AboutZev Kaufman, D.D.S. Expertise I can answer any question from simple routine dentistry to very complex dentistry with emphasis on reconstructive, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. My expertise is in co-ordination of very complex treatment plans with other dental specialists or as a one-man-team, since I have extensive training in Prosthodontics, Surgical Implantology, and orthodontics.
Experience Over a decade in private practice of Surgical Implantology and Prosthodontics. Founder and owner of Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery of Manhattan, PC.
Clinical Assistant Professor at the Post-Graduate Department of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry.
Lecture weekly since 1999 on advanced Implant Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry Post-Graduate Program in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
Former clinical assistant professor of Dental Radiology at the NYU College of Dentistry.
Former clinical and lecture faculty at Lincoln Hospital, Dental residency program.
Former clinical and lecture faculty at St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY) dental residency program.
Lecture nationally on Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Organizations Memeber of the American College of Prosthodontics.
Memeber of the Acacdemy of Osseointegration.
Member or the Omikron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honors Dental Society.
Member of the American Dental Education Association.
Education/Credentials Graduated with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry.
Post-Graduate training and certificate in the specialty of Prosthodontics.
Post-Graduate training and ceritificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implant Dentistry.
Honors-program in Comprehensive and Applied Practice Management.
Honors-program in Orthodontics.
Awards and Honors NYU Cervice award to the community.
OKU honor society.
National Dean's List.
National Who's Who.
Expert: Zev Kaufman, D.D.S. Date: 7/18/2008 Subject: Got my chipped tooth fixed and it doesn't feel quite right
Question Hi there,
I went yesterday and had my front tooth on the top fixed. It has been slightly chipped for many years. It was hardly noticeable but was on the side of the tooth, towards the center line of my two front teeth. Basically, the very corner was chipped. My dentist specializes in smile enhancement and I trust him completely. He is however, on vacation for 2 weeks and I can not get a hold of him. So, I would appreciate your help.
Here is the issue. For one, the tooth feels like it is pushing my lip out a tiny bit when I close my mouth. Second and most importantly, the back of the tooth, feels too thick in the area it was fixed and there is a ridge on it towards the center of the front teeth. My tongue hits this ridge when I talk or eat and is putting a tiny blister on the tip of my tongue. My tongue also involuntarily keeps rubbing the tooth, so that isn't helping either. It just feels awkward in my mouth or something. Is this normal or is there a problem?? Will I get used to it? I'm wishing I never got it fixed!
Thanks for your help!
Answer Dear Summer:
No, it IS NOT NORMAL to feel what you are feeling. A restoration of a tooth should bring it back to proper shape that does not irritate, or bother you. You MUST go back to your dentist to correct the problem.
1. If your lip keeps getting irritated, you will develop a sore, or a callus on the inside of the lip.
2. The back of the tooth has to be properly shaped and polished. It can affect your speech, start a grinding/clenching habit, and irritate your tongue.
3. You will not get used to this...your body will accommodate with adverse effects such as the ones I have mentioned in points 1 and 2.
The procedure that you have had is fairly simple, and any average dentist should be able to produce a satisfactory result. However, please remember that there are good general dentists and there are better ones. A Cosmetic dentist is just another general dentist who chooses to market themselves to the cosmetically driven patient. They are not a specialist, and there is no specialty in cosmetic dentistry, even though many patients are lead to believe that there is. If you are having troubles with your dentist consider going to the real specialist in restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry--the Prosthodontist. www.prosthodontics.org is the website for the American College of Prosthodontists and it has a link to locating one near you. You can call me at my office on Monday and I will gladly refer you personally to a Prosthodontist in your area. Please go to www.DrZevKaufman.com for all my details.
Best of luck, and have a great weekend.
Dr. Zev Kaufman
