| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Cracked tooth? | 11/17/2009 |
Q: I sleepwalk and last night I jumped out of my bed, tripped over a chair and whacked my front tooth ...
A: The pain is from the trauma. This has caused inflammation in the ligament space between your root ...
|
| head pressure | 11/15/2009 |
Q: i have bad head pressure and head ache for a week now. I don't know if this is related, but i think ...
A: Yes. You likely have some inflammation in the soft tissues in the area of the injection. Usually a ...
|
| painful restorations under gumline | 11/15/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I have an unusual problem. I have very healthy teeth and mouth--never a cavity--but had ...
A: Actually it can mean both. Saliva can both leach cement out from under a crown, as well as leach ...
|
| painful restorations under gumline | 11/15/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I have an unusual problem. I have very healthy teeth and mouth--never a cavity--but had ...
A: I am so sorry for your problems here. I have heard of irritation from foreign materials under the ...
|
| child tooth damage | 11/14/2009 |
Q: My son was pulling on his high chairs tray to see what was on it and the whole tray became ...
A: You actually gave me more than enough info. Having not seen your child, I have no way of knowing ...
|
| what should i do about crown | 11/8/2009 |
Q: Doctor, first let me provide some background info: Needed crown on #10 due to a failed bridge ...
A: To answer the easier questions first: The standard for high noble metal requires that it has at ...
|
| sensitive tooth | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I recently had an old filling replaced in a back molar, in an attempt to alleviate ongoing ...
A: If you and your dentist are positive that the tooth he filled is the tooth that hurts, then first go ...
|
| Which are better and mroe durable- lumineers or traditional lumineers? | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I need to have one of these done 6 of them ont he top but have got mixed responses from dentists I ...
A: Again, done properly, Lumineers will look beautiful. No bumps. But done properly means that the ...
|
| Which are better and mroe durable- lumineers or traditional lumineers? | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I need to have one of these done 6 of them ont he top but have got mixed responses from dentists I ...
A: Done properly by a dentist experienced with Lumineers, the Lumineers are the better choice. ...
|
| Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal Treatment | 11/5/2009 |
Q: I had a severe pain in my lower corner tooth(wisdom tooth) 15 days back. I had a wisdom tooth since ...
A: I apologize. I missed that part of your question. You probably can delay treatment for two months. ...
|
| Porcelain veneers | 10/30/2009 |
Q: I have porcelain veneers and plan to be a vampire for Halloween. Is it safe to use fake fangs with ...
A: Should be ok. But, just to be sure, call and ask your dentist. If you can't get an answer, and you ...
|
| Lumineers or Bonding? | 10/30/2009 |
Q: I have spots on my teeth, a calcification of sorts. All my dentists told me that they cannot be ...
A: Because I cannot see the spotting, I cannot make a specific recommendation for you. However, in ...
|
| Pain 3 days after root canal | 10/23/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I had a root canal on tooth 36 on Monday. It felt fine on Monday, Tues, and Wed, but has ...
A: Infection. You have likely developed postoperative infection around the end of the root of your ...
|
| Purplish discoloration of the gums | 10/17/2009 |
Q: I am a 26 year old male and have a purplish/blue discoloration of my bottom gums. The main area of ...
A: I doubt that what you describe is significant. Most likely, what you see are either large, flat ...
|
| Clinching & Grinding | 10/10/2009 |
Q: I am hoping you can provide a possible solution to horrible clinching and grinding. I have worn off ...
A: You asked the right dentist. My son, now 33, has been a clencher/grinder for as long as he has had ...
|
| waiting for a cap, temporary filling came out | 10/3/2009 |
Q: My dentist prepared a back molar for a cap, put in a temporary filling while waiting for the cap to ...
A: I don't know what the tooth looks like. If there is a hole you can feel, get a temp from the ...
|
| tooth problem | 9/27/2009 |
Q: the rest of the tooth is not visible and is stuck in my gum (I think possibly stuck to my jaw bone). ...
A: Yes. The root of this tooth is probably infected. The infection does, in fact, rot the jawbone ...
|
| bad tongue | 9/27/2009 |
Q: hi my tongue at the very top nearest to my tonsils has red patches on it covered in white stuff the ...
A: I'm not so sure you have a bad tongue, sherie. It may just be that you are looking at the major ...
|
| sever pain from injection in lower jaw | 9/27/2009 |
Q: My son has been in sever pain for 3 weeks whenever he appempts to close his mouth or tries to eat. ...
A: I cannot tell what might have happened just yet. If your son's jaw began to hurt shortly after the ...
|
| My son broke his tooth. | 9/27/2009 |
Q: Howard, My son Anirudh who is 3.5yrs old broke his front tooth(milk tooth) while playing. We are ...
A: If it is as you describe, I would remove the root and let his permanent tooth grow in. It should ...
|
| Core Build Up Charges | 9/26/2009 |
Q: I've been going through a complete mouth restoration over the past few years which has included ...
A: If your dentist felt that there was a need for the buildups, and you agreed to his plan of treatment ...
|
| Expired Nite White | 9/19/2009 |
Q: Just wondering if you can help me please. I have some Nite White syringes that are about 3 and half ...
A: They will likely not damage your teeth. But they also will likely not bleach them, either. There ...
|
| Saliva Problem | 9/19/2009 |
Q: Mr. Finnk, Since my childhood, I've been suffering from rather an unusual problem: excessive flow ...
A: If you drool because you don't swallow your saliva enough, then become aware of this and swallow ...
|
| Nerve damage due to trauma | 9/19/2009 |
Q: I am 31 years old and whist playing basketball I was knocked in the mouth and this caused intense ...
A: It looks and sounds like the trauma to your tooth has caused its pulp (the contents of the nerve ...
|
| Saliva Problem | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Mr. Finnk, Since my childhood, I've been suffering from rather an unusual problem: excessive flow ...
A: How do you know that you have much more saliva production than others? If you are sure of this, you ...
|
| Infected tooth | 9/18/2009 |
Q: I have a broken off tooth on the left side of my lower jaw. I am am insulin dependent diabetic, on ...
A: You must contact your dentist immediately. Infection from a tooth, like infections from anywhere ...
|
| Extreme sudden lower molar pain | 9/12/2009 |
Q: I just turned 21 years old and had braces about 5 years ago which is the last time I was seen by any ...
A: It sounds like you have an infected wisdom tooth, and will likely need to have it removed. Call ...
|
| wisdom tooth removal | 9/12/2009 |
Q: okay so my mom got her wisdom tooth removed 8 days ago. but she was suppose to get it removed 10 ...
A: None of what you describe sounds normal This may be dangerous. The first thing she can do to make ...
|
| Gum boils | 9/6/2009 |
Q: I have a gum boil on the roof of my mouth and on the front of my gums,kind of painful. I know that I ...
A: You need to see a dentist as soon as you can. You have an expanding abscess, likely caused by one ...
|
| implants or other extractions | 9/6/2009 |
Q: I had two orthodontists. The first one was a malpractice. He extracted the 1st premolar on the top ...
A: It appears from your picture that you are still wearing braces. Your orthodontist should be able to ...
|
| Strange jaw popping | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I'm almost twenty-one years old, and about a month or two ago I noticed that almost every time I ...
A: Your jaw popping began probably because your lower jaw was overstressed during the extraction ...
|
| Zirconia crown | 9/5/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of having a crown on my lower back molar. I recently went for a root canal and ...
A: My standard for a molar crown is porcelain fused to high-noble (gold/platinum) crown. With this, a ...
|
| Concerning my Receding Gums | 9/5/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I first noticed my receding gums a few years ago, when I first got braces. At the time, I ...
A: I'll start this answer by saying that you're "over the top". You have large teeth with very little, ...
|
| wisdom tooth removal | 9/5/2009 |
Q: My husband had a wisdom tooth removed an a couple of days later there was what looked like a piece ...
A: Not normal. Not to be concerned. Probably had some soft tissue (gum) slough off from the wound. ...
|
| Failed Root Canal, now infected -- Lymph nodes swollen | 9/4/2009 |
Q: In 2007, I went to a dentist in the mall because my lower molar was aching. I had a root canal done ...
A: You could also have it re-treated by doing another root canal, but that is more expensive, and ...
|
| Dry Socket | 9/4/2009 |
Q: Dr., I had my 4 wisdom teeth removed a week ago. Developed dry socket in one lower one. It's been ...
A: It is likely a piece of bone. It is likely making this area hurt. You may try to gently tweeze it ...
|
| problem with a temporary crown. | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I had the prep work and temporary crown put on on 8/25/09. The dental hygienist had some trouble ...
A: The first things I would have your dentist check are your bite (it is likely high on this ...
|
| fillings | 9/4/2009 |
Q: In the following link, a patient's questions concerning decay under a filling were addressed. ...
A: I have read the original question and the additional questions and answers, and I have some ...
|
| Strep throat following dental work | 9/4/2009 |
Q: my 37 yr old son has had many strep throat infections, at least one a year for his whole life. A ...
A: Yes, it is possible that dental cleanings could contribute to sore throat. And no, it not in the ...
|
| Dental | 9/4/2009 |
Q: Hey, finally a way to connect with a doctor. I am starting my undergraduate in Biology in a few days ...
A: By the numbers: 1. High grade point average. In the U.S., in general, no dental school will accept ...
|
| split in bottom gum | 8/29/2009 |
Q: My 18 year old daughter has a split in the bottom gum of her front teeth. Its the flap of skin that ...
A: It sounds like she has a labial frenum that is attached too high on her gum around her front teeth. ...
|
| 10 Month Old Busted Lip | 8/29/2009 |
Q: Today my 10 month old daughther fell face first into the floor and busted her lip pretty badly - not ...
A: Usually with a 10 month old child in a situation like yours, there will be no permanent damage to ...
|
| Bone resorption | 8/22/2009 |
Q: After a root canal treatment and filling on the lower right back tooth I had intense pain for two ...
A: What has happened is that, rather than filling your nerve canals to the ends of the roots, at least ...
|
| #18 | 8/22/2009 |
Q: 51, 2 months 52 year old healthy male. I've known for about 2 years that at some point this tooth, ...
A: It is best that you remove the tooth, wait several months for healing, then see how you feel about ...
|
| Nightmarish pain.... | 8/22/2009 |
Q: What can be done to stop pain that is radiating from one of the teeth in my lower left jaw causing ...
A: At first it sounded like you might need a root canal in the front tooth of the bridge. But after ...
|
| Recent Crown, Left lower molar | 8/21/2009 |
Q: A crown that I had assumed was, as requested, a high-noble crown was installed to replace a molar in ...
A: No. Two dissimilar metals in an electrolytic environment often cause a small amount of electricity. ...
|
| 24 hour headgear | 8/21/2009 |
Q: I just got headgear and I already have braces when I went to get my braces tightened he said instead ...
A: You're a pretty smart guy, Joey. You know that, assuming your parents approve, you can see any ...
|
| gum problem | 8/21/2009 |
Q: on the 6 aug i had a little operation in my gum, above the front tooth to get rid of a blue ...
A: I don't know exactly what type of procedure was done. But always, when gum surgery is performed, ...
|
| Bleeding gums during visit to dentist | 8/21/2009 |
Q: I would just like to ask after a visit to the dentist is it usual for your gums to be bleeding ...
A: It sounds to me as if your delaying going to the dentist has contributed to a slowly developing gum ...
|
| numb area of gum | 8/20/2009 |
Q: My husband noticed within the last month that he has a small numb but painless area in the soft ...
A: The most common cause is slowly-growing infection in the area. Cyst or tumor are less common ...
|
| stained teeth! | 8/20/2009 |
Q: Good afternoon, my daughter yiana is currently wearing a fixed brace. she is 11 years old. at the ...
