dental crowns Archives | Poplar Crossing Dental

TMJ Disorder Caused by Dental Tourism

Posted on April 8, 2024 by writeradmin.

I need some advice. I went to Costa Rica to have some dental work done cheaper than I can here because I needed about seven dental crowns. Before you lecture me, I learned my lesson. I just need to know what to do from here because I’m in bad shape and have limited funds. The problems actually started at the appointment when Dr. [name withheld, publicly] broke one of my teeth that didn’t need a crown so I ended up with an extra root canal and dental crown because of that. Once I returned, everything went downhill. The crowns feel uneven, and don’t all hit the opposing teeth. I was in pain and then one of the crowns popped off. In frustration, I went to a local dentist here in the U.S. He told me that all of the crowns had open margins and needed to be repaired. He also said they were not occluding with my teeth, which is why I was in so much pain. I contacted the Costa Rican dentist and he refused to take responsibility. I hired an attorney and we did get a Costa Rican Dentist to agree that the work was negligent. However, because I complained publicly about the dentist, which is apparently a felony there, they considered ME in violation of the law. It didn’t matter that I made the complaints from my computer in the U.S.. I ended up having to flee the country to keep from being arrested. I tried to get criminal charges filed against the dentist but was told he’d just bribe the officials so there was no point.

Carolyn

Dear Carolyn,

I am very sorry this happened to you, and don’t worry, you will not be lectured. What you’ve been through is not only expensive, but terrifying. Sometimes, as Americans, we don’t realize how great we have it. Having to flee the country must have been a dreadful experience. For the benefit of others, I am going post some red flags that may help someone else.

First, this dentist (whose name I have but she couldn’t share publicly for reasons stated above) has a minor in prosthodontics listed in his dental school degree. We don’t have minors in dental school. Second, he listed the DaVinci Institute as one of his places for post doctoral studies. This is a think tank, not a dental program. People may confuse it with a dental program because of DaVinci Dental Studio in California, which is a lab (again, not a school). Third, his practice seems to have changed names recently. This is a common practice from dodgy practitioners looking to escape some damage to their reputation. There do not seem to be any reviews for him either, at least not under this new name.

As for what you need to do, I have bad news for you. I know you are in a pickle financially, but there are two really big reasons for you to have these crowns redone. You will want to do it as soon as possible, too. First, is the open margins. You are going to have food and other bacteria get caught in there, which will lead to decay as well as gum disease. Second, the fact that your teeth are not occluding together is serious. If not repaired soon, you are going to end up with painful TMJ Disorder.

Because of the damage done, you are going to need to see someone with real expertise in TMJ Disorder. While this is not a recognized specialty, there are dentists who have some expertise in this area and that is what you will need. Look for someone who has trained at one of the following post-doctoral institutes:

The Dawson Academy
The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
The Pankey Institute

If anyone reading this is considering dental tourism, please look at Carolyn’s story as a warning and remember that cheap dentistry rarely ends up being affordable dentistry.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Fixing Peg Laterals

Posted on March 17, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have two peg laterals and they make me very uncomfortable about my smile. A friend told me that there may be a cosmetic solution for this. Can you tell me if that is true? I’d love to have a smile that doesn’t embarrass me.

Tess

Dear Tess,

For those who don’t know what a peg lateral are they are malformations in the teeth where not all the structure develops, leaving that tooth smaller looking than the other teeth. It is a congenital condition and not a result of anything the patient did.

Everyone wants a beautiful smile so I am glad you wrote. Your friend was correct. There is definitely a cosmetic solution for you. In fact, you have a couple of options.

Options for Repairing Peg Laterals

The first is to have them covered with porcelain crowns. Generally, we suggest preserving as much tooth structure as possible so we would not recommend dental crowns for healthy tooth structures. However, your teeth are already smaller, so they will not have much, if any, tooth structure to remove. In this case, it is a great solution.

