Should I Update My Dental Implants?

I have had my current dental implants since the late 1990s. There are two of them on my lower arch. I keep reading about the updates in the dental implants technology and materials and have lately been wondering if I should update mine for the newer materials, such as zirconia rather than titanium. What do you think?

Pricilla

Dear Pricilla,

It is wonderful that you keep up with the developments in the dental field. That combined with how long your dental implants are lasting tells me you take very good care of your smile. Do the developments that have taken place in recent years warrant you updating your current dental implants, though?

Replacing a dental implant is not as simple as taking out the old ones and switching them with the new ones. When the older implants are removed, some bone structure will go with them. This means you will need to have some bone grafting done in order to place the new dental implants. Then, once that has had time to heal, it will be another surgery to get the new implants followed by another period of healing while osseointegration takes place. Only then, will the implant crown be able to be placed. That is a LOT to go through when you have solid, functional dental implants.

Zirconia is tempting for many people because we love the idea of metal-free dental implants. I’m not saying don’t switch out. That, of course, is up to you. However, I would say that there is no evidence that the zirconia is either superior or inferior to the implants you currently have so it may not be worth the unnecessary surgery.

What to Look for With Dental Implant Failure

When you would want to take action is when the implants seem to be nearing the end of their life. Here are some things you can keep an eye out for when it comes to failing implants:

• Discomfort and difficulty biting and chewing. This may signify a developing infection.
• Pain and discomfort around the implant.
• The implant shifting or feeling “loose”.
• Gingival recession around the implant.
• Swollen, inflamed gum tissue around the area.

If any of these symptoms occur I would consult with your implant dentist and evaluate whether it is time for a replacement.

This blog is brought to you by Moline Dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel.

 

Do I Need a Root Canal or an Extraction and Implant?

Three years ago, my wife and I got in an accident that released the airbags in our van. I took a hard blow to my face, and since then, my front left tooth has been sensitive on and off. My dentist said she would watch the tooth, but it began to turn dark last fall. I saw my dentist last week for the first time since Covid, and she referred me to an endodontist for a root canal. The endodontist will complete the root canal next week. Will the root canal improve the tooth color, or will I need to see a cosmetic dentist? Should I get an extraction and dental implant anyway? – Thank you. Gordon from St. Petersburg, FL

Gordon,

Thank you for your question.

Will Root Canal Treatment Lighten a Dark Tooth?

Root canal treatment will not lighten a dark tooth. It often makes a tooth darker. Why would root canal treatment darken a tooth? When a dentist leaves root canal filling material and cement in the portion of the tooth above the gumline, the tooth darkens.

Preventing a Tooth from Darkening After Root Canal Treatment

Your dentist can minimize the darkening effects of root canal treatment with these steps:

• Remove root canal filling and cement from the tooth crown
• Bleach the tooth internally
• Seal the bleaching solution inside the tooth
• Insert a flexible fiberglass post in the tooth and fill the tooth with composite, or correct the color with a porcelain veneer

When most of the structure is left on a front tooth, preparing it for a crown can weaken and increase the risk of breaking it. A cosmetic dentist can correct the color with a porcelain veneer after root canal treatment if your front tooth is intact.

Unless your tooth is severely damaged and the endodontist (a root canal specialist) cannot save it, it is best to preserve it and avoid extraction and a dental implant. We recommend scheduling a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine your tooth and discuss your treatment options.

 

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding Around My Crowns?

I got five new crowns three years ago, and I think I may be allergic to them now. For the past few months, I have noticed bleeding between two crowns and my gums. My dentist says my crowns are GC LiSi Press ceramic, so it is unlikely that it’s an allergy. Is it possible that I am allergic to the material? What could be irritating my gums? Will I need new crowns, or am I at risk of losing my teeth? Thanks for your help. Jayla T. from TX

Jayla,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Goebel would need to examine your crowns and gums to determine what is irritating your gums. We will provide information on sensitivities to lithium disilicate.

What Are GC LiSi Press Crowns?

GC LiSi Press crowns are ceramic, lithium disilicate crowns. You would unlikely be allergic to only two of your five GC LiSi Press crowns. We have not heard reports of lithium disilicate allergies, but it is not impossible for someone may react to it.

What Causes Bleeding Around Dental Crowns?

Food particles caught between your gums or a functional problem with the crowns near your gumline may cause bleeding and irritation. When you floss, try to discern whether anything around your crowns is catching the floss or preventing it from moving freely. Snagging floss usually means your dentist must correct an overhang or ledge on the crowns.

