jawbone in that area.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.

Hospital for Extractions?

Posted on January 15, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have avoided the dentist for a LONG time. Then, I developed some pretty severe tooth pain and had to go to the dentist. It was excruciating. It turns out I need two teeth extracted. I don’t think I can go back, but I know I can’t keep this pain from the toothaches either. Is it possible to have these teeth extracted under anesthesia?

Karen

Dear Karen,

OCS is sometimes called Sleep Dentistry

I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I know it is hard. I have a solution for you that will not only save you a small fortune but can change your life. While you could likely find a dentist willing to do your extractions at a hospital under anesthesia it will cost quite a bit of money. Fortunately, there is a way to have pain free dental care without having to go to the hospital.

There are dental sedation options which can give you an anxiety-free procedure. While sedation dentistry has several options, because of the level of anxiety you have experienced, I’m going to suggest you get oral conscious sedation (OCS). This is so strong many patients will sleep completely through the procedure. It’s administered by you taking a pill. However, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You will be in no condition to drive. They’ll need to stay with you for a few hours at your home as well, until you are lucid and steady on your feet again.

Sedation Dentistry Can Save Your Teeth

Many people with anxiety, like yourself, end up doing dental care on an emergency basis only. As you’re experiencing, this can cost you teeth. Once you try OCS, you’ll likely find you will no longer be afraid to get your work done.

Another benefit is being able to catch up on your necessary work more quickly. Because you are so relaxed, your dentist will be able to get more done in each sitting.

Replacing Your Missing Teeth

You won’t want to leave those spaces open because the adjacent teeth are going to start to shift into the open places. If you are looking for the best tooth replacement option, I would suggest getting dental implants. These are most like having healthy, natural teeth again.

This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.