Another option is dental bonding. This uses tooth colored bonding that will be used to fill in the missing structure on the tooth. Then the dentist can shape it, smooth it, and polish it. The picture above is an example of dental bonding used to repair a chipped tooth. When done well, it blends perfectly with your

Because these teeth are visible when you smile, you want to be certain that the dentist has some artistic skill. This is especially true for the dental bonding which has to be done freehand. With porcelain crowns, the dentist can try them in with a temporary try in paste and allow you to look at them and make sure you are happy with the results. Dental bonding doesn’t give that type of try in. The dentist does it directly on the tooth. My suggestion is you ask to look at their smile gallery to get an idea of what their cosmetic results look like.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Treating Enamel Hypoplasia

Posted on December 5, 2022 by writeradmin.

Could you tell me the best way to treat dental enamel hypoplasia? I’ve been dealing with this for a while and would really like to fix it. Someone told me that dental bonding was the solution and another said porcelain veneers. Which do you recommend?

Callie

Dear Callie,

I’m glad you wrote. The reason for the differences in treatment is it would depend on the amount of hypoplasia that you are dealing with. For the benefit of those who do not know the condition you are referring to, enamel hypoplasia is a genetic defect where the enamel of the teeth does not fully develop. In some cases, it is severe enough that the dentin is exposed. Sometimes, rather than a defect, it can be caused by disease during the formation of the teeth.

If you have mild hypoplasia, which usually manifests as white spots. In the case of the picture above on the left, you would just do dental bonding on the front left tooth. Don’t use a dentist who tells you that you would have to bond all the teeth to get it to match. That is a sign of an unskilled cosmetic dentist.

However, for something like the severe hypoplasia pictured on the right, you would need the porcelain veneers. If the inside surfaces of the teeth, then porcelain crowns will be necessary in order to cover all the affected areas of the tooth. Like the dental bonding, you would want someone with a high level of artistic skill and artistry to do the work for you.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Getting Implant Crowns to Look Natural?

Posted on March 1, 2022 by writeradmin.

I’ve had a bridge and a dental crown done many years ago. It is time to replace them because there is decay on the underneath tooth. I’m having the teeth extracted and getting dental implants. I have more money than when I originally got them and would really like a prettier smile this time around. One thing I’d like to change is how it sits away from the gums a bit. I also don’t like the gray line at the gumline that appeared on some of them. I’ve done some research and it looks like the gray line is from metal-based crowns. Because of that, I’m going to ask for all-porcelain crowns. Is there anything else I should know to ask for to make this time around look better?

Lucy

Dear Lucy,

Dental implants are a great tooth replacement option for your teeth, so great job choosing that. As for at the rest, I think I can help you, but will say upfront I think you will be better served by a different dentist. One of the reasons for the decay is that open space he left between your crown and the gums. Also, you had to do the research to learn about the metal based crowns. That is your dentist’s job and he didn’t do it. Any time you have to tell your dentist what to use to get a better result, it is a particularly bad sign.

Dental implants are a much more advanced procedure than a dental crown, which is the bread and butter of the dentist’s larder. I think you need to look for a dentist who has the advanced training in dental implants you will need. This is not a procedure adequately taught in dental school. It will require your dentist to have taken post-doctoral training.

Additionally, it sounds to me like the aesthetics of the case are important to you. That means you will want to find a dentist who also does beautiful work. Look at their smile gallery. One thing I will recommend is that you begin with teeth whitening. Over the years, your teeth pick up stains. You’ll want to remove those before your dentist permanently makes your crowns. That color is permanent and you will not be able to whiten those once they are made.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Swindled with Dental Implants

Posted on July 26, 2021 by writeradmin.