A: After the braces come off, the first thing to try is bleaching. Begin with a whitening toothpaste ...
|
| Tooth pain after filling | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I had a composite filling of my left first pre-molar. My dentist at the time stated that the cavity ...
A: It is common for a tooth with such a deep cavity to be sensitive for several weeks after filling. I ...
|
| Captek vs Lava crown | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I just had a root canal done on tooth #30 due to irreversible pulpitis (probably secondary to ...
A: Given your choices, I would tend to agree with you. Although you want a crown that looks like a ...
|
| Night Guards | 8/15/2009 |
Q: Hey Dr. Finnk, can you tell me anything about this night guard? I need one because I'm clenching and ...
A: I knew nothing about sleep-right until you asked and I Googled it. It appears bulky, relative to ...
|
| tooth fragements after tooth extraction | 8/15/2009 |
Q: Ok ... so starting from the beginning. My husband was having jaw pain and he couldn't close his ...
A: Sometimes your story is just unexplainable. It may be that the bone was so infected that ...
|
| temporary crown | 8/7/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I am 22 and I have this filling in the center of my molar from years ago. About 6 months ...
A: Preparing a tooth for a crown is similar to abrading the skin (rubbing off several layers of skin ...
|
| Can my headaches be caused by tooth filling? | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I had 2 replacement fillings done 3 months ago and one had a lost of sensitivity to hot and cold. ...
A: The headache certainly could be coming from the tooth. Perhaps not. If you can, I would switch to ...
|
| Pain after filling | 8/6/2009 |
Q: I received two fillings one month ago in two of my back teeth, one on either side. The one on the ...
A: You are correct, I can't make an accurate diagnosis from here. However, I can make a suggestion. ...
|
| Tooth Sensitivity | 8/5/2009 |
Q: My tooth suddenly became extremely sensetive to cold/heat after my last dentist appointment - where ...
A: Placing new fillings in teeth that have chronic sensitivity will tend to make them more sensitive ...
|
| Wisdom teeth removal | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I am in the military and considering upper jaw surgery because my upper jaw is about 5 mm too far ...
A: With all of your concerns about all of the relatively complex procedures you describe, I don't ...
|
| My child needs crowns | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I have just returned from the dentist with my children and my youngest ended up needing 2 crowns put ...
A: I can't tell from here if your child's teeth actually had decay, or if the amount of decay was so ...
|
| Wisdom tooth extraction now pain and odor | 8/3/2009 |
Q: six days ago I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted in my dentists office under local ...
A: While it is not common to have the issues you describe, it does happen in about 7% of wisdom tooth ...
|
| supernumerary tooth | 8/2/2009 |
Q: My brother (age 28) felt pain on his right first premolar and decided to go to the dentist. Soon the ...
A: at this point, I cannot be sure that the tooth that was removed was the tooth that was causing the ...
|
| 10+ years of paresthesia - is it too late to treat..? | 8/1/2009 |
Q: . I have had paresthesia in my left jaw and chin area since 1995, following the removal of a wisdom ...
A: In my career spanning 35 years, I have not heard of a paresthesia of long duration being corrected. ...
|
| adjusting a dental crown | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I had my upper two front teeth capped after a household accident. They did not require root canals. ...
A: To correct the items that you describe, the crowns will likely need to be remade. With front teeth, ...
|
| Irritation between front teeth | 7/18/2009 |
Q: I have had an irritation or sense of something being between my two upper front teeth for over a ...
A: My first guess would be that a thin shard of popcorn husk is wedged between your two front teeth, ...
|
| ONJ | 7/18/2009 |
Q: I Have Been Diagnosed With Multiple Myeloma, unfortunetly By The Time They Found It I Was At The ...
A: I'm sorry to hear about your plight. With regard to your teeth, absolutely there is something that ...
|
| Decalcifying root canals | 7/17/2009 |
Q: Finnk, Thanks in advance for taking time to answer my question. Today was my second visit to the ...
A: Most likely the substance was RC Prep. In some people, the canals become calcified to the extent ...
|
| onlays | 7/17/2009 |
Q: I had absolutely no problems or pain until I had two onlays. It took three adjustments to get the ...
A: Although it is possible that your tooth will remain sensitive, it is highly unlikely. And although ...
|
| ORAL LICHEN PLANUS | 7/17/2009 |
Q: FINNK...OVER 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD 3 BIOPSIES INDICATING ORAL LICHEN PLANUS REMAINING CONSTANT ON A ...
A: It is certainly possible to be tested for reaction to the contents of the crowns. But it is more ...
|
| Tongue/Mouth Problems Since Crown | 7/17/2009 |
Q: I received a crown (1st time) in April 2009. I've been having a problem with my tongue feeling like ...
A: I am concerned that your problem has not gone away for so long after your dentist made adjustments ...
|
| Crowns | 7/17/2009 |
Q: I recently had 2 crowns and an inlay done by a new dentist, all on adjoining teeth (#29-31). I ...
A: If you remian dissatisfied with your dentist's responses and/or your crowns, and if you live in one ...
|
| Bad breadth | 7/17/2009 |
Q: Sir, I am suffering from bad breadth. I am brushing 3 times a day. after taking treatment from ...
A: I cannot suggest anything more from here than cover-ups, like mints, mouthwash or chewing gum. ...
|
| Crowns | 7/17/2009 |
Q: I recently had 2 crowns and an inlay done by a new dentist, all on adjoining teeth (#29-31). I ...
A: I doubt that he filed too much, assuming that floss snaps between these crowns similarly to the way ...
|
| severe gum pain | 7/11/2009 |
Q: i have been trying to find someone to help me, i am agoraphobic and very scared and i need to stop ...
A: You have infections around the roots in your gums. The infection has eaten through your jawbone and ...
|
| Bone left in tooth extraction | 7/11/2009 |
Q: Had 'prep' for a crown removed and oral/maxillofacial surgeon called the removal a 'simple ...
A: Your question is a bit unclear. However, I have performed many extractions. Occasionally, there ...
|
| Cracked tooth, root canal failure | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I cracked my last, rear molar 5 years ago and had a crown placed to protect it. From that time on, I ...
A: May be more canals in roots in this tooth that are still infected. May be bite is high on tooth. ...
|
| gum infected after extraction | 7/4/2009 |
Q: it is saturday morning, tuesday past i had an extraction down on a lower jaw tooth, wasnt the one ...
A: It is infected. I can't tall if the infection is getting worse or improving. Continue taking the ...
|
| Tooth pain | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I been having a lot of pain in my tooth, I went to my dentist and was told that the possible cause ...
A: It sounds like you have a nerve in one of your teeth that is inflamed or infected. You need to see ...
|
| fighting off infections | 7/3/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I am wondering, how does a dentist know if a root canal is failing or not? Does x-raying ...
A: I believe I answered your question with my initial answer and story. You may continue to take ...
|
| veneers | 7/3/2009 |
Q: I hope u may be able to advise me! I had porcelain veneers fitted when I was 19 due to problems with ...
A: If the veneer preparations were as conservative as they should have been, there is only about a 1% ...
|
| tooth restoration in 11/2yr old child | 7/3/2009 |
Q: my daughter is 1 1/2yr old and she has a small cavity in her mand 1st deciduos molar.I went to a ...
A: I rarealy see children under the age of 3. If your child does have a cavity, and your dentist does ...
|
| Bruising and swelling on cheek after dental work | 7/3/2009 |
Q: On Tuesday I had an emergency visit to my dentist when I felt my tooth crack, it turns out I had a ...
A: This is not normal. However, I do not know what procedure was done. If an injection was given, ...
|
| veneers | 7/3/2009 |
Q: I hope u may be able to advise me! I had porcelain veneers fitted when I was 19 due to problems with ...
A: Porcelain crowns can look every bit as natural as veneers, and will last longer and protect your ...
|
| tooth extraction | 7/3/2009 |
Q: noticed under my tongue is purple and i have white spots on the gum area where the tooth was taken ...
A: Purpla under your tongue is either a large vein that you never noticed before now, or a bruise. If ...
|
| fighting off infections | 7/3/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I am wondering, how does a dentist know if a root canal is failing or not? Does x-raying ...
A: A tooth with a root canal should experience no pain and no swelling around it. On xray, a failed ...
|
| marks on teeth after braces | 6/27/2009 |
Q: i am getting my braces off in a month or two and i brush my teeth almost twice a day but don't ...
A: You are doing everything you can now to prevent discoloration of your teeth from braces. When the ...
|
| crown feels too high | 6/27/2009 |
Q: got a porcelain-bonded crown made on my upper left 2nd premolar. the tooth was filed down and a ...
A: If there is not enough space to accomodate your occlusion (bite) in this area, and your occlusion is ...
|
| Inadequate diagnosis & treatment? | 6/27/2009 |
Q: My 17 year old son has regular (every six months) cleaning & check-ups by our dentist. After his ...
A: Answers to your questions: Yes I don't know Yes Yes FYI: I don't know I believe that it is time to ...
|
| asthma | 6/27/2009 |
Q: What are the precautions the dentist and the patient should take when treating an asthmatic?
A: Asthmatics tend to be more sensitive to things than non-asthmatics. Be sure your dentist knows what ...
|
| anesthetic | 6/20/2009 |
Q: Howard. Last week I went to the dentist for the first time since moving to france, a small part of ...
A: If he pushed it through the bone in your jaw, the technique he used is used very rarely here. More ...
|
| Cracked tooth? | 6/13/2009 |
Q: This morning while eating some cherries, I hurt one of my teeth(upper 1st molar on the left). The ...
A: If you bit on a pit accidentally and smacked the tooth, and it is not badly decayed and does not ...
|
| RED GUMS JUST ABOVE MY VENEERS ONLY | 6/13/2009 |
Q: WHY IS MY GUMS RED JUST ABOVE THE VENEERS? NO PLACE ELSE. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM IN 5 ...
A: I do not know how well your cleanings are done, so I cannot comment. Your birth control pill likely ...
|
| root canal redone | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if I can have your advice on something. There was a root canal issue I had and I'm ...
A: You certainly can do what you suggest. However, no medical or dental treatment is guaranteed, and ...
|
| Regarding dry socket | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I had my lower left wisdom tooth extracted 2 weeks ago,ended up with dry socket and an infection and ...
A: Yes, food getting caught does slow healing, although it will heal despite the food. There are ...
|
| Tooth pain | 6/6/2009 |
Q: Almost three months ago I had fillings in my teeth. The back tooth on the bottom left side was ...
A: What you describe is common for a tooth which has been cleaned out to the nerve. The old rule was: ...
|
| Root Canal? | 6/6/2009 |
Q: Dr. Sir, I had a root canal done about a month ago. I have a filling in it now. I had some pain for ...
A: The pain you describe is likely coming from the wisdom tooth that was recently filled. You will ...
|
| losing teeth | 6/6/2009 |
Q: To Dr. Howard Finnk, When there is a root fracture, does the tooth become loose? If there was a ...
A: When there is a root fracture, the tooth can become loose. It can also become painful, especially ...
|
| Infection/swelling | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you can help me in regards to the gum, infection, and over-the counter ...
A: The area you describe as larger and whiter sounds like it may be an abscess in your gum. It depends ...
|
| Infection | 5/31/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I need your help on something I have heard so you can maybe confirm it or correct it. ...
A: Yes, that can happen. Pain comes in may forms, and for many different reasons. I have already ...
|
| numbness | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I had an infected tooth pulled on Tues. Lot of pain. i had novacaine and he said something new ...
A: Don't worry:) It is most likely that your numbness will go away. Usually numbness caused by ...
|
| Infection | 5/30/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I need your help on something I have heard so you can maybe confirm it or correct it. ...
