Expert Answers

Is it normal for teeth to feel loose following gum contouring?

Q.
Hello i had the gum contouring surgery a few weeks ago and it went fine but i’ve noticed that my teeth seem very loose now and i’m very concerned, i don’t want them to fall out. Is this normal? is it supposed to happen?
A.
It would seem odd that your teeth would suddenly feel loose only after a contouring of your gum tissue.  It would be advisable to see your dentist to evaluate this.
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Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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What types of dental bridges are available?

Q.
Hi, i’m considering a dental bridge to replace 3 missing teeth for me it seems the best option. Just wondering if you could give me a description about the different types of bridge available? I’d like a professionals point of view rather than finding something off the internet that might not be entirely true, thanks.
A.

Bridges are made from 3 different types of materials. The choice is all gold, gold with porcelain over it and all porcelain.  Which material is used depends on the strength needed and the number of missing teeth to replace. Higher strength materials are used to replace back teeth and when more teeth are being replaced. Consult with your dentist on which choice is best for your situation. Dr. Lemongello

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Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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I recently chipped my teeth and now they’re changing colour, what should I do?

Q.
Hi there, i chipped my teeth recently (both of my front teeth) it was in a skateboarding accident anyway they look okay but they’re really painful at the moment and turning a funny color i have a bit of a fear of the dentist so what do you think i should do??
A.
See a dentist!!!!! you have likely traumatized them to the point that the nerve of the tooth has been affected. 
dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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I have very swollen gums from my train track braces, why is this?

Q.
i’ve been wearing the classic train track braces for a while now and haven’t experienced any real problems until now. my breath smells so bad and i can’t seem to make it any better also my gums appear swollen, what should i do? i’m quite worried.
A.
During Orthodontic treatment I recommend you see your dentist and receive professional cleanings at least 4 times a year. More if necessary. It sounds as if more attention needs to be made in keeping your teeth as clean as possible. Bring this situation to the attention of your dentist. Dr. Lemongello
dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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I have a bad ulcer on my tongue, is this a dental matter?

Q.
Hi, i have a large ulcer on my tongue, i think it’s an ulcer anyway. It’s seeping pus and i’m a bit concerned but is this a dental matter? Or is it a medical one? My gums are bleeding pretty bad also, i have no idea why! any help would be great!
A.
This would be something you would want to have looked at right away.  Ulcerations can be treated.  However, you want to make sure it is something that is not more serious.
dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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Do you have any idea why my teeth are decaying?

Q.
Hello, i have had a white coloured substance on my tongue now for some time, it doesn’t bother me but since having it i’ve had really bad breath and my back teeth are decaying. I’m due to see my dentist but do you have any idea what this could be and why it’s happening?? thank you
A.

It could be something as simple as trauma caused from rubbing against the decayed teeth.  Decayed teeth can be a source of bad breath.  Have your dentist examine this.  See your dentist as soon as possible.  Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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My teeth are badly stained and teeth whitening hasn’t worked, what else can I do?

Q.
hello my teeth are very badly stained from the excessive nicotine and caffeine that i’ve consumed over the years. I have drastically cut back on both of these products now but my teeth are a horrible yellow colour. I have tried teeth whitening, professionally and done at home and it hasn’t worked, is there ANYTHING else I can try? I need to get rid of this staining, it’s ruining my life. Thank you for your time.
A.
Your most predictable and permanent method of treatment would be to veneer your teeth.  Although this is a bit more involved and expensive it provides permanent results and a much improved smile.
dr george kirtley

Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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Are white fillings better than the amalgam ones?

Q.
Hi, this is just a quick question regarding white fillings. Firstly are they better than the amalgam fillings, overall? Are they more expensive and can I get them through the NHS in the UK do you know?? The amalgam ones are very unsightly.
A.

Done properly they are better.  They are generally slightly more expensive.  I do not know if they are available through the NHS.  Consult with a dentist to find out.  However, even if they are not available through the NHS you can still have them instead of the unsightly silver ones.  The best care is your choice.  Dr. Lemongello

dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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My son had his two front teeth knocked out, what are his options?

Q.
My 20 year old son got his 2 front teeth knocked what options do he have his does not hhave the teeth that got knocked out
A.

His only options are  implants, or bridgework or a removable partial denture.  

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Dr George Kirtley

Smiles By George
7465 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis IN 46256
Web: www.smilesbygeorge.com Tel: 317-841-1111

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I am seeking a permanent solution to replace my partial denture, what do you suggest?

Q.
I am a forty-three year old healthy female. I am congenitally missing my (#24 and #25) permanent left and right mandibular central incisors, as well as, a few other teeth in the back of my mouth. After my primary mandibular central incisors fell out, I never developed the permanent teeth. The space where the permanent teeth belonged lessoned over the years and became nearly unnoticeable. Esthetically, it didn’t look that bad. My teeth originally were not crowded on top; however, I have been told that due the the malocclusion caused by the missing lower teeth, my upper incisors (left and right of center) became crooked. At the age of thirty-one, I decided to get braces to straighten my uppers to gain a more attractive smile. My doctor explained that I would need to have a full set of braces due to the malocclusion. He closed the slight gap that remained in the bottom front which resulted in a very restricted and uncomfortable bite. Due to that result, he fitted me with an expander. After two expanders, I now have an opening large enough to accompany two slightly smaller than normal teeth. The goal was to get implants to replace the missing teeth. Unfortunately, once I was out of my braces, my nightmare began. The periodontist said that I am not a candidate for implants. The only option is a bridge. At the time, my dentist didn’t like that option for me because he would need to use the two teeth on either side for he bridge to gain enough stability. Since they are healthy, he suggested waiting in the hopes that technology would advance enough to give me more options. I was fitted for a partial denture instead. I have had my partial for approximately ten years now. My dentist, periodontist, and oral surgeon all say that I have healthy teeth. I have experienced extreme recession of the gum tissue and bone loss in that area since I got out of my braces. I have had thr

ee periodontist tell me that I am not a candidate for implants or bone or gum grafting. I am seeking a more permanent solution to replace my partial denture. Last week, the periodontist that I saw strongly suggested a Maryland Bridge. Are there any other options available to me that I should check into? Do you feel that a Maryland Bridge is a better solution for me over replacing my current partial denture? Thank you.
A.
A well designed wing retained bonded bridge may be a good option.  I would recommend a bonded bridge made of ceramic material rather than traditional metal wings used in a Maryland bridge.  Good luck.  Dr. Lemongello
dr lerner & dr lemongello

Dr Lerner & Dr Lemongello

Lerner & Lemongello
5602 PGA Blvd, Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida FL 33418
Web: www.lernerlemongello.com Tel: (561) 627 9000

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