I went to a dentist who advertised treatment for TMJ pain. When I went, he said my case was one of the most complex cases he’d ever seen. He suggested a full-mouth reconstruction, which he did with a mixture of dental crowns and dental implants with crowns. I trusted him. I spend over $30,000 on this. Since then, almost all the crowns have fallen off. My mouth is a bloody mess whenever I even try to eat. I’ve stopped. I’ve been on a liquid and have lost too much weight. I kept trying to reach the dentist with no success. One day, I just went down there unannounced and found out that particular dentist has fled the company. When I asked for a refund they told me they’ve filed for bankruptcy. I am out all that money and cannot even eat. What do I do?

Melissa

Dear Melissa,

Implant Overdentures

What an absolute disaster. I am sorry you have had this experience. While most dentists have good intentions, even if they make an error, this one was obviously a swindler. With him fleeing the country, it will be unlikely you will be able to recoup any money. Obviously, you cannot live like this. The first thing I would do is get the dental implants themselves looked at to make sure the only problem is the crowns falling off. If they are stable, then it will be time to get the crowns replaced or rebonded.

If you still have any of the dental crowns, bring thtem with you. It’s possbile they can be re-attached with the proper bonding technique, which will save you a lot of money. I am also going to suggest that you explain what happened to whatever dentist you end up with. I am willing to guess more than a few of them will be willing to let you get the repairs done and pay this out as you can. You are in a tough spot that was brought on by no fault of your own.

For the benefit of others reading this, I am going to suggest any time you have a major treatment suggested, whether medical or dental, you make certain to get a second option before deciding. The second opinion dentist needs to be chosen by you and not your dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Why are My Teeth Whiter than My Dental Crown

Posted on May 3, 2021 by writeradmin.

I moved to a new town and the very first thing that happened to me was a car wreck. I’ve severely broken a front tooth as a result and needed to get a dental crown. I looked up dentists in the area with good reviews and went. I whiten my teeth about once every two years. As a result I have very white, clean looking teeth. The dentist I went to said he’d give me the whitest shade because of how white my teeth are. Once it was in, I could tell that is was not as white as the rest of my teeth. In fact, next to the other front tooth, it looks pretty lame. My dentist insists he gave me the whitest shade, but I’m having a hard time believing him at this point. What should I do?

Carol

Dear Carol,

The only way to get your crown to match y our front tooth at this point is to get a new one. You will need to do it with a different dentist though. He’s in a little over his head. My guess is that he doesn’t do much (if any) cosmetic work. When you whiten your teeth, it does not just remove stains. It can actually whiten the natural pigment of your teeth so that they are whiter than they were before they picked up stains.

Before teeth whitening was a thing dentists all used a shade guide to match their dental crowns to their patient’s front teeth. I have an example of the old shade guide pictured directly above. Then, in the 1990s, teeth whitening picked up in popularity. People’s teeth started getting whiter than the shades the dentists knew how to match. Now, any dentist who does even the simplest of cosmetic procedures will have the updated shade guide (pictured below).

As you can see, the updated guide has whiter selections for dentists to use with their patients. You have the added complication of your dental crown being on a front tooth. These are the most challenging to match. Even the best cosmetic dentists usually have to do a few try-ins before they get the exact replication. This is because tints have to be added to match the variations that are more visible on a front tooth because of the light. I don’t think the dentist you went to for this has any idea how to do that. I know he had good reviews and he may be an amazing bread and butter family dentist, but he is not right for what you need.

Ask him for a refund. You may not get it because if the crown is functional, that is all the dental board requires. However, most dentists care about how their patients feel about the work and he may be willing to give you at least a partial refund. Once you have that, look for someone who does cosmetic work. Then, make sure they are willing to use a temporary try in paste so you can see the crown in your mouth next to your other teeth first. AND, if you don’t like it they should be willing to send it back to the lab to get it right.

I hope this helps.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Danger of Dental Tourism

Posted on March 15, 2021 by writeradmin.

I want to get dental implants for a few missing teeth I have but for the cost my dentist quoted me, I could literally fly to Costa Rica, have the procedure done there, stay for a couple of weeks during recuperation, get a little sight seeing done and STILL have money left over. If you can’t give me some seriously good reasons not to, that is where I’m headed.