A: It sounds like you have some infection or inflammation from your tooth/root that is pointing toward ...
|
| excruciating pain | 5/30/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I don't have dental insurance, and dental care is so very expensive...that's why I have ...
A: Contact the dental schools in your area and find out what they charge to remove a tooth. School ...
|
| Pain after root canal | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I asked a question to one of the doctors listed on the allexperts website, but unfortunately could ...
A: As with Dr. Liewehr's answer, I cannot give you a definite answer without seeing you and your xrays. ...
|
| Porcelain inlay keeps falling out. | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. After a big chunk broke off from a molar in my left lower jaw, ...
A: This is not a common problem. What could cause it is a high bite on the onlay, not enough ...
|
| Pain after getting new crown | 5/30/2009 |
Q: I've had excruciating pain on my back tooth when chewing since I had a new crown on the tooth 2 ...
A: it's very hard to tell of you need a root canal, if the bite is high, or the crown does not fit ...
|
| Old crown, replacing or recementing | 5/30/2009 |
Q: An old crown came loose (approx 12 years old) a few months ago. The crown is still in very good ...
A: A crown should fit the underlying tooth perfectly, or nearly perfectly, in order to be cemented ...
|
| Crowns | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I have a question about crowns. I have been noticing some people who have gotten their tooth capped, ...
A: Most dentists do not consider the gumlines of posterior (back) teeth (past the bicuspids) as an ...
|
| what do you think about this? | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I had a root canal done a few years back. Ever since the procedure, I've felt a little pain on that ...
A: As I said earlier, I cannot comment on another dentist's financial policy. As with any business, ...
|
| Smile | 5/24/2009 |
Q: i am worried about the state of my mouth, i brush my teeth twice a day and have over recent months ...
A: First, find a dentist that is taking patients. Right away. Until you do, stop brushing hard. I ...
|
| what do you think about this? | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I had a root canal done a few years back. Ever since the procedure, I've felt a little pain on that ...
A: Interesting that you ask your question at the end of a week in which I just treated a patient for a ...
|
| cracked front tooth | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I was eating and felt like there was food on my front tooth i went to look and it is cracked. I took ...
A: I'm as sure as I can be that it can be fixed. If there is no pain, all you can do is eat only soft ...
|
| Crown | 5/23/2009 |
Q: On the same molar, I had in succession: crown, root canal, filling on crown. What is frequency of ...
A: I cannot answer with any degree of accuracy. First, the issue is not only coronal leakage, but also ...
|
| Infections | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I came back from the dental office this morning, and my dentist just informed me that I have an ...
A: Re-read my answer. That is not what I said. What I said was " These infections do not infect other ...
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| Infections | 5/16/2009 |
Q: Dr. Finnk: Hi, I'm Mary, and I would like to ask you a question in regards to infections on teeth. I ...
A: Cold that lasts a long time usually indicates a "hyperemic pulp", or early sensitivity in your tooth ...
|
| Crowned tooth broke off at gumline, best treatments for 81 year old. | 5/16/2009 |
Q: Dr Finnk, My Dad is 81 and stubborn about dental work. One of his gold-crowned teeth just broke off ...
A: If you have to look down and in to see anything, it is most likely best to remove the root, and, if ...
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| Crowned tooth broke off at gumline, best treatments for 81 year old. | 5/16/2009 |
Q: Dr Finnk, My Dad is 81 and stubborn about dental work. One of his gold-crowned teeth just broke off ...
A: I don't know how badly the root looks, or how deeply under the gum it is broken. But, based on your ...
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| Dental tartar | 5/16/2009 |
Q: Please is there any later side effects of dental deep cleaning? (tartar removal) i went to the ...
A: A small amount of tartar buildup is not uncommon in someone of your age. Not to worry. Do have it ...
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| Infections | 5/16/2009 |
Q: I came back from the dental office this morning, and my dentist just informed me that I have an ...
A: These infections do not infect other teeth as often as they spread through your jawbone, and into ...
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| Infections | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Dr. Finnk: Hi, I'm Mary, and I would like to ask you a question in regards to infections on teeth. I ...
A: What you describe is a sign of an inflamed nerve, likely due to early infection inside that nerve. ...
|
| Dental Veneers | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Yesterday was my first visit for veneers. My dentist shaved my teeth and placed my temporary ...
A: Your cheeks should not be swollen or tender by now. Any swelling or pain should have disappeared ...
|
| cracks | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I am wondering, when there is a crack underneath a filling, is that visible to the dentist, ...
A: Blood can seep into a cavity and stain a white filling pink, red, brown or black. The moisture ...
|
| Bleaching | 5/15/2009 |
Q: I am currently doing a project for school about bleaching teeth. Aside from hydrogen peroxide, are ...
A: I do not do homework for students. It is your job to do the research to find the answers to your ...
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| cracks | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Finnk, I am wondering, when there is a crack underneath a filling, is that visible to the dentist, ...
A: Cracks in teeth are often visible to the dentist upon opening the tooth and looking inside. They ...
|
| Captek Crown vs. PFM Crown | 5/14/2009 |
Q: My dental office recommended root canal and Crowns for both two front teeth #8, and #9. I have ...
A: 1. Captek uses a very thin yellow gold substructure under the porcelain. PFM uses a slightly ...
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| alternatives to treatment plan - broken tooth | 5/14/2009 |
Q: 35 years ago I broke a main molar (tooth cracked off partly) and was living in a rural area. The ...
A: cc: Without being able to see your tooth, gums or xrays, I can't render an adequate opinion about ...
|
| Jaw mouth pain after replacing fillings | 5/14/2009 |
Q: Two weeks ago tomorrow, I had some fillings replaced in my lower left teeth. They were large ...
A: It sounds like one or more of these fillings has set off an inflammation in your tooth nerves. In ...
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| Replacing 2nd Molar without post | 5/14/2009 |
Q: Is there any cantavalier false tooth? or something like that I read about that can hook onto #19 to ...
A: There are cantilever bridges like one you describe. They are used uncommonly. Making yours would ...
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| jaw pain | 5/8/2009 |
Q: A few days ago I began having ear pain that eventually moved down to my jaw. Then, today, when I ...
A: The tooth that is sensitive is likely in the beginning stages of becoming abscessed (acute ...
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| tooth ache from cracks | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I know you cannot see my tooth and the situation, but I wanted to see if you can have any idea of ...
A: 1. Why pain? There may be infection or fluid pressure that remains around the roots, which requires ...
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| teeth cracking sound when eatting yogurt? | 5/8/2009 |
Q: My top front teeth have started to feel like they are cracking/moving slightly when i eat yogurt? ...
A: Cracking and moving slightly with yogurt is a very rare occurrence in dentistry. It may be that one ...
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| Receeding gums and brittle teeth | 5/8/2009 |
Q: Over the past 6-7 months my gums have started to recede and my 2 of my front teeth at the bottom ...
A: You have an excellent and very complicated question. Any one of the factors you mention can cause ...
|
| my daughters tooth | 5/8/2009 |
Q: ok i have a 3 year old daughter instead of 2 teeth growing in the front only one big one did! what ...
A: Very uncommon in baby teeth, but you may be looking at her two front teeth fused together. More ...
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| tooth ache from cracks | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I know you cannot see my tooth and the situation, but I wanted to see if you can have any idea of ...
A: Interesting that you ask your question now. I just finished several fillings for a patient ...
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| High palate | 5/2/2009 |
Q: What is the difference between having a high roof the mouth and having an arched palate? I was once ...
A: Most dentists consider high roof and arched palate to be the same. An ortodontist looks at your ...
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| using expired penicillin vk 500mg for tooth abcess | 5/2/2009 |
Q: Is it safe to use expired, bottle says use before 04/18/08, Penicillin VK 500mg? My 22 year old son ...
A: I'm sorry, but I cannot advise you to use any medication other than the one that was prescribed. ...
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| root canal/extraction | 5/1/2009 |
Q: I am 38 yrs old and having a terrible year with my teeth. I have already maxed my insurance for the ...
A: You are dealing with tooth #2, which is usually the last molar in your mouth (except for the wisdom ...
|
| 18 month old teeth | 4/25/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 18 months old and has all her baby teeth. Today I noticed she was picking and ...
A: This is possible, though unlikely. It is also possible that these teeth are infected, and she is ...
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| gum pain | 4/25/2009 |
Q: My aunt had all of her bottom teeth pulled last May because they hurt. since then she has lost 45 ...
A: I have no idea why your aunt has had such prolonged pain from the loss of her teeth. Is she wearing ...
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| losing a tooth after root canal | 4/24/2009 |
Q: i have lost several teeth that i had root canal on i have lost each tooth after each knee surgery (i ...
A: This is not normal, nor have I heard of any such relationship. My guess is that it is purely ...
|
| swollen gums | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I have had sores on my lip a tongue for the past week which caused my gums to swell. The sores are ...
A: You likely have either a herpes infection of your mouth, or Vincent's Angina (ANUG). You will want ...
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| dental xrays | 4/23/2009 |
Q: during a routine cleaning & check up with my new dentist yesterday, the dentist noted that i had ...
A: Anything is possible. But if your dentist saw areas of concern, a schedule of review of these ares ...
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| Sensitive front tooth | 4/23/2009 |
Q: One of my frint teeth is very sensitve. It is a coming and going thing and can be fine, but ...
A: The desensitizing toothpaste is a good idea. But it sounds to me like the nerve inside your tooth ...
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| Implants, parcial plate, or captek bridge | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I am 27 years old. I chipped my two front teeth when I was about 8 then my mother got caps put on ...
A: I am sure your dentist cares about your smile, and is recommending the treatment that would best ...
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| jaw pain after dental work | 4/22/2009 |
Q: Finnk, 2 weeks ago, I had a cap put on one of my upper R molars and 2 fillings done on 2 lower R ...
A: I can't tell you if your pain is due to your bite, or due to a nerve inside that tooth that is going ...
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| bone graft | 4/18/2009 |
Q: my dentist needs to pull 20 teeth for full dentures he says my bone loss is 50% at $350 per tooth i ...
A: I will assume that you mean $350 per tooth for bone grafting. Alveoloplasty MAY be an alternative, ...
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| wisdom tooth extraction site not healing | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I had a particularly difficult wisdom tooth extraction on my lower left third molar. It involved ...
A: It is possible that, if the cheek was stitched to the wound, that mouth movement might pull the ...
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| tongue thrusting during sleep | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I am 45 years old and have recently begun pushing on my upper front teeth with my tongue while ...
A: Find the smallest sports mouthguard that fits over your upper teeth and follow the instructions. ...
|
| Unnecessary Root Canal Scam | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I cracked off a piece of molar #31 and a DDS prepared it for a crown. I had never gone to this DDS ...
A: Too bad. And Caviat Emptor. It appears that you are correct and the endodontist was not. You may ...
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| flipper | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I asked an expert how long can a flipper last until my budget will allow something more permanant. ...
A: Fabricated properly means that it is made of acceptable materials, processed according to ...
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| new crown | 4/18/2009 |
Q: should a good crown leave exposed about 1/16 of an inch of the tooth exposed above the gum line? or ...
A: A good crown can be all that you describe. If possible, I like my crowns to end slightly beneath ...
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| Root Canals | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I have had a root canal on one of my tooth, and it still feels achy pain from time to time when I ...
A: It may be that this tooth is high in your bite, and should be adjusted out. Or that there are ...
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| Wisdom teeth and Root Canals | 4/17/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of questions regarding wisdom teeth and root canals. 1. I have a wisdom tooth that ...
A: 1. Symptoms, signs. Soreness, pain, sensitivity, high bite are some signs. It can be harmful if it ...
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| how do i get artificail teeth fixed for my dad who has no teeth at all? | 4/17/2009 |
Q: i love my dad a lotttt. I am very much worried about my dad. health wise he is not good. he is ...
