I need some advice. I recently had six porcelain veneers done. They do make my smile look better, but whenever I floss, the floss string gets caught under the front two veneers. My dentist says it is not a problem because you can’t see the problem when I smile. However, I’m worried that if my floss can get trapped there, so can other things. The last thing I need is decay so close to the root of my tooth. Am I worrying over nothing?
Emma
Dear Emma,
It is a shame that your dentist either does not understand the seriousness of this situation or she just doesn’t want to take responsibility for her mistakes. It doesn’t matter if you can see a problem. It is still a problem. Just because you can’t see cancer, doesn’t mean you should ignore it.
You are correct that things can get trapped there and cause decay. Even more likely, though, is your gums will get red and inflamed. Eventually, you will end up with a serious gum disease problem.
It is important that your dentist fix this. It sounds to me like you have a margin irregularity known as an overhang. This happens when the dentist had problems with the impression taken after your teeth were prepared for the porcelain veneers. Because the impression did not accurately record the upper end of the tooth preparation. This creates a bit of a bump or lip that things, such as your floss.
As I said, your dentist needs to fix this. The only way to do that is by replacing the porcelain veneers that have the problem. If your dentist has a sense of ethics, he or she will take care of this quickly and at their cost. If they don’t, it is still important you get it replaced, even if that means going to see a different dentist to do it. While you are waiting to get this replaced, make sure you continue to carefully floss the area. I know that is a bit challenging, but it is important.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold, an AACD accredited dentist.
