Help! My jaw is shrinking.
I’ve been wearing dentures for a number of years now, but it seems like the older I get, the smaller my jaw gets. I am worried that with my jaw shrinking I won’t be able to wear my dentures anymore. Is there anything I can do? Do I just need to get smaller dentures? Leslie K. – Missouri Leslie, You could get new dentures, but eventually they won’t stay in […]
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Can I get dental implants if I can’t wear dentures any more?
My dentures haven’t fit properly for several months. Now I can’t even keep them in. Is it possible for me to get dental implants? Marie C. – Biloxi, MS Marie, I suspect your dentures no longer fit because you’ve loss too much jawbone. That is a result of having dentures for so long. Dental implants protect your bone structure. If that is the case, it is still possible for you […]
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Finding my first dentist. How do I get the best one?
I’m on my own for the first time and am getting a dentist. How do I know how to find the best one? Lisa M. – Arizona Lisa, Finding the best dentist is different for every person. A lot of that depends on what you’re looking for in a dentist. If you’re looking for a general dentist who is friendly and listens to you, then I’d look at some reviews […]
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Can’t eat or drink since I got my teeth filled
I got my first fillings. Ever since then I haven’t been able to eat or drink. My mouth feels sensitive to almost everything. My tongue is itcy. Don’t even talk about trying a cold drink. It sends zings like you wouldn’t believe. Is this normal? I’ve asked my dentist if we can do one of those white fillings, but he says they’re not as good. Suzie U. – Philadelphia Suzie, […]
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Got Lumineers, but my gums are turning gray
I got a set of Lumineers. I was pretty happy with them, even though they are a little bulkier than I expected. The one thing that has me concerned is that my gums are turning gray. Is something wrong? Jane B. – Connecticutt Jane, You’re very observant, and it’s a good thing you are too. That graying of your gums is an indication of their health. It is likely that […]
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Prepless porcelain veneer problem
I got one of those prepless porcelain veneers. I’m happy with how they look, but my lip tends to catch on them. Is there any way to fix this? Gina E. – California Gina, This is a potential problem with no-prep veneers. I suspect you received Lumineers or a similar brand. With traditional porcelain veneers, your teeth are prepared by removing a miniscule amount of your tooth structure about the […]
Read More Corner of mouth cracking
My aunt got dentures and ever since then, I’ve noticed the corners of her mouth cracking. Is this related? If so, what can be done about it? Maisie M. – Houston, TX Maisie, I’m glad you’re there to look after your aunt. There are many reasons for this to happen. It is “officially” known as Angular Chelitis. Despite their being many possible reasons for it, If this has coincided with […]
Read More Dentist said there isn’t enough room for dental implants
Years ago, I lost a tooth. I didn’t replace it because it wasn’t very visible and I was quite poor then. Now my situation is different. I have money. I lost an adjacent tooth and want to replace both of them. My dentist said there isn’t enough room and he needs to do a bridge. The other teeth are fine, so I really don’t want to grind them down. This […]
Read More What if my dentist left tooth roots?
I had two teeth extracted. I’d planned on getting dental implants. However, last night I noticed that one of the roots is still there. Can I still get dental implants with the root there? Elaine T. – New Mexico Elaine, Are you certain it is the root of the tooth and not just some debris that needs to be cleaned out? There are occasions when a tooth root is left, […]
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My pediatric dentist says children can’t have white fillings
My nine year old needs a filling. I don’t want any mercury in his system and therefore want a white filling. His pediatric dentist, however, says that children can’t have those. I find that hard to believe. Thoughts? Maddie J. – Washington Maddie, You’re right. Children can have white fillings. What your pediatric dentist was probably trying to convey, is that it is difficult for children to sit still during […]
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