A: There are several solutions. The best would be to implant titanium roots into his jawbone, then ...
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| Wisdom teeth and Root Canals | 4/17/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of questions regarding wisdom teeth and root canals. 1. I have a wisdom tooth that ...
A: Answers to your questions, in order: 1. Yes 2. Some say yes. Some say no. The evidence is 50/50 on ...
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| white front tooth | 4/17/2009 |
Q: My 3 year old daughter has one really white tooth compared to all of her other teeth. It is one of ...
A: An excellent question for which I have no answer. I could guess that it was poorly calcified during ...
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| Damon treatment & lower jaw overcrowding | 4/11/2009 |
Q: Finnk, My fourteen-year-old son is about to finish his Damon treatment. His teeth are straight, but ...
A: First, I don't know what "Damon" treatment is. Second, I cannot make treatment decisions with ...
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| apicectomy pain after op and extraction | 4/4/2009 |
Q: I had an apicectomy 8 months ago,but have been in pain ever since.i had the tooth extracted 2 months ...
A: It sounds like residual infection in the area of the apicoectomy. Not common after extraction, but ...
|
| 21 month old with extended labial frenum | 3/28/2009 |
Q: Last week I took my 21 month old daughter in for her first checkup with our family dentist, he ...
A: I do not recommend frenulectomy until the child has reached age 5-8. A high frenum often corrects ...
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| broken crown | 3/21/2009 |
Q: I had a porcelein crown (I'm allergic to metal) put on the last tooth bottom right less that a year ...
A: Please excuse the delay. I thought I had answered your question several days ago. Apparently a ...
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| failed bridge. | 3/21/2009 |
Q: Sir- three years ago, my dentist installed an upper left bridge where several teeth had been ...
A: You are very kind. The first thing I would do is contact your state or local dental association, ...
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| tooth pain | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I have been getting toothaches for several years. Each time I go to my dentist and he does a root ...
A: You may be suffering from a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia, wherein the nerve that supplies ...
|
| Bottom Teeth | 3/20/2009 |
Q: My top teeth are excellent Porcelain Crowns. My bottom teeth look old, (as they are-67) and I want ...
A: If you can tolerate bleaching, this may be the solution. If not, there is a device called "Snap On" ...
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| Root Canal | 3/20/2009 |
Q: I had a root canal 3 years ago. During the procedure i had an extreme amount of pain at one point ...
A: It is possible that the root canal treatment could have initiated an inflammation of your sinus ...
|
| Herbst | 3/15/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 8 yrs.old and I was told by her Dentist that she needed a herbst put on. I am a ...
A: Whereas I have heard of the Herbst appliance, and actually learned about it long ago, I have never ...
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| tooth replacement | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I have been diabetic for 21 years now. I found out a couple years ago from having tooth x-rays that ...
A: I am sorry to hear that your front teeth are becoming loose. There are several ways to replace your ...
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| Baby teeth knocked out | 3/8/2009 |
Q: My 22 month old daughter's two top front teeth were knocked out last night. Is there any type of ...
A: Sorry to hear about your little one's front teeth. I hope she's ok otherwise. There are several ...
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| dental complication | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I will try to be brief, I am 38F I have gone to the dentist since I was 4 and have never had any ...
A: I have never come across the problem you describe, nor have I heard of Adies Tonic Pupil. If the ...
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| dental | 3/7/2009 |
Q: i went my dentist because of a toothache. i was x-rayed and was informed that my tooth could be ...
A: As you know, there is no guarantee with any health procedure, including dental. I'm sure your ...
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| Composite Bonding | 2/28/2009 |
Q: I had bonding redone on the entire surface of my front two teeth about 5 years ago because the ...
A: Most bonding materials today are very resistant to stain. Bonding can be redone an infinite number ...
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| My 2 front lower teeth | 2/27/2009 |
Q: One of my bottom tooth has falling out due to a tongue ring that I had and the other one is on the ...
A: There are several ways to replace the 2 teeth: 1. A cemented bridge. Two or more teeth on either ...
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| Dead Nerve/Calcification in Incisor | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I went to the dentist yesterday and was told that the nerve inside my left central incisor has died ...
A: It is highly unlikely that the tooth you describe will become a problem after veneers are placed. ...
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| infants teeth | 2/22/2009 |
Q: my daughter might have to have dental crown on her front teeth and they told me that my options were ...
A: I do not understand why she needs crowns on her front teeth if what she has on her teeth is tiny. ...
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| panorex films | 2/21/2009 |
Q: My last 2 dentists have "fired" me because I have refused to get panorex films every 2 years every ...
A: In my opinion, in your case, they are not justified. In our practices, we recommend a full set of ...
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| Dead tooth | 2/21/2009 |
Q: My bottom tooth in front has calcified too much and I am unable to do a root canal. My question is: ...
A: Your answer depends on what it looks like on xray, and the condition of the gums around it. If all ...
|
| chemical burn | 2/21/2009 |
Q: recently i went to the dentist to get a filling put in. I felt my right cheek burning so i notified ...
A: I can't say that he is in the wrong. I don't know what might have burned your cheek. I would ...
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| twisted jaw | 2/21/2009 |
Q: I have questions related to deviation of the jaw. At the present time, my jaw seems almost to be ...
A: When looking at your jaw, I consider two things: 1. Does is contribute to or detract from your ...
|
| Facial Numbness | 2/15/2009 |
Q: Started experiencing pain last Sat on a flight. Pain became very intense at home on Sunday, started ...
A: Prolonged numbness is not a common issue, although it is known to occur in a small percentage of ...
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| Tooth damage during cleaning | 2/14/2009 |
Q: When they clean teeth on someone with a lot of plaque is it normal to grind the teeth? The dental ...
A: What your hygienist used was likely an ultrasonic cleaner. This gently breaks apart calcium ...
|
| Tooth Ache | 2/14/2009 |
Q: Some quick background, I have had the same dentist for 20 years, and I think he is great. I have ...
A: It is probable that you have an infection. Or several infections in several teeth. Or an infection ...
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| Lower jaw implant/sudden sinusitus foll. surgery | 2/14/2009 |
Q: Finnk- Thank you for offering your expertise to the public - I am grateful to you and the other ...
A: It also sounds to me like you developed a sinusitis (sinus inflammation) coincidentally with your ...
|
| Front teeth overlap~ dont want braces.. | 2/3/2009 |
Q: Dr Finnk, thank you for taking time to answer. I have a front tooth overlapping another tooth, it ...
A: If braces are not an option, often Lumineers, veneers, crowns or caps can be done to straighten the ...
|
| Maryland Bridge Question | 2/3/2009 |
Q: My wife's Maryland Bridge (for one tooth) fell out recently. Todays Dentists seem to not practice ...
A: First, if the bridge is ok, other than it comes out, there are now far better, more adhesive, less ...
|
| TOOTHPASTE | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I was just wondering if BEYOND PEARL WHITE TOOTHPASTE does really work to whiten teeth? the ...
A: I have no knowledge of the toothpaste about which you ask. The only whitening toothpaste that I've ...
|
| hole in gold crown | 2/2/2009 |
Q: I'm sitting in the middle of Mexico at the moment and I'm just a touch leery of going to a local ...
A: The sensitivity is your tooth telling you to replace the crown. Find some Sensodyne toothpaste and ...
|
| antibiotics or extraction of baby tooth | 2/2/2009 |
Q: My 9 yr old had a cavity filled in his baby canine tooth. A few weeks later has swelling of cheek ...
A: If your dentist has recommended extraction, I would take the dentist's recommendation. Antibiotics ...
|
| jaw stiffness | 2/2/2009 |
Q: I had some fillings on the 9th of January and it took about 1 1/2 hrs. Ever since I had the work ...
A: Sounds like hyperextension TMJ. If you are able to open your mouth a little more each week, you are ...
|
| enamel | 2/2/2009 |
Q: My husband has had enamel problems since he was six years old. From what he was told by his family ...
A: You are correct. He should brush his teeth at least once a day with an EXTRA-SOFT tooth brush and ...
|
| tooth pressure | 2/2/2009 |
Q: i woke up this morning with alot of pressure in my back molar. the pressure almost feels like ...
A: As you might clearly understand, I cannot diagnose over this medium. I cannot answer the question ...
|
| Lower jaw pain | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I have an overcrowded lower right jaw. The teeth are a little out of line, and the retromolar pad ...
A: It sounds like you have a wisdom tooth just under the area you describe, and you are suffering a ...
|
| misdiagnosis | 1/31/2009 |
Q: Please help me understand what to do. Four months ago I went to my current dentist (I had to change ...
A: A cavity in your tooth is like an infection in your tooth. If that cavity was near your gumline, it ...
|
| help | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I know it's long, but I really need help. Everything started a few months ago, where I went to a ...
A: It is very difficult for me to make an accurate diagnosis with you there and me here. However, it ...
|
| disinfecting toothbrushes | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I have children that have just had strepped throat. I was told to put their toothbrushes in boiling ...
A: This is the first time I've heard the recommendation to boil toothbrushes. I can't see it doing any ...
|
| broken tooth | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I have a broken tooth that has cracked into the gum line. I am being advised that the fix involves ...
A: Good question. You will need to ask your dentist, both about the expected longevity of a crown ...
|
| statute of limitations for crowns | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I had a crown place two yrs ago and the dentist had replaced it 3 times. Initially it was in1998 ...
A: I am not a lawyer, so I cannot answer a statute question. However, if this crown was never right, ...
|
| TMJ Left jaw | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I was diagnosed with TMJ about 5 years ago. When I was diagnosed my tmj was not very serious, it was ...
A: Your TMJ sounds worse than any I have ever seen or treated. It would be wise to see a dentist, if ...
|
| tooth | 1/24/2009 |
Q: half of my tooth is broken and i got a filling for it. However, the filling fell off, and the half ...
A: Once again, I cannot help you from here. I have already answered your questions to the best of my ...
|
| chipped molar with filling | 1/23/2009 |
Q: What are some possible fixes for a chipped molar with a filling? My wife's second molar, bottom ...
A: Depending on how much of the tooth is missing, and how much more might be decayed, she might be able ...
|
| blocked parotid gland | 1/23/2009 |
Q: Since October, I have been dealing with a blocked parotid gland. So far, I have been on steriods, ...
A: My question is, if you press on the side of your jaw and saliva shoots out, how can this be blocked. ...
|
| 12 year old grey tooth | 1/10/2009 |
Q: My 12 year old son got popped in the mouth by a trash can lid about 2 months ago and I noticed about ...
A: It sounds like the pop in the mouth caused the nerve in the tooth to become devital, or die. The ...
|
| laser gum surgery | 1/10/2009 |
Q: i am getting my braces off for the second time in a few weeks, and my back molar teeth are very ...
A: I would talk to your orthodontist and your dentist, both. If they agree that you should have an ...
|
| cosmetic dentistry expertise | 1/9/2009 |
Q: a dental maxilo face surgeon placed 10 implants in my jaw. Half failed.In the begining his clinic ...
A: Cosmetic and esthetic dentists are not the same as implant experts. Implants require surgery to the ...
|
| Risk of implant failure? | 1/9/2009 |
Q: A week ago I had an implant done. It was placed at the same time as a tooth extraction, along with ...
A: I can't give you statistical chances of failure of your implant. But I have seen many implants ...
|
| crown over root canal | 1/9/2009 |
Q: I have had a root canal on #3. Now I would like to have a cover made of hybrid composit which costs ...
A: I'm not sure I can adequately answer your question. Your answer depends on how much of your tooth ...
|
| Fillings | 1/9/2009 |
Q: I had some fillings done in May 08. I had a cleaning done in Oct 08 and told them that I was having ...