It is unlikely that your concerns are related to a condition leading to tooth loss and the need for replacement options, such as a dental implant.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination. If your dentist cannot resolve the issue, get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

 

I Still Have Two Baby Teeth

On the upper left side of my mouth, the incisor and canine teeth are still the baby teeth, even though I am 28 years old. The missing adult teeth never grew in. My smile really looks funny because the two teeth are very noticeable. I don’t want porcelain crowns or veneers. Is it possible to remove the teeth and replace them with implants? – Thank you. Karson from Lincoln, NE

Karson,

Thank you for your question.

If You Still Have Baby Teeth Will Dental Implants Work?

If you still have two baby teeth, dental implants can replace them if there are no impacted permanent teeth beneath the primary teeth. In many cases, the permanent teeth are impacted. You cannot replace the teeth with dental implants until a dentist takes x-rays to locate the permanent teeth. Afterward, the dentist will determine your treatment options.

Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist who can help impacted teeth erupt into the correct position. It is common for lateral incisors, premolars, and wisdom teeth not to form. The orthodontist may open your gum tissue to expose each tooth. If the teeth need assistance emerging into the correct position, braces can guide them.

An orthodontist will determine whether there is enough room for each tooth to erupt or if they must reposition or remove any teeth to help impacted teeth emerge. Dental implants may be an option for underdeveloped or malformed impacted teeth.

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.

How Long Can I Delay Root Canal or Tooth Removal?

A crown on my upper left first molar broke. My dentist said that the tooth had died, and if he could not remove all the decay, he would refer me to an oral surgeon to remove the tooth. Then, he would place a dental bridge. I asked my dentist to refer me to an endodontist, and I have an appointment in two weeks. I read online that a dental implant is better than a bridge. Is there any reason I should have the tooth removed right away? How long can I wait before this becomes a bigger problem? – Thank you. Selina from Allegheny, PA

Selina,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Goebel would need to examine your teeth and x-rays. But we can offer some insight.

Removing vs. Saving a Tooth

If a tooth is healthy enough to save and will not negatively affect your oral health, it is best to save it. Although dental implants are a highly effective tooth replacement, healthy natural teeth are better. We recommend that you keep your appointment with the endodontist (root canal specialist) for a second opinion.

How Long Can You Wait Before a Root Canal?

You did not mention if your tooth hurts, but the specialist will need to check for the extent of the infection. Without treatment, infection will continue to spread. So, the condition of your teeth and your oral health will continue to decline without root canal treatment.

Also, if the tooth requires removal, leaving the space without a dental implant will allow other teeth to drift into the area. Tooth misalignment can lead to other issues like jaw pain or the need for orthodontic treatment.

Get a Second Opinion

Your dentist seems uncomfortable replacing your tooth with a dental implant and crown. Even if your dentist would refer you to an oral surgeon for implant placement, we are concerned about his experience with implant crowns and crowns in general. After your appointment with the root canal specialist, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an experienced dentist to discuss your options after root canal treatment or extraction.

 

Moline, Illinois dentist, Dr. Thomas Goebel, sponsors this post.

Which Implant and Crown Brands Should I Ask My Dentist to Use?

I am searching for a cosmetic dentist because I need extensive work done. So far, I have had two consultations. One dentist recommended ten implants for upper teeth. The other dentist wants to do a CT scan before defining her treatment plan. I have a few questions about some of the research I have done.

1. Are Astra implants from the UK a quality brand?
2. Is there anything a top cosmetic dentist can do to give Cercon® smart zirconia crowns a more natural look? I have read that they are as strong as PFM (porcelain fused to metal) crowns.
3. Is it true that white or gold metal is a good foundation for a crown and will not make my gum line dark?
4. What looks better, zirconium or white abutments for dental implants?

Thanks for your help. I cannot seem to find the answers to those four questions. If the solutions are online, maybe I do not understand the technical terminology.

Thanks. Roman from Seattle

Roman,

Our recommendation for any cosmetic dentistry patient is to focus on the dental artist instead of the dental materials. If you try to decide what is best for your smile, you will be directing your dentist. And that is not the right approach. Try to put yourself in the dentist’s position.