Brad

Dear Brad,

I’m very glad you wrote before finalizing any plans. You are not the first person to consider dental tourism. When there is a happy ending, you can save some money. When there is not a happy ending, the results vary from expensive to devastating.

One of the reasons dental care is more expensive here is because of the standards we hold both the practitioners and the materials to. The fewer the regulations, the cost will go down. Unfortunately, with rare exceptions, so does the quality of the care you receive.

This is even more dangerous with an advanced procedure, such as dental implants. Even in the United States, this is one of the leading areas for malpractice cases. But, take the most negligent dentist in the United States and you are still likely to get better care than you will in Costa Rica. Plus, in the U. S. you have recourse if things go poorly.

There aren’t the same standards in places such as Costa Rica. Many of these spots that are popular for dental tourism because of their low prices do not even have laws that require their dentists to sterilize equipment between patients. If you were to go there to get a dental crown, that might be okay. Though, depending on the sanitary measures the dentist adheres to you may end up with an infection.

With a dental implant, the risks are much greater. The fixtures could corrode or not be placed precisely opening the door to a serious infection in your jawbone. They could place the fixture on a nerve which will leave you with numbness, facial paralysis, or serious pain. There have even been cases where patients lost a portion of their jaw because a serious infection set in. What will you do if you have an emergency situation? It’s not like you can call the dentist and have him meet you at the office in 30 minutes.

Another consideration is follow-up. How many times are you willing to travel to Costa Rica for follow-up appointments? At the very least, you would have to go once for the surgery, then several times to check how osseointegration is fairing, then again to have the dental crowns placed on the implant fixtures.

If I were you, I would do it the safest way possible. It may cost you a little more, but it is worth the peace of mind to know you are getting the best care possible.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

Cavitron Safety with Composite Restorations

Posted on September 24, 2020 by writeradmin.

I am doing some research and getting conflicting information. I have three Class V composite restorations. My concern is whether on not to use a Cavitron Ultra Scaler on them or not. Some articles say they will damage the restoration. Others say they are fine to use. Which is correct?

Max

Dear Max,

What will damage my dental restorations?

This is a great and important question. There is a reason you are getting conflicting information. While some things, such as a power Prophy Jet or acidulated fluoride will damage dental restorations such as porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and composite tooth bonding every single time, a Cavitron instrument depends on the hygienist using the tools.

If the hygienist is smooth with the motions they use and light with their touch, there will be no damage to your restorations. However, if they don’t do this artfully, it can damage not just dental work, but even gouge the cementum of your tooth. This will leave you with sensitive areas of your tooth and leave it vulnerable to calculus.

When it comes to this type of situation, my advice is to ask your hygienist how she would use Calvitron on a Class V Restoration. If you are satisfied with her answer, you should be fine. If she doesn’t seem confident or doesn’t feel it needs to be handled any differently, ask her to stay away from the teeth with the restorations with that tool.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

How Long Do I Need to Wait After a Crown Before Getting a Root Canal?

Posted on August 17, 2020 by ectree.

Hi,

In late April, an endodontist did a root canal treatment on one of my bottom right molars. I had delayed the appointment, but the pain and inflammation were so bad that I couldn’t wait for COVID-19 restrictions to relax. The first appointment was okay, but the endodontist scheduled a second appointment because she thought there might be a fourth canal in the tooth that she didn’t clean. She found the fourth canal and spent what felt like an hour digging in it. It was so uncomfortable. She also found a crack in the fourth canal. After the procedure, I had pain and swelling for four days, but most of it is better.

I’m concerned because sometimes I feel dull pain at the bottom of the tooth near my jaw, along with a dull ache that radiates to my ear. It feels like a dull headache. I take ibuprofen every 6 hours. Is the dull pain normal? I’ve returned to a soft diet because I’m afraid that there is still infection, and I’ll need an extraction and a dental implant.