A: As far as I know, as a paying patient, you have the same rights as you would have as a paying ...
|
| Cracked root | 1/9/2009 |
Q: Why can't a cracked root be repaired?
A: Some cracked roots can be repaired. If the fracture is horizontal (across the root) and near the ...
|
| Deep dental cleaning | 1/2/2009 |
Q: At my regular dental check up X-rays were taken prior to my cleaning. The plaque showed on the ...
A: We are finally beginning to take gum diseases more seriously now than ever before. The numbers ...
|
| tooth | 1/1/2009 |
Q: half of my tooth is broken and i got a filling for it. However, the filling fell off, and the half ...
A: Once again, with the information I have, I can't help you from here. Usually a broken tooth ...
|
| child's tooth | 1/1/2009 |
Q: My 4 year old boy brushes 3 times perday and flosses twice a day, never had the bottle in the crip ...
A: Yes. You need to find a dentist who is willing to use sedative medication. If this is not ...
|
| using restraints during a cavity fill | 12/27/2008 |
Q: My children's pediatric dentist just found a cavity on one of my 8 year-old son's back molar and on ...
A: About half of dentists do not allow parents in the treatment room, and half do. In our practice, it ...
|
| Charege for Dental "Temporary Bridge" | 12/27/2008 |
Q: I recently had a bridge removed due to pain I was experiencing. My dentist was very clear in her ...
A: I cannot provide you with any kind of standardized financial policy for any dentist, as there are ...
|
| Thin sharp bone after extractions | 12/27/2008 |
Q: I had all uppers removed by an oral surgeon 8 months ago and still feel pain in 2 areas. It feels ...
A: I would consider it my responsibility. On rare occasions, when patients continue producing sharp ...
|
| Thin sharp bone after extractions | 12/27/2008 |
Q: I had all uppers removed by an oral surgeon 8 months ago and still feel pain in 2 areas. It feels ...
A: An xray may or may not show the cause. After eight months, you should be comfortable in your ...
|
| using restraints during a cavity fill | 12/27/2008 |
Q: My children's pediatric dentist just found a cavity on one of my 8 year-old son's back molar and on ...
A: Your discomfort with restraints is correct. I have never used restraints, nor do I believe that ...
|
| Knocked mouth and teeth | 12/26/2008 |
Q: Yesterday I turned round and knocked my face against the door frame. My top lip was bleeding and is ...
A: Ouch! What you are experiencing is likely the teeth healing in your gums. Like a knock on your ...
|
| Bone Grafting Implant over infection | 12/26/2008 |
Q: I had an extraction of the lower left molar (#20) due to a vertical crack in the root. The gum was ...
A: Considering the area in which you are experiencing the pain, and the level of pain you describe, ...
|
| gum health | 12/20/2008 |
Q: To reduce a gum pocket size is it root scaling that might reduce it or a bone graft? If someone ...
A: It's never too late for root scaling. Almost always, root scaling is our initial therapy for our ...
|
| question | 12/13/2008 |
Q: What are the pitfalls of partial dentures (for lower molar teeth)?Someone told me you can lose your ...
A: You first asked a question about partial dentures, which I answered. If you are now referring to ...
|
| bone loss | 12/13/2008 |
Q: Not sure if this is your expertise: If a tooth has bone loss from gum disease will an oral surgeon ...
A: It is my belief that only a periodontist would place a bone graft to save your tooth. This does not ...
|
| gums | 12/13/2008 |
Q: Can a size 7 pocket tooth generally be saved and how - generally speaking? (I realize everyone's ...
A: A size 7 pocket can often be reduced to a size 3-5 pocket with deep scaling and root planing, ...
|
| switch dentist? | 12/13/2008 |
Q: I neglected my dental health for years, and in the last year I have been vigilant on going for ...
A: Anne: In my practice, under normal circumstances, I will see my patients at each visit, even if ...
|
| removing implants | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Is it harder to remove an implant (the part in the actual jawbone) that had prior bone grafting ...
A: I would guess that it would be slightly easier to remove an implant from bone where there has been ...
|
| question | 12/12/2008 |
Q: What are the pitfalls of partial dentures (for lower molar teeth)?Someone told me you can lose your ...
A: You can lose your other teeth (the teeth that the partials connect to) if you do not take care of ...
|
| bone grafts | 12/12/2008 |
Q: In general, what risks might be associated with having a bone graft - the kind done about 8-12 ...
A: Risks include post-operative infection, untoward reaction (allergy) to the graft material, and ...
|
| question | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Does a bridge also prevent teeth from shifting? (in my case it would be attached to my last ...
A: In my estimation, second to appearance, the most important reason to replace a missing tooth is for ...
|
| sore/swollen gums | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Yesterday my gums began to be sore and swollen. I have good dental hygiene and get my teeth cleaned ...
A: Sore and swollen usually indicates two possibilities. First is some form of gum disease which is ...
|
| my 9 year ols last baby teeth | 12/12/2008 |
Q: .(we have just moved from the uk ) and our dentist want to remove my sons last two remaining baby ...
A: I cannot answer your question about your son, or explain why your dentist wants to remove your son's ...
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| lump in gum | 12/5/2008 |
Q: i had a cap put on tooth #5 did have a root canal also on it also had a filling in #4 all done in ...
A: This sounds like some type of infection. It could be from the trauma of the preparation for the ...
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| wisdom tooth | 11/28/2008 |
Q: The dentist I went to left a piece of my wisdom tooth in my mouth when he extracted it a month ago. ...
A: Nothing is wrong with you to expect your dentist to remove your tooth in its entirety, and not ...
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| severe jaw pain | 11/28/2008 |
Q: I had 2 cavities filled last week ( upper, both sides), and during the procedure my jaws began to ...
A: It sounds like the injections may have set off some type of inflammation in the area of your jaw ...
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| PAIN AFTER FILLING | 11/27/2008 |
Q: 4 weeks ago I had one of my molars filled with an inlay composite. It was a deep cavity according to ...
A: My advice is usually to listen to your dentist. However, if you are unhappy with what your dentist ...
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| Cavities | 11/27/2008 |
Q: How far along is a cavity before its to late. I have no visible serious decay but have very tiny ...
A: In my opinion you have waited too long when the decay has eaten through your teeth to their nerves, ...
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| BROKEN TOOTH EXTRACTION | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I have a broken tooth that was caused when I was biting a potato chip. It has now begun to ...
A: If the tooth is broken, and if it is causing pain, then you will most likely have it removed. If ...
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| Dentistry | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I am under an orthodontic treatment (due to some malposited teeth), after a bridge I had on the ...
A: I do understand your circumstances as you explain them. I cannot answer the question why, nor can I ...
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| approaches to gum disease | 11/23/2008 |
Q: My daughter (28 years old)went to a new dentist. He did not measure her gum recession, but from ...
A: I certainly would have measured between her gums and teeth to see if she had any areas of detachment ...
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| Root Canal Retreatment | 11/23/2008 |
Q: I had a root canal done a few years ago. When I recently started going to a new dentist, he told me ...
A: It is not normal. It may be that the procedure caused the tooth to be elevated in the socket, and ...
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| swollen glands afther the dentist | 11/15/2008 |
Q: I am concerned. I had some twinges in my third molar from the back on the right side so went for ...
A: It sounds like you have an infection on your left side. Likely from that tooth. I doubt that you ...
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| bone chips after wisdom tooth extraction | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I am a woman, 50 yrs old, who had to have her wisdom teeth extracted two weeks ago. In the days ...
A: Normally, I allow one week for healing before I become concerned. If one week has passed since your ...
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| Do I have to do an implant? | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I had my leftmost tooth on the left lower quadrant pulled out two years ago. My periodontist wanted ...
A: It is not necessary to have an implant. You likely can have a partial denture placed. Or a ...
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| Partials | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I will be getting partials on both the top and the bottom. I want them to be white since the top ...
A: Teeth on partials certainly stay the same shade for their lifetime, if properly cared for. If you ...
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| Loose eye tooth | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I'll try to be concise in explaining my situation. A permanant 5-teeth bridge - next to my eye ...
A: It sounds like you will need an upper denture and to lose the remaining upper teeth. Have your ...
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| Deep scaling and root planing | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I've been seeing a student dentist at the University of Southern California. She's quite clumsy with ...
A: The fact that your gums were sensitive and bled during the examination of your gums, and that your ...
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| teeth | 11/8/2008 |
Q: what does it mean when i have brown spot on the inside of the jaw of my mouth on the left side
A: It could be just a freckle. Or another pigmented lesion. Or a pigmented tumor. I don't know where ...
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| overbite and eye muscle spasms | 11/8/2008 |
Q: I had four crowns on my front teeth and my canines veneered. The crowns hit my lower front teeth so ...
A: I wish I could help. But at this stage, your case is way to complex to help from this distance. I ...
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| Sensitivity months after filling | 11/8/2008 |
Q: In May I had a small filling on one of my upper molars. Right after the filling I noticed the tooth ...
A: I thought you were one of my patients! I've had a sensitivity problem with one of my patients whose ...
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| Warranty on failed dental work | 11/1/2008 |
Q: I spent $16,000 on dental work 2 years ago to an expensive cosmetic dentist. Yesterday one of my ...
A: You have rights. I don't know if your rights will supersede those of the dentist. Contact your ...
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| extremely disappointed with my veneers! | 10/31/2008 |
Q: I had veneers placed on my upper 10 teeth about 2 weeks ago. We discussed color and I thought I ...
A: If you chose white, or if you agreed with your dentist that white was best, you're stuck with the ...
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| Odor following crown placement | 10/31/2008 |
Q: A couple of months ago, I had a retreatment of a 25-year-old root canal on tooth #2. The retreatment ...
A: You need to contact your dentist about this matter. It may be that the gums around this crown are ...
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| white composite filling..help! | 10/25/2008 |
Q: i recently had a root canalled new crown filled with the resin material..then he used a ...
A: There are dozens of different brands and types of bonding materials. But before you bring that up ...
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| Tooth Fell Out | 10/24/2008 |
Q: I am 47 years old with receding gums in the front bottom. My front bottom tooth has fallen out ...
A: Sorry. No glue. If insurance is what is stopping you from seeing the dentist, then I advise you to ...
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| shifted jaw? | 10/24/2008 |
Q: Mr. Howard Finnk, I am not sure if it's your are of expertise but I hope you can answer my question. ...
A: First, to clarify, I am actually Dr. Howard Finnk. Now to your question. You don't define what type ...
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| At home teeth whitening | 10/11/2008 |
Q: Finnk, I have a question about at home teeth whitening, I have slightly discolored teeth, and am 22 ...
A: I went to the site, and I could find no information on what is in this product (ingredients), nor ...
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| Jaw stiffness and pain | 10/11/2008 |
Q: My bf has a recurring problem with his jaw getting stiff only being able to drink fliuds as he ...
A: It's hard to tell if he is suffering from some type of TMJ issue, or if it is recurring, enlarging ...
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| fit of partial plate | 10/11/2008 |
Q: I got partial plates about a month ago. I have no idea how they should fit. I didn't get a lot of ...
A: The answer to your question depends on what kind of partial, and on how loose or tight your teeth ...
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| Implant Supported Bridge | 10/3/2008 |
Q: I will be getting four implants to replace my four top front teeth. My regular dentist mentioned ...
A: All metals used in making bridgework should be of medical grade, and should have been approved by ...
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| 3 temporary bridges later... | 10/3/2008 |
Q: I am getting fitted for a permanent bridge and so far I have had 3 rounds of temporary bridges. The ...
A: If a temporary bridge was placed on the same day that you lost a tooth or teeth, then what you ...
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| Cheeks amd lichen planus | 10/3/2008 |
Q: My dentist diagnosed me with lichens planus, I also have a bite misalignment. I also seem to be ...