Reasons Not to Dictate to Your Cosmetic Dentist

Suppose you are an artist contracted to paint original works for a high-end corporate building. You consult with the building manager, who is not an artist, to find out what type of paintings she would like in the hallways. She gives you the information you need about the type of artwork to create, but she also gives you the following list:

• Types, brands, and sizes of brushes
• Paint brands and where to buy them
• Which stool to use as you paint the pictures
• The exact color palette for each painting

Although your signature will be on the paintings, the building manager’s list might negatively influence the results. Her micromanagement disregards your artistic talent and choice of materials, some of which are brands you prefer not to use. Her preferences make you uncomfortable.

An advanced cosmetic dentist is an artist with extensive training and experience in aesthetic dentistry. They know the factors that influence the health and beauty of your smile, including:

1. Materials – Knowledge of the pros and cons of dental materials, their mechanics, and if they will work for your case
2. Manufacturers – Ability to evaluate their claims about dental materials, products, and devices, and confirm that research supports the claims
3. Clinical use – Understanding how materials, tools, or parts will function in an actual patient case
4. Technique – Ability to predict how an element or component will work in the dentist’s hands based on their skill and experience

Which Metal-Based Crowns Will Not Show Through Your Gumline?

Neither porcelain-fused-to-white-metal nor porcelain-fused-to-gold crowns will prevent a dark line at the gumline. Consider a few facts:

• The color of every metal used in porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown is either white or gold.
• A dark line at the gumline is the cement line.
• When cosmetic dentists combine bonding techniques with pure ceramic—not metal color—it eliminates darkness at the gumline.
• Another method to minimize the dark line is for the dental ceramist to cut back the metal at the margin and replace it with porcelain.

Zirconium

Zirconium oxide is an opaque white, but a ceramist can cover it with a translucent ceramic. You will have an extraordinarily strong crown that looks natural.

Choose an accredited cosmetic dentist who is experienced in implant dentistry, too. They will consider your case and choose high-quality materials that function well and look natural.

 

Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.

Why Can’t the Dentist Find the Source of My Toothache?

I don’t have a regular dentist, but for the past 2 months my tooth and gums have been hurting and getting worse. Last Wednesday a dentist took me as an emergency patient. After the exam he only gave me something for pain. He said that he wasn’t sure where the pain is coming from and I need to see a specialist. Why wouldn’t a dentist be able to figure out why I have a toothache? He just looked at my tooth. Would an x-ray have helped? Do I really need to see specialist, or can I look for another dentist? Thank you. Thomas

Thomas,

Thank you for your question.

Pain in your tooth can originate with an infection in the tooth, or with an infection in your gums. If an infection is both in your tooth and your gums, it would make it difficult for the emergency dentist to make that determination.

What Causes a Toothache?

• Root canal infection – An infection in the root canal of a tooth can spread into the bone and tissue around the tooth, which help to support and stabilize the tooth. With a history of the progression of your pain, along with x-rays, a dentist can determine that the problem started in your tooth and spread to your gums and jawbone.
• Gum infection – Another possibility is an infection that starts in the gums and spreads to the tooth. An advanced gum infection can spread into the tooth roots and up into the pulp of the tooth, causing a very painful toothache.
• Gum and tooth infection – It is possible that both your gums and tooth are infected. If that’s the case, a dentist needs to carefully review the history of your toothache, take an x-ray of the tooth, and test the sensitivity of your tooth to pressure and temperature. Another dentist may be thorough enough to determine the cause of your pain. Otherwise, you may have to see an endodontist (root canal specialist) or a periodontist (specialist in the gums and supporting structure of the teeth).

The infection will continue to spread until it is treated, so please do not delay treatment. An experienced dentist can save the tooth and prevent the need for an extraction and implant.

 

Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Dental Implant Delayed Due to a Sinus Infection

Can you tell me why my dentist can’t clear my sinus infection after tooth extraction? This issue prevents me from getting a dental implant. After removing my upper left tooth, my dentist prescribed clindamycin antibiotics for a week, but the infection isn’t gone. I finished the antibiotics, but I still feel pressure in my face and nose. I have tried nose spray and decongestant. Before I call the office back, can you give me an idea of what my dentist should recommend?

Also, if his recommendation does not match yours, should I ask for another round of clindamycin? Is this a routine problem that my dentist should have known about? I am afraid it will not heal, and I cannot get an implant. Thank you. Jeremiah from Columbia, SC

Jeremiah,

Dr. Goebel would need to examine your tooth and review your x-ray for an accurate diagnosis. But from your description, your dentist is not negligent.

