Experience Former Clinical Instructor of Comprehensive Dentistry, and Prosthodontic Department New York University School of Dentistry. Also former instructor of Preventive Dentistry Columbia University School of Dentistry.
Education/Credentials 1980 DDS New York University College of Dentistry
1981 GPR Manhattan VA Hospital
Awards and Honors OKU 1980 Honor Society
1980 Long Island Academy of Odontology award for highest combined Academic and Clinical Achievement.
In 1997 he was elected to Fellowship into the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics
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 It is not uncommon for bonded teeth to be more 'prominent' labially(towards the lips) when an edge is repaired. It sounds like that is what you are experiencing. Also, it is likely that on the lingual side of the tooth the interface between the tooth and the bonding needs to be made smoother, so that it won't bother your tongue.
The good news is that your dentist will most likely be able to thin the bonding on the labial side so that it doesn't protrude into your lip as much and will also be able to smooth the bonding on the inner surface that is bothering your tongue.
After completion of dental work, patients whose restorations have a sharp edge will often repeatedly check the surface with their tongue in an attempt to figure out what the problem is and this results in an irritated tongue. Until you can see him, try to stop checking the inner surface of the tooth with your tongue, and the blister should go away.
I hope I have answered your question and it sounds like your dentist will be able to help you when he gets back from vacation. Feel free to contact me again with any future questions.