A: Most of my patients have wisdom teeth healed in several days. Some take several weeks. Depends on ...
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| Extraction, Bone Graft, Dental Bridge | 9/27/2008 |
Q: the tooth next to the front one on my right had a root canal filling 25+ yrs ago, it's been crowned ...
A: Although it is likely that your tooth will need a root canal, it is not a sure thing. Your dentist ...
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| Bone loss | 9/27/2008 |
Q: I have this problem. I've been diagnosed with severe periodontal disease 2 years ago. I did osseous ...
A: Wearing dentures can cause additional bone loss over time due to the pressure of clenching or ...
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| Bone loss | 9/27/2008 |
Q: I have this problem. I've been diagnosed with severe periodontal disease 2 years ago. I did osseous ...
A: I can't tell you if you are a good candidate for implants. The doctors you have seen should be able ...
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| whitish gray palate | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I recently went to the doctor for a sore throat, and I forgot to ask him about my palate being pale ...
A: I'm surprised that, if your doctor looked at your throat through your mouth, he/she did not mention ...
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| specialist | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I had a tooth pulled back in February because the crown broke in such a way that couldn't be ...
A: Preparing teeth for bridges or crowns makes them about 6% more likely than untouched teeth to need ...
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| dental implant | 9/6/2008 |
Q: After spending 800.00 to ry and save a tooth..I have to have a dental implant..I am overwhelmed by ...
A: I know Nova University very well, having served as an Adjunct Clinical Professor there for over one ...
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| Cracked Molar | 9/6/2008 |
Q: My dentist diagnosed my lower molar as being cracked but recommended I do nothing and see if debris ...
A: Huh? See if debris fills in the crack? Debris? This a concept that is new to me. My guess is ...
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| Toothache like pain after extractions | 9/5/2008 |
Q: a week ago I had all my lower teeth extracted. There is one spot in particular that feels just like ...
A: I'm sorry to hear that you had all your lower teeth extracted. It may be that there was a root left ...
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| Wisdom tooth | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I have a wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted, I went to my dentist and they drilled it out and ...
A: What most likely will happen is that the remaining roots will continue to decay, and infection will ...
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| Light spacing on new crown | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I had 2 crowns installed recently. They were located right next to each other. One crown has ...
A: I would agree to wait a month or two. But if you continue to congregate food in the space, and ...
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| pediatric gum recession | 9/5/2008 |
Q: Finnk, I recently noticed that the gum of my 6year old daughter's two bottom front adult teeth were ...
A: Never panic. While you are waiting, see if you can find a pediatric dentist near you who can see ...
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| Jaw Question | 8/31/2008 |
Q: Recently I developed a sore jaw... started just in front of the ear and progressed downward to chin. ...
A: You most likely had an infection coming from a tooth. I can't tell from here if it was your wisdom ...
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| Blue/black tooth (on side) 14 year old URGENT | 8/30/2008 |
Q: My daughter had braces for over 3 years to straighten slightly crooked teeth. I noticed one tooth ...
A: I cannot tell if the tooth is decayed or if the nerve inside it is dead and darkening the tooth. If ...
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| Mandible fracture (titanium plating-angle) | 8/23/2008 |
Q: I got operated on my mouth( mandible fracture)and the doctor had fixed the titatium plate inside my ...
A: I can only guess at when you will be completely better. The usual time is 6-24 weeks. But I don't ...
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| toothe ache under bridge | 8/23/2008 |
Q: "Have had an ongoing problem since June with the area under my bridge (back of mouth molars) it had ...
A: If the bridge is relatively new, it may be that the replacement tooth is compressing your gum to ...
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| Underbite | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I am a fourteen year old female and i have a severe underbite. I have been looking for orthodontists ...
A: Because I cannot see you or your xrays, I cannot render a professional opinion about your case. ...
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| Wisdom teeth removal | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I just got my wisdom teeth removed Fri of this week. I still have pain and throbbing in my gums. ...
A: Depending on how difficult your case was, some oozing of blood is to be expected. You need to ...
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| Erroneous estimate | 8/19/2008 |
Q: My girlfriend recently had some bridge work done for which she received a written estimate of a $404 ...
A: It is up to your dentist to make it clear that what he provides you is just an estimate. Your ...
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| unhappy veneers | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Finnk, I also have the same problem about being very unhappy with my veneers. I'm not happy with ...
A: You can have them removed, but I don't know how the faces of your teeth were prepared. You may ...
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| prolonged numbness after tooth extraction | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I have 2 bottom tooth extractions (one left and one on right side) and it has been 3 months, i still ...
A: As with any post-operative complication, you and your insurance should be paying for it. Although ...
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| whiteners | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Is there an over the counter whitening gel you would recommend? I have a mold of my teeth that was ...
A: I know of no OTC whiteners that are made to be placed in your trays. You can start with Crest ...
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| Bridge work done , inflamation-puss and margin line | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I recently had a 5 teeth bridge done at the schoool of dentistry i nPuerto Rico. The work was ...
A: I can't be sure, but your gums do look like the margins (edges) of the crowns were placed too deeply ...
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| teeth extraction and infection? | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed Monday (6 days ago). The initial recovery was fine and I was ...
A: You are probably right. This sounds like infection has set in secondary to the removal of your ...
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| X-rays | 8/17/2008 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, I am a dental assistant but I work for an endodontist. I recently started seeing a ...
A: In our practices we provide all of our new adult patients with what is the standard of dental here ...
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| prolonged numbness after tooth extraction | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I have 2 bottom tooth extractions (one left and one on right side) and it has been 3 months, i still ...
A: This is not normal, but is known to be a risk of tooth extraction. It happens less than 1% of the ...
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| soars on lips from biting | 8/17/2008 |
Q: About a month ago I got 3 of my wisdom teeth removed. I still have numbness on the bottom right side ...
A: See your dentist immediately. If he doesn't have a solution, have him refer you to an oral surgeon. ...
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| gray secondary teeth in a 6 year old | 8/17/2008 |
Q: my 6 year old lost her bottom 2 front teeth 3 months ago. Her primary teeth were all normal color ...
A: It looks like the gray is just her natural tooth color. Most permanent teeth are darker in color ...
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| early tooth loss | 8/16/2008 |
Q: My son will be 4 years old in 2 weeks and he has lost three of his baby teeth already. Two on top ...
A: I don't know what made your dentist suspect a systemic disorder. It sounds to me like your son is ...
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| Pain in maxilla - Upper Jaw | 8/16/2008 |
Q: hope you are doing good. Since last 2-3 days , some parts of maxilla in upper jaw are swollen (I can ...
A: Hot food can burn your gums. This often blisters after a day or so, just like a skin burn. The ...
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| Composite Fillings | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I recently had 3 silver fillings replaced with the composite fillings. Two on the upper right and ...
A: It is possible to polish fillings down too much, exposing dentin under your enamel, which could add ...
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| Medicaid Dentures | 8/7/2008 |
Q: my brother inlaw is 35 and medically needs dentures. He has went to three different dentist ...
A: I'm not so sure that your brother-in-law is being honest with you. Assuming that he tells them that ...
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| Maryland Bridge | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I have a 14 y.o. daughter who has root resorption from orthodontia in tooth #7. I've been told ...
A: If your daughter has no symptoms, and the tooth is not loose, postpone its removal, unless infection ...
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| Maryland Bridge | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I have a 14 y.o. daughter who has root resorption from orthodontia in tooth #7. I've been told ...
A: To answer your question, I consider all Maryland Bridges temporary. You should ask your dentist ...
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| Lumps in the roof of my mouth | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I get get small lumps in the roof of my mouth, sometimes these break open and a small white colored ...
A: I suspect that you are developing tiny calcifications in your minor salivary glands that line your ...
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| Numbness after wisdom tooth extraction | 8/5/2008 |
Q: about four days ago I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. From the X-Ray, it appeared that both ...
A: When a tooth is removed that is near a major nerve, it is likely that the inflammation that follows ...
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| extraction of one tooth | 8/5/2008 |
Q: could it be possible having one far back tooth removed cause a slight sunken cheek?
A: While anything could be possible, it is highly unlikely that the removal of one far back tooth would ...
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| Pain in tooth and jaw post-filling | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I had three cavities filled ten days ago, and since then I've had a sharp pain when I bite down on ...
A: The nerve inside this tooth is likely more inflamed than your dentist thought it would be. This ...
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| Alveoplasty how do I know is was done? | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I had all my teeth pulled in April and I was told by the oral surgeon that he was not going to do ...
A: If the surgeon told you that he was not going to do the alveoloplasty, then you can confirm with him ...
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| Evaluation | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I am going to an oral surgeon to get my mouth evaluated. I had a 4 quadrant alveoplasty done by a ...
A: You can ask the surgeon what you asked me. The surgeon will likely be honest with you. It may be ...
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| Child's teeth | 8/4/2008 |
Q: My son teeth came in with a brownish yellow discoloration. I didn't think too much about it. I ...
A: I don't know what to think, as I have not seen your son, his teeth, or his xrays. However, it might ...
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| exposed sinus | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I recently had a upper tooth pulled. the dentist said that it left my sinus cavity exposed. he did ...
A: First, you should have been advised not to smoke, blow your nose or sneeze. If after a week, you ...
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| Dental Implant costs | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I've had an infected tooth that I wanted to have an implant to replace. I found a doctor that I was ...
A: If you are replacing only one tooth, the fees seem a bit high. In our offices, we charge about $200 ...
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| absess for over 5 years.. | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I've had an absess on my front 2 teeth for over 5 years, I can continuosly 15-20 a day push puss out ...
A: Yes, people have died from tooth infection. In the U.S. this happens about once or twice a year. ...
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| need guidence | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I have a 43yr old dissabled daughter who has only SSI medicare. very low income. She is in DIRE ...
A: Contact a dental college near you (google "dental colleges, Arizona"). They should have a facility ...
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| Jaw Strain from Dentist? | 8/3/2008 |
Q: My story begins a couple of months ago: I had some minor fillings (not deep) replaced. They are ...
A: It is likely that your jaw was strained by all the movement and testing. Continue taking tha ...
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| Replacing Gold Crown | 8/3/2008 |
Q: I have been told that I need to Replace a Old Crown.Since I am in the Woods of MO. there is no ...
A: Chances are very slight that this tooth will be broken during crown removal. A root canal might ...
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| Alveoplasty | 8/2/2008 |
Q: I had a 4 quadrant alveoplasty when I had my teeth extracted. I currently have 4 areas where it ...
A: Alveoloplasty is done to smooth and/or reshape the bone under the gum on which dentures will be ...
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| Root canals | 8/2/2008 |
Q: my husband is scheduled for a root canal and when he went in for his consultation he was told he ...
A: The rubber dam isolates the tooth from the rest of the mouth for cleanliness, sterility and control ...
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| Tooth Pain | 8/1/2008 |
Q: Howard, I have been experiencing tooth pain in my lower four front teeth for a year. The pain is ...
A: If you are feeling pain in your lower front teeth, it is likely that one or more tooth nerves are ...
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| Pregnancy and Silver Filling removal | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I had 4 old silver fillings removed (decent in size) because I know there is questionable ...
A: At this time, do nothing. You have already had the silver fillings removed. During the process of ...
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| gum care | 7/19/2008 |
Q: Finnk, My husband has had laser surgery (LANAP) to correct 6,7 & 8 pockets on one quadrant of his ...
A: My instructions are that you brush after breakfast, but before you leave the house, and brush again ...
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| hi | 7/12/2008 |
Q: this is my question to a previous dentist my jaw popped today i dont feel pain but when i open my ...
A: I can't tell you if having your wisdom tooth removed caused your tmd. I didn't examine you before ...