Upper molar tooth roots are often located close to the sinus. So, when your dentist removes a tooth, the sinus can rupture. Sometimes only a thin membrane separates tooth roots and the sinus.

A dentist may treat the issue with these steps:

• Close the perforation
• Use a surgical gelatin sponge or bone grafting if you need a dental implant
• Stich the opening closed
• Prescribed antibiotics if you have an infection

After finishing antibiotics, contact your dentist if the infection does not clear. Although you may need another course of antibiotics, your dentist may need to switch you from clindamycin. Sometimes bacteria become antibiotic resistant.

Afterward, if the infection persists, your dentist may need to refer you to an otolaryngologist (or ear, nose, and throat specialist). The specialist will coordinate your care with your dentist to ensure the infection is gone before dental implant surgery.

You can expect about four months of bone graft healing before you get a dental implant. And after implant surgery, it takes three to four months for your jawbone and implant to fuse. Then, your dentist can complete the implant with a dental crown.

Cosmetic dentist Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post.

Are My Dental Crowns Too Short?

crowns. The implant crowns are on my top left first and second molars, but they do not touch the bottom first and second molars when I bite down. My dentist checked my bite when he placed the crown, and he knows the teeth do not meet. I thought that top and bottom teeth should slightly meet when you bite down or chew. Are my implant crowns too short? – Thank you. Cecilia from Detroit

Cecilia,

Dr. Goebel would need to examine your teeth and implant crowns to determine whether the crowns are too short or if another issue is affecting your bite. But yes, your upper and lower teeth should touch when you bite down or chew. To achieve a proper bite, a dentist needs advanced training in occlusion (how your teeth come together).

Should Your Upper and Lower Teeth Touch?

Your upper and lower teeth should touch when your mouth is closed and when you bite down for several reasons:

• Jaw function – When you clench your teeth together, all your teeth will meet at the same time if your bite is aligned correctly.
• Sliding function – When you move your teeth from one side to another, either only your canine teeth should touch, or all your back teeth should touch evenly.

Without proper occlusion (how your teeth meet), your teeth may move over time and become crowded. Also, a misaligned bite can cause jaw and neck pain, headaches, and ringing in our ears.

Some dentists check your bite with this method:

• Put a 0.05 mm thin strip of plastic between your teeth
• Ask you to clench your teeth together
• Pull the strip to see if your teeth can hold it or if it is easy to release

If your teeth meet correctly, they will hold onto the strip.

Ask your dentist to recheck your bite to ensure your implant crowns fit well. If your dentist cannot resolve the issue, schedule a consultation with a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite.

 

Cosmetic dentist Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post.

My Implant Crown Is Still the Wrong Color

After two tries, my dentist could not get the color right on my implant crown. He had me visit the lab to check the crown color. Both times, when the crown was ready, my dentist was hasty in attaching it. I cannot see well in his office. And in retrospect, I should have gone outside to look at my crown. It is still the wrong color. My current peak hurts, too. My dentist had difficulty getting it onto the implant, so I avoid chewing on the left side of my mouth. Although my dentist thinks I need time to adjust to the crown, I’m done with him. Still, I am a little nervous about finding another dentist and getting a new implant crown. Can I ask for a refund? Thanks. Dmitriy

Dmitriy,

We are sorry that you have a frustrating experience with your implant crown. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant should give you natural-looking results so that you cannot tell the difference between the implant and your natural teeth. That is one reason people choose implants.

When a Dentist Cannot Match Your Implant Crown to Your Teeth

When your dentist cannot get your implant crown color right after several tries, they lack experience and training in cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist seems to have little interest in your comfort and how your implant looks. A dentist who takes pride in the work gets your opinion before cementing a crown. It is unusual to send a patient to the dental lab for color-matching, which implies that your dentist does not have confidence in his work.

Get a Second Opinion

You are wise to get a second opinion for replacing your implant crown. This time, look for a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and restoring dental implants. You can expect the following:

• Achieve a perfect color match for your crown
• Replace the crown without damaging your implant
• Ensure the implant crown fits well and is in harmony with your bite

 

You can begin by scheduling consultations with at least two implant dentists with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. After the consultation, you can choose a dentist. And yes, ask your dentist for a refund because he did not give you a functioning crown that matches your natural teeth. Your new dentist may be willing to help you request a refund.

Cosmetic dentist, Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post.