Archives for October 2022

Should My Dentist Pay for My Bone Grafting?

Posted on October 24, 2022 by writeradmin.

I had a tooth removed about ten years ago and went in to get a consultation about a dental implant. My dentist said that there is some bone loss in the area so I would need some bone grafting done first. I have since learned that the dentist could have done a procedure that would have preserved the bone. I was never offered that option. Should that dentist have to pay for this bone grafting procedure as it could have been prevented?

Mary

Dear Mary,

Dental implants are a fantastic tooth replacement, so you choose well. Bone loss happens when a tooth is lost or extracted, because your body recognizes the tooth is gone and wants to use your body’s resources as efficiently as possible. Most people lose about 60% of their bone within three years. After that, the loss continues at about 0.5% of the structure a year.

The procedure you’re referring to is referred to as “socket preservation” or “alveolar ridge preservation.” This procedure is a sort of bone grafting procedure. It is done by placing bone material in the open socket which over time helps bone develop there and make it more likely you can have a successful implant procedure later without needing further grafting.

There are only minimal studies on its effectiveness. The procedure was still emerging a decade or so ago. The cost of materials was pretty high and there was no real research on its longevity. As a result, not many dentists even offered it, especially if a patient wasn’t planning on a dental implant. Even today, when procedures have advanced, not every dentist uses it.

In this case, I would just go ahead and get the bone grafting done and then the dental implant. With the procedure being new at the time, he may not have even known it was possible.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Can Teeth Whitening Cause Cavities?

Posted on October 12, 2022 by writeradmin.

I’ve been whitening my teeth most of my adult life at a rate of about once every two years. In between, I use a whitening toothpaste. Recently, my teeth have been sensitive and I’ve read that sensitivity can be a warning sign for decay. A friend hinted that teeth whitening could be the cause. I’ve stopped using the whitening toothpaste and have canceled my upcoming whitening appointment. Do I have any options to keep my teeth white?

Laura

Dear Laura,

There is a mixture of confused information here that your friend gave you. Let’s start with the teeth whitening procedure. The whitening gel does open the tubuals on your teeth. This can allow the gel to oxidize your teeth from the inside out. It only lasts for a couple of days and goes back to normal. You’re encouraged to avoid staining foods during that time but it will not cause decay.

The whitening toothpastes, however, are generally abrasive. This is how they remove the surface stains. However, that damages your enamel, which can weaken your teeth making them more susceptible to decay. If you want to use a whitening toothpaste, I would suggest only using Supersmile toothpaste. It does not use abrasives, instead, it safely removes stains by using an ingredient that dissolves the protein pellicle.

If you want an option that has nothing to do with teeth whitening that will keep your smile white, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. They are not cheap. Typically, patients get them for a smile makeover. You can change absolutely anything about your smile including the shape, size, and color of your teeth. The porcelain is much more stain resistant than even your natural teeth. You wouldn’t have to whiten the veneers. They’ll keep their original color for years as long as you take good care of them.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.