My next appointment is in two weeks to get a crown on the tooth. Should I postpone it, or is the pain normal? I had a Zoom meeting with my dentist, and he had me come to the office for an x-ray, but he didn’t see anything abnormal. My dentist said that it might be a good idea to delay the appointment another week or so for the crown, but he still seemed somewhat hesitant to disagree with the endodontist’s recommendation. Is it okay to get the crown, or should I wait?

Thank you,

Dahlia from Augusta, GA

Dahlia,

Your dentist’s advice to wait for the crown was good. But it may take more than a month to determine if the tooth is healthy enough to survive.

Reasons to Wait Before Getting a Dental Crown

A cracked canal might not heal – Root canal treatment isn’t always successful. A crack in the canal increases the risk of losing the tooth. In that case, your endodontist would recommend a dental implant instead of placing a crown on a tooth that can’t be saved.
It takes time for an infection to become evident – Some dental schools teach dentist to wait six months after root canal treatment before crowning a tooth. But a dentist doesn’t always wait that long because each patient’s case is different. Waiting to place the crown allows time for problems to surface. For example, a tooth infection is seen on an x-ray after it’s settled in. Before that, a dentist might recognize any subtle signs of infection on the x-ray.
An endodontist can re-evaluate your case – You can schedule an appointment with your endodontist or ask your dentist to send her the x-ray. Describe your symptoms, tell her about your concerns, and ask her to review your x-ray.

After your endodontist takes a second look at the tooth roots, they’ll give you a recommendation. You’ll have to decide if you want to wait for the crown or receive it as scheduled.

This post is sponsored by Hoffman Estates dental implant provider, Dr. William Becker, of Poplar Crossing Dental.

Should I Replace My Bridge with a Dental Implant?

Posted on August 3, 2020 by ectree.

I’m starting to regret not getting a dental implant. I had a top, right molar extracted, and my dentist placed the bridge o immediately. I thought the extraction hole might need some time to clot, but my doctor said that the bridge on top of the extraction would help the blood clot set. I’m afraid that my gums and bone beneath the bridge won’t heal and that I should have gone with the other dentist who wanted to do dental implants. – Thanks much. Vaughn

Vaughn,

Although a dentist, such as Dr. William Becker of Poplar Crossing Dental, would need to examine your extraction site, it sounds as if your dentist did the right thing.

You didn’t mention if your dentist placed a temporary or a permanent bridge. A bridge could put some pressure on the site, but often it isn’t necessary. It usually only takes about five minutes for the bleeding to stop.

Other ways to stop bleeding after a tooth extraction include:

Gel foam
Astringent
Electrocautery

Dental Bridge vs. Implant

A dentist can replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge or an implant. Either solution will prevent the teeth on the other side of the missing one from moving.

Dental bridge

Purpose – It will fill the space of a missing tooth and prevent the teeth on either side from drifting in the space.
Function – It’s much more comfortable to eat and speak with it than a removable partial denture. But it’s not as comfortable as a dental bridge.
Jawbone shrinkage – Without stimulation from tooth roots, the jawbone at the extraction site will shrink.
Longevity – A dental bridge can last up to 15 years before your dentist replaces it.
Cost – It’s less expensive than a dental implant

Implant

Purpose – An implant is an artificial tooth that replaces a natural tooth from the root up.
Function – It functions like a natural tooth.
Jawbone shrinkage – The “root” fixture stimulates bone and prevents shrinkage.
Longevity – Dental implants can last a lifetime, but the dental crown will need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.
Cost – It’s the most expensive form of tooth replacement.

If you received a quality dental bridge, it should last for years. Keep your regular dental cleaning and exam appointments to protect your oral health and ensure the bridge is functioning well. Whenever your dental bridge needs replacement, you can consider a dental implant.

This post is sponsored by Hoffman Estates, IL dental implant provider, Dr. William Becker.