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| conflicting x-rays? | 7/12/2008 |
Q: Finnk: I am 31 years old. When I first started seeing my dentist many months ago, he told me that ...
A: I honestly cannot tell if they are pointing toward the inside or outside of your mouth, as an xray ...
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| hi | 7/12/2008 |
Q: this is my question to a previous dentist my jaw popped today i dont feel pain but when i open my ...
A: I'm sorry, but you are making no sense. You start with the premise that your jaw popped some time ...
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| Crown for implant | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I got an implant about a year and a half ago because I was missing one of my incisors. I told the ...
A: Some people have upper central incisors that have unusual shades. Yours sounds unusually white. ...
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| loss of sensation in one side of face | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Three weeks ago I had a filling put into a tooth that had broken in half, lower left, the third ...
A: You probably have either an infection or inflammation from the injection which is effecting the ...
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| hi | 7/11/2008 |
Q: this is my question to a previous dentist my jaw popped today i dont feel pain but when i open my ...
A: To answer yourSurgery is the very LAST resort for TMD. It sounds like you dislocated the meniscus ...
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| Continue treatment in another state. | 7/6/2008 |
Q: Is it possible to start a braces treatment in Maryland and continue the treatment in Georgia? I'm ...
A: Yes it is possible. But seeing that braces treatments usually run for 2 years or longer, it would ...
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| Jaw Pain | 7/5/2008 |
Q: My father has jaw pain that shoots up through his ear to his head when he eats anything cold or hot. ...
A: What he has is called "pulpitis", or the dental version of neuritis, but in a tooth. The nerve is ...
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| root canal | 6/28/2008 |
Q: I started to feel nerve pain in my tooth around the end of april. An abscess started to form about ...
A: The root canal should have been done, or at least begun, back when the abscess started to form ...
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| eye tooth | 6/28/2008 |
Q: My left eye tooth grew on the roof of my mouth and was removed when I was 14. When I was 23 I had ...
A: From top to bottom, in my estimation: 1. Implant and crown. If this is your choice, find someone ...
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| teeth whitening | 6/27/2008 |
Q: My teen-aged daughter has a large white spot on each of her 2 upper front teeth. She would like to ...
A: Have her teeth whitened using dentist-made custom bleaching trays with dentist-strength bleach. ...
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| Tooth Pain | 6/15/2008 |
Q: Finnk, About a week and a half ago I had an old, fairly large, amalgam filling replaced with a new ...
A: I'm surprised that you can see where the filling ends. usually, the white fillings match the teeth ...
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| teeth sensitive to cool water | 6/15/2008 |
Q: I think one or two of my upper-left molar(s) are a little bit sensitive to cool water. I found out ...
A: This is related to your pulp. Also related to gingival recession and bruxism. May be tooth decay. ...
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| FACIAL PAIN AFTER DENTAL RESTORATION OF A MOLAR | 6/14/2008 |
Q: , I HAD A CRACKED MOLAR THE NEXT TO THE LAST ON THE LOWER LEFT SIDE. I HAD IT REPAIRED WITH A ...
A: Based on your recent dental history, and your long-term pain which began immediately following ...
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| 39 year old black line | 6/8/2008 |
Q: Dr Fink, Hello, I am a 39 year old white female, who has lived with a black line running across the ...
A: Yes. My suggestions, in order: First, most conservative and least expensive is bleaching. About ...
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| my son fell & hurt his front upper tooth | 5/31/2008 |
Q: My 3 year old son fell last night and hurt his upper front tooth. It looked okay except for a tiny ...
A: There could be damage you can't see. But children tend to heal from their injuries quickly and ...
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| Crown buildup | 5/30/2008 |
Q: I have had 2 crowns put on over the last few years at the same dental office but by different ...
A: The only reason you don't get a satisfactory answer, is that no one at your dental office has one. ...
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| tooth extraction problems | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I had all my teeth pulled 5 weeks ago. I have immediate dentures which will need to be relined in a ...
A: What you describe is not "normal", but I've had cases like yours several times in my 35 years as a ...
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| pain in tooth where crown was cleaned in cleaning | 5/25/2008 |
Q: Why is there pain in the tooth were I had a general cleaning around my crown
A: This is a very good question. However, my vision is clouded by the physical distance between us. ...
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| loose tooth | 5/16/2008 |
Q: My son was hit by a baseball.His tooth is a little bit loose and the gums around it look a little ...
A: If the tooth looks like it's in good position, and if it is not extruded, so that it is not hitting ...
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| whitening despite periodontal disease | 5/16/2008 |
Q: Finnk, My husband had root planing and scraping one month ago, and seems to be healing ...
A: Your question about whitening should be directed at the dentist who provided the root planing and ...
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| 6 MONTH CHECK-UP | 5/3/2008 |
Q: I was wondering would you please tell me: why whenever I have to go to the dentist for my six month ...
A: Yes. This happens because you, like most of us, are a bit nervous going to the dentist. This has ...
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| Dull ache across many teeth | 5/3/2008 |
Q: About nine months ago I foolishly let a factory-style dentist replace amalgam fillings with resin in ...
A: I would start with another general dentist. Again, one you can trust. Ask your neighbors, your ...
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| Dull ache across many teeth | 5/3/2008 |
Q: About nine months ago I foolishly let a factory-style dentist replace amalgam fillings with resin in ...
A: Your first move is to contact the dentist who provided the care about which you are complaining. If ...
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| 2 year old lost 2 teeth | 4/25/2008 |
Q: Last night, my 2 year old son took a nose dive on a flight of stairs and lost two of his ...
A: Don't worry about. Go and see the pediatric dentist. Although the premature loss of the lower ...
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| molar question | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I may lose one or two back lower molars (the last molars in back). How important are those back ...
A: Last two molars do much of your chewing. You'll probably get along without them ok. But over time, ...
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| Fillings | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I went to a new dentist today to have a crown put on teeth that recently had root canal performed. ...
A: I know of no silver filling that does not contain mercury. There was an amalgam-colored filling ...
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| front teeth cavaties question | 4/18/2008 |
Q: When they numb the front teeth area, won't the person have trouble breathing because when they numb ...
A: Yes. But what you describe doesn't happen often when we numb front teeth. And when it does, most ...
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| follow-up to your response ,thank you. | 4/12/2008 |
Q: On March 11,2008 I put on my first set of invisalign trays. Within the first 44 hours my upper lip ...
A: Do you really believe that, because you might have had a reaction to some material, that no one ...
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| 5 yr old pushed her teeth up into her gums | 4/11/2008 |
Q: My overactive 5 yr old fell while playing and hit the carpeted floor flat on her face - hard, Her ...
A: Assuming that your child has calmed down, and is comfortable, these teeth are likely safe until you ...
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| Intense pain stars after I get fillings and a crown... | 4/11/2008 |
Q: A month ago I went to the dentist to have several fillings in my upper right area as well as a crown ...
A: Sorry to hear about your pains. It sounds like the temporary crown was in hyperocclusion, or "high" ...
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| Bad experience so far with crowns | 4/11/2008 |
Q: Finnk, We are at our wits' end. My fiance is getting extensive work done for a cost of over ...
A: You should have as much time as you need, within reason. In our office, the patient and we usually ...
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| Dental Crown | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I had a root canal a few days ago and need a dental crown. Is this the only smart option or do they ...
A: Without seeing your tooth, I can't say. I will say that about 90% of teeth that have had root ...
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| still having milktooth | 4/11/2008 |
Q: i am 25 years old i still have two milk canines and permanent canines inside the gums and inclined. ...
A: Without looking at you and your xrays, I can't tell you what can be done. Usually, if your ...
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| Front Bridge | 4/5/2008 |
Q: I have several questions regarding a difficult situation that I'm in right now. Last February I ...
A: I have had your experience myself, from the dentist's side. I was fortunate enough to have a ...
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| ceric or crown? | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Pain while chewing led to discovery of a "large" leaking filling and a crack on furthest back upper ...
A: Cerec is a type of crown. Crowns can be made of gold, silver, titanium, steel. Or they can be made ...
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| healing time for molar extraction | 4/5/2008 |
Q: i had 2 molars out 3 days ago,the molars were next to each other on my lower right jaw.The blood ...
A: This sounds more like infection than healing. Depends on where on the gum is turning white. I ...
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| removal or root canal and crown | 4/5/2008 |
Q: My rear molar, right side bottom needs to have root canal and crown or be pulled. If pulled, will it ...
A: Your teeth will likely shift and move after the extraction. I've been a dentist for 35 years, so my ...
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| healing time for molar extraction | 4/4/2008 |
Q: i had 2 molars out 3 days ago,the molars were next to each other on my lower right jaw.The blood ...
A: Except for the swelling and pain, what you describe sounds like reasonably normal healing. The pain ...
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| My inner cheek is swollen near my wisdom | 4/4/2008 |
Q: My inner cheek is swollen near my wisdom tooth on the bottom left side, It hurts severly. I dont ...
A: It sounds like you have pericoronitis, or infection around your wisdom tooth. Usually, we remove ...
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| bruising in mouth | 3/28/2008 |
Q: well they were having some trouble getting me numb so i ended up getting multiple shots. i now have ...
A: This is not normal, but it is not unheard of. The more shots you get, the more chance there is to ...
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| Teeth feel rough after resin fillings | 3/22/2008 |
Q: I had "borderline cavities" on the chewing surfaces of my back upper left teeth. There was decay on ...
A: Sometimes, adjusting resin fillings can make them feel rough. If the roughness doesn't go away ...
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| Is it ok to brush without paste or does it scratch the enamel surface. | 3/22/2008 |
Q: Im just too lazy to brush in the mornin. I brush at night. This is India . We dont brush twice a ...
A: It is ok to brush only at night, assuming that you brush thoroughly. It is ok to brush without ...
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| tooth | 3/22/2008 |
Q: im only 23 and i have habit of putting things in my mouth water bottle lids etc and it so happens ...
A: This is probably from your chewing on things that cause damage to your teeth. In addition, it is ...
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| Very painful lump on my gum that swells up and goes back down, I can see bone. | 3/21/2008 |
Q: I have a lump that appeared suddenly that swells up and gets painful and sometimes don't hurt at ...
A: You have an abscess, and you need to find a way to see a dentist who will take care of your ...
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| my dautghters veneers | 3/21/2008 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, Several years ago my daughter severely chipped her two front teeth, hitting her mouth on ...
A: Now I know why bonding wouldn't last. Rarely do my bondings on the front teeth of kids fall off ...
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| gums | 3/21/2008 |
Q: I have sensitive gums on the inside of my bottom set. I also sometimes get a tingling feeling, just ...
A: I'm not sure. If you are wearing dentures, what you describe sounds like pressure sores from the ...
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| "invisalign" systemic allergic reactions | 3/17/2008 |
Q: On March 11,2008 I put on my first set of invisalign trays. Within the first 44 hours my upper lip ...
A: I know nothing. If true, yours is the first allergic reaction to Invisalign that I've heard of. If ...
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| Question regarding tongue | 3/8/2008 |
Q: On the side of my tongue I've noticed a white line(patch?) that extends for about an inch or so. It ...
A: Glad you sent the picture. I don't like the look of the lesion. If it has been there for a long ...
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| dead tooth | 3/1/2008 |
Q: brown colour but had no pain. I had a veneer 4 years ago which got a infection so had to have root ...
A: There is no known allergy to root canals, although there are rare reports of allergic reaction to ...
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| 2nd molar removal and dental implant | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I have had 3 of my 2nd molars removed and have had peridontal surgery. The molar I have left is ...
A: It is wise if you plan on keeping your one remaining second molar long-term. On the other hand, if ...
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| Root canal? | 2/29/2008 |
Q: Finnk, It has been about three months since I had a deep filling done on my bottom molar, but I ...
