All posts by ddrowns

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Do your gums grow back after quitting chewing tobacco?

I chewed tobacco for about 10 years and recently quit. I noticed that my gums had receded quite a bit. Will they grow back?

Thanks, Steve

Dear Steve,

It’s great that you were able to quit such an addicting habit that affects the entire mouth as well as your general health. Studies have shown that 10% to 30% of regular chew tobacco users have gum recession and develop some bone loss around the teeth. Besides gum recession other risk factors for tobacco use are sores in the mouth, oral cancer, tooth decay and sensitivity.

Unfortunately our gums do not grow back. Gum recession is usually permanent and difficult to repair. Stopping your tobacco use will prevent further gum recession; however you also have to make sure you have good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing daily as well as visiting your dentist every six months for your dental cleanings.

We advise you to address your gum recession concerns with your dentist who may recommend surgery of a more cosmetic or restorative nature to make your smile look more aesthetically pleasing.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

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I chipped a front tooth, can it be grow back?

I chipped one of my front teeth, but it still has the root and is a minor chip. I was wondering if adult teeth can be re-grown.

Thanks Aaron

Dear Aaron,

Unfortunately teeth that become chipped or broken do not grow back. If the chip is small your dentist will most likely place a white colored filling best known as dental bonding where the chip was and make your tooth look natural again. Sometimes when chips are so small cosmetic contouring is a good option. This is accomplished by taking a drill or laser and reshaping your chipped tooth. Usually when this procedure is done minor reshaping on your other front teeth is required as well to make your smile look more uniform. This is a very inexpensive quick procedure that requires no anesthetic.

The longer you let your chipped tooth go untreated the more prone you are to chipping the tooth even more with the possibility of having to have a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown placed. These two types of permanent restorations are more expensive than dental bonding and cosmetic contouring as well as take a longer time in the chair and more trips to the dental office. We recommend you consult your dentist to see what treatment option is best for you.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

 

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Why do my teeth have small holes at the gum line?

I was eating chips and thought I cut my gum. When I looked in the mirror I noticed that a couple of my bottom front teeth had holes in them. I changed my toothpaste, been brushing three times a day, and am using Listerine twice a day however after a month my teeth seem to be getting more holes. I have not been to the dentist for two years, are these holes cavities?

Thanks, Skylar

Dear Skylar,

It sounds like your teeth are developing cavities at the gum line and that its time for you to make a dental appointment. Tooth decay at the gum line is usually caused from a diet high in citric or ascorbic acid. These types of acids are common in sodas including diet soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices. Drinking these types of liquids on a daily basis erodes the enamel making our teeth highly weak and very susceptible to tooth decay.

There is no special toothpaste or mouthwash over the counter that is going to prevent these areas of erosion from getting worse, however improving your hygiene and greatly decreasing your intake of acidic drinks will help prevent further complications. If you have a lot of erosion of the enamel your dentist may recommend you to use a prescription toothpaste that contains a higher amount of fluoride to prevent further tooth decay.  It is recommended that if you are using Listerine make sure it contains no alcohol. Mouthwashes that have alcohol tend to make the mouth dryer, therefore causing more plaque buildup, a possibility of more tooth decay, and make ones breath not so fresh.

If the areas of tooth decay are small your dentist will most likely be able to place a tooth colored filling in the area. It the decay wraps around the tooth a more permanent restoration like a porcelain crown may be recommended.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist

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What to expect with a tooth implant surgery?

I’m getting a tooth implant surgery tomorrow in the front and I was wondering exactly what to expect.  I’m getting IV sedation so I know during the procedure it won’t be too bad, but how bad of pain will I experience in the days after? Do people swell or bruise with this surgery? And are you able to go back to school quickly? And one more question… A little later after the surgery do you think I could go shopping? I’m getting the surgery done in a city so it would be kind of nice if I could.

Thanks, Haley

Dear Haley,

A dental implant is a great choice especially for an anterior tooth because it will feel and look natural. You may have some discomfort however your dentist will probably prescribe some medication to help ease the pain. Make sure you take your medicine on a full stomach since pain medications can cause nausea and you will want to take it within a couple hours after your surgery.

Due to the fact that you’re being sedated during the procedure, we recommend that you go home and rest afterward. IV sedation can make one drowsy and you may experience some nausea therefore you should put off shopping for the day. Most patients feel back to normal after about 8 hours following the procedure however you should resume your normal routine when you feel comfortable. You should be able to return to school the next day, however that all depends on your pain tolerance and comfort level. There will be some pain but with each passing day the pain subsides.

Swelling is somewhat common to the mouth and cheeks however the severity depends on the surgery. If you are having bone grafting as well you may notice more swelling along with some bruising however usually 2 or 3 days after your surgery. Its best after surgery to put ice packs on your face where the implant was placed to help reduce any swelling that might occur at least for the first 24 hours.

Post courtesy of Dr. Malone, Lafayette Louisiana Cosmetic Dentist