Monthly Archives: December 2015

Porcelain Veneers

3 porcelain veneers have fallen off

I got porcelain veneers in April 2015 and since that time 3 of them have fallen off. The first one got loose before it fell off so I wasn’t really surprised by it, but I didn’t have any idea that the last 2 that fell off were even loose. The most recent one fell off in early November. I am writing in because 1 of the 3, the top left incisor feels loose again. Each time I got the veneers bonded back on again, my dentist asked me a series of questions that sounded like I am abusing the veneers. I never abused my natural teeth and I am certainly not abusing veneers that I paid thousands of dollars for. My sister hinted that maybe my dentist is trying to avoid the issue that he is the problem, not me. So she asked her friend who is a dental assistant about it and her friend also said that it may be that the dentist is applying the veneers incorrectly. If this is the case, what should he be doing to make sure that the veneers stay in place and is this something that I can expect to continue with all 8 veneers? Thanks. Audra

Audra – When porcelain veneers loosen or fall off, the most likely cause is improper bonding technique. When the same veneer repeatedly loosens or falls off, it is likely that the veneer wasn’t properly cleaned before reapplying it, and the bonding technique is faulty.

Without an examination of your teeth, veneers, and your dentist’s technique, Dr. Lacy can’t specifically say what needs to be done to ensure that your veneers are stable. We suggest that you seek a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist. An examination will help determine the cause of the loose veneers and what needs to be done to prevent future episodes. Veneers should not fall off at all. For long-lasting results, you can consider having your veneers properly bonded by a more experienced cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist wants to sedate me but I am not nervous

Why would a dentist tell me that she wants to sedate me when I am not nervous? My tolerance for pain is high and I prefer to be aware of everything that is going on. This just doesn’t make sense to me. I am beginning to wonder if I need to get a second opinion because she may be trying to make more money from me. This has never been an issue nor have I ever presented myself with having problems in her office, so why now? Should I find another dentist or at least get a second opinion, or should I trust her and go ahead with the sedation? Thanks. Edis

Edis – The dental procedure that you are going to have may be the reason that your dentist is recommending sedation, but you didn’t mention what that procedure will be. If a root canal is needed, a tooth will be extracted, or if any procedure is being done that is known for causing a lot of pain or discomfort, your dentist will recommend sedation.

Although you may have a high tolerance for pain, you may not be able to anticipate the level of pain for the procedure you will have. But based on experience and patient reaction, your dentist makes a recommendation. It is best to speak with your dentist and ask why sedation is being recommended for your upcoming procedure. Her explanation may be all that is needed to give you confidence that you can trust her judgement.

If you speak with your dentist and still question the recommendation, then you can receive a second opinion. Although a patient may be able to withstand a procedure without sedation, a dentist is often able to accomplish more in one office visit with sedation than without it.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Can I use my sister’s free teeth whitening gel?

My sister’s dentist gives her free teeth whitening gel with every dental cleaning because she has been with the office for more than 5 years. I looked in her frig over the weekend and she has an accumulation of gel and I asked her for some it. I have been wanting to whiten my teeth for years but I haven’t been able to afford it. I would think that she would gladly give me some of her gel because she can’t use it all, but she went into this story about not knowing if I should do it on my on because what if it’s too strong for my teeth and yahdee yahdee yahdee… Is there a problem with me using some of the gel that she has? Thanks. Jyneen

Jyneen – Your sister has a valid concern. It is possible that the whitening gel is too strong for your teeth. If your teeth are sensitive, a lower-strength bleaching gel can help you keep the gel in contact with your teeth longer and get them white without causing sensitivity.

There is also the question of how you will apply the gel. Do you have customized bleaching trays? Trays that are made specifically for your teeth will prevent the gel from oozing out and burning your gums. Are you sure that whitening your teeth with gel is the correct solution for removing the stains? Depending on the cause of the stains, bleaching gel can make the stains more noticeable.

If you decide to use your sister’s gel, you may want to ask your own dentist a few questions to find out if whitening your teeth yourself is a good idea. Find out the percentage of carbamide peroxide the bleaching gel contains to help determine if it’s safe for your use, or if a lower strength is needed to safely whiten your teeth.

This post is by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.