Dentistry/gum pimple

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Expert: - 5/19/2007


Question
Dr. Zelig,

I had porcelain veneers put on my two front teeth in October of 2006. Immediately after they were put on, I had sensitivity in my left tooth. I was told it would eventually go away and to use a certain toothpaste. It never went away and about a month ago I developed a nodule/pimple above my left front tooth. It is very red, sensitive and has a red line to it and looks as if there may be a little pus underneath.

I went back to the dentist and he took and Xray and did an antibacterial treatment. He said he was not sure what was going on with my gum.

Any ideas of what is happening and what needs to be done? Root canal? Do you believe that this may have been caused my having the implant put on the tooth? I have never had problems with my two front teeth prior. The veneers were put on for a space between the two teeth.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Answer
Hi,
What you are describing sounds like it might be a root canal problem. Another possibility is that it is a gum problem, but unless you have other gum problems, a localized problem like this is unlikely. I would recommend to you that you go seek a second opinion from a good general dentist.

Best of Luck, and let me know how it turns out.
Joseph Zelig

Dentistry

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Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com

Expertise

Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".

Experience

Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.

Organizations
American Dental Associateion, American Academy of Periodontology, American Board of Periodontology, North-Eastern Society of Periodontitis, New York State Dental Association, New York County Dental Society

Education/Credentials
I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.

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