A: The answer is I don't know. Classically, your symptoms would call for a root canal. However, there ...
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| baby tooth that appears to be split | 2/29/2008 |
Q: My daughter has 2 bottom teeth (she is 12 months old), and one of them appears to have a split in ...
A: This is not normal. I don't think it's anything to worry about. I don't think her permanent teeth ...
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| Debriment | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I recently relocated to Florida and obviously sought out a new dentist. Much to my surprise when I ...
A: Because I did not look at your teeth, I cannot tell you if this was really necessary. Your dentist ...
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| Anterior crowns feel rippled | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I just had 6 crowns placed yesterday (anteriors) and am very unhappy with them. The surface of the ...
A: I can't believe that you would allow these crowns to be placed before you had a look and a feel and ...
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| no insurance/no money | 2/23/2008 |
Q: I know someone who has been in pain with her teeth for several years and has seen many dentists in ...
A: After savings, there is her bank. She can obtain a loan for dental care. If not, then look for a ...
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| tooth grinding | 2/22/2008 |
Q: I know you probably won't be able to give me an exact answer, but an idea would be good. I have ...
A: I have a great deal of understanding of the clenching person, as my son is one. The simplest thing ...
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| Sore gums | 2/16/2008 |
Q: I had a lower molar and wisdom tooth right next to each other extracted at the same time about 2 ...
A: It's not normal. I don't know what's going on. It's likely that a stray bone chip is trying to ...
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| root canal mishap | 2/10/2008 |
Q: Finnk, 2 weeks ago I got a root canal done on tooth 27 , it went fine, I made the soonest ...
A: You knew that the tooth was already weak. You knew that you waited so long to take care of it that ...
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| sore tooth | 2/10/2008 |
Q: I was playing with my son lastnight and he ended up ramming his head into my front tooth and he got ...
A: The sensitivity will probably go away in a few days. The secret is to stay away from the tooth. ...
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| Lump on Palate | 2/10/2008 |
Q: About 2 weeks ago i noticed a change in my mouth. My dad is a dental technician and works at a ...
A: It's just an overgrowth of bone, much like a bunyan on a foot. There are several places that these ...
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| Lump on Palate | 2/10/2008 |
Q: About 2 weeks ago i noticed a change in my mouth. My dad is a dental technician and works at a ...
A: Without seeing the lump, feeling the lump and taking an xray, of course I cannot render an opinion. ...
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| cosmetic dentistry | 2/9/2008 |
Q: I had 8 veneers on my upper teeth 2 months ago. Unfortunately, 1 broke right at the appointment so ...
A: You're learning the hard way what I've learned over the years. Veneers will be successful (last a ...
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| root canal pain!!! | 2/9/2008 |
Q: i had a post placed in tooth after root canal was done on tuesday. it i now friday night and i am ...
A: I'm afraid I can't help. Several things might be in play, and without examining you and your tooth, ...
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| numbness after wisdom tooth extraction | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I had 2 of my wisdom teeth extracted,1- upper and 1- lower on the left side, on January 3, 2008. The ...
A: The mandibular nerve emanates from the trigeminal ganglion, just below your skull, enters the ...
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| numbness after wisdom tooth extraction | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I had 2 of my wisdom teeth extracted,1- upper and 1- lower on the left side, on January 3, 2008. The ...
A: I hope you received the answer to my question. If not, what I said was that prolonged numbness is ...
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| numbness after wisdom tooth extraction | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I had 2 of my wisdom teeth extracted,1- upper and 1- lower on the left side, on January 3, 2008. The ...
A: I doubt dry socket. Prolonged numbness after extraction is an uncommon side-effect of tooth ...
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| facial swelling.... | 2/8/2008 |
Q: Good day..I recently,2 days ago 1 1/2 actually had 10 teeth pulled and a full upper plate put ...
A: About the swelling: Imagine you fell off a ladder, hit your face, and lost your six front teeth. ...
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| facial swelling.... | 2/8/2008 |
Q: Good day..I recently,2 days ago 1 1/2 actually had 10 teeth pulled and a full upper plate put ...
A: Sorry to hear you had to lose your teeth. I don't like salt water rinsing. It tastes bad, and ...
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| Dental Implants | 2/1/2008 |
Q: Fink: I read your answerto a patient who had a similar problem to my own, I have advanced ...
A: I would be honored to see you at our office in Dania Beach. I find it disturbing that your teeth ...
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| novacaine | 1/27/2008 |
Q: This is the second request for this question. I would like to know the side effects of novacaine. ...
A: Although still available, Novacaine is not much used by dentists anymore. The local anesthetic most ...
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| Lower jaw pain | 1/26/2008 |
Q: Had upper tooth extracted 10 weeks sago lower jaw seemed to crack at the same time, from then on ...
A: After this amount of time, I am concerned that a portion of your jaw might be fractured, or you ...
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| Tonge Pain | 1/18/2008 |
Q: and anyone else who can help. About a month ago, I was at my Dentist and he noticed white lines on ...
A: This is a rough question, as I cannot see your tongue. But based on your history, I would first ...
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| Severe Dental and Jaw Problems | 1/11/2008 |
Q: Finnk, Im 22 years of age from Los Angeles,CA. My question today is regarding my dental structure ...
A: If you do have a jaw underbite, the only correction for this is jaw surgery, which would move your ...
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| I have had a crown for about five years now... | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I am now a 16 year old teenage girl and I still have the silver crowns on my back moloars (one on ...
A: If you were my patient, I would recommend that, if the teeth underneath the crowns are healthy, you ...
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| When is there not enough tooth to cap | 1/5/2008 |
Q: Dr. Finnk I have two molars in the lower right back that had root canals a wile ago and the ...
A: Most likely the teeth can be capped. Although I do not know the extent of the decay, or if the ...
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| My 2yr old just fell & broke her tooth! | 1/5/2008 |
Q: My two year old daught had gotten caught up in her little rocking chair while trying to get up, and ...
A: Your daughter is going to be ok. I don't know what happened with her tooth. It may have been pushed ...
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| brown teeth | 12/31/2007 |
Q: About a year ago, for some reason, I looked with a mirror at the back of my teeth. And I was really ...
A: I really can't tell if your teeth are rotting. I would have to see and feel them However, don't be ...
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| black spot on tooth | 12/30/2007 |
Q: I noticed a black spot on my tooth near my gumline. I am not sure if it is decay or tartar. I ...
A: Most likely, the black spot is a cavity. It could be a piece of tartar or calcium deposit. If you ...
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| Gumline Graft | 12/30/2007 |
Q: I'm 19 years old, to give you some info about my age, if that is relevant. Anyway, about six months ...
A: I don't know what brushing normal is for you, or what a normal toothbrush is for you. Brush no more ...
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| Gumline Graft | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I'm 19 years old, to give you some info about my age, if that is relevant. Anyway, about six months ...
A: I can't imagine why you would need a gumline graft at age 19. What are you doing... Brushing with ...
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| Lower Second Molar Abcsess | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I have been in MAJOR pain since Chirstmas eve, have been to primary Dr. twice and have been on ...
A: You must find a dentist who is IN. See that dentist immediately. If you cannot find a dentist who ...
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| Back top my left tooth | 12/28/2007 |
Q: My dentist tells me that i have another cavity on the tooth. (I had it filled once before.). I know ...
A: I don't know why your dentist wants to take out your tooth with the cavity. I don't know why it ...
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| Brown Gunk from Hole in Gum | 12/24/2007 |
Q: Dr. Fink, I'll try my best to describe my story as short and best as possible. I got my top ...
A: It may be that a small window opened from your healing socket to your maxillary sinus. This would ...
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| Action after braces removal | 12/23/2007 |
Q: I just had my braces taken off on my top teeth. The orthodontist shaved my two front teeth down to ...
A: First: Stop going crazy. Your answers: 1. Yes, orthodontists do shave teeth, usually to make final ...
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| Proxy Brush vs. Flossing | 12/16/2007 |
Q: I have recently begun using a proxy brush, and I am very happy with the ease of use and the results ...
A: I recommend the use of proxibrush over flossing, where the brush can be used. If you have ...
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| pain after composite filling in molar | 12/15/2007 |
Q: I had a mouthful of silver fillings which have been cracking over the years, and I have been having ...
A: You tooth is likely still a bit high in your bite. And it has gone through some trauma as a result ...
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| metallic taste in the mouth | 12/8/2007 |
Q: I have had a terrible metallic taste in my mouth for 2 1/2 months. It started out with my tongue ...
A: At this point, I don't know what might be causing the metallic taste. Usually metallic taste comes ...
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| pain+pain+pain | 12/1/2007 |
Q: I have swelling in the bottom left of my back teeth.it's red, and I've been taking Tylenol for it ...
A: See a doctor. You have a severe, acute infection in or around your tooth. This must be taken care ...
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| broken front teeth | 11/30/2007 |
Q: My 13 yr old step daughter broke 2/3 rds off her 2 front teeth. The dentist managed to glue the ...
A: I've made buildups of teeth with very little tooth left. They usually last longer than I expect ...
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| broken front teeth | 11/30/2007 |
Q: My 13 yr old step daughter broke 2/3 rds off her 2 front teeth. The dentist managed to glue the ...
A: Without seeing the broken teeth, I cannot be sure. But I rarely do crowns on 13 year olds. Her ...
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| wisdom tooth problem | 11/30/2007 |
Q: am having problems with my wisdom tooth. I wore braces when I was 16 (am now 28), did extract 4 of ...
A: You must see your dentist as soon as possible. There is likely infection in the gums around your ...
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| Abutment placed in Jan | 11/23/2007 |
Q: Finnk: You have been VERY kind and helpful across many months as I've gone through an implant ...
A: You can rest assured that your implant has taken, and that 4 months is enough time. If your surgeon ...
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| My 12 year old molars | 11/23/2007 |
Q: I am 20 years old and my 12 year old molars are about half down coming through. On my left bottom ...
A: Most likely, your 12 year molars came in around when you were 12, and they are doing just fine. I ...
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| lumineers | 11/16/2007 |
Q: My teeth have started to decay in the last 6 yrs of my life. I'm 20. Its not awful, but its not a ...
A: Congratulations. Lumineers, done properly, on the appropriate patients, can be beautiful things. ...
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| Teeth Horrors | 11/15/2007 |
Q: I'm having a horrifying time with my teeth. I suspect my previous dentist of destroying them too. I ...
A: Your situation is incredibly complex, and without a thorough examination, xrays, and interview, I ...
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| Wisdom Teeth | 11/15/2007 |
Q: I have all of my wisdom in my mouth. They grew in just fine because I had some teeth pulled as a ...
A: These are questions you should be asking your dentist or surgeon. First, if it's only a cavity in ...
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| Flouride | 11/10/2007 |
Q: My Son who is 5 had a dental cleaning in March of this year and was given fluoride during this ...
A: At one time, fluoride was given at every 6-month checkup. Dental plans used to cover this, as it ...
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| Daughter Has Too Many Molars. | 11/4/2007 |
Q: My 6-year-old daughter has a total of 24 teeth. It seems she has extra molars in the back. Would ...
A: Without seeing your daughter and counting her teeth, I can't say for sure. But what you are seeing ...
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| tooth filing | 10/21/2007 |
Q: Is there a such procedure as filing down teeth that are too pointy?
A: Although I don't know what "down" teeth are, I can tell you that there is much creative work that ...
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| Pain in the socket and white patches | 10/13/2007 |
Q: I was told to get root canal done because of pain in the gums. I felt no better after it was done ...
A: A tooth extraction is a surgical procedure which leaves a hole in your jawbone for several days ...
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| Numb tougue surface | 10/12/2007 |
Q: Two week ago, I went to dentist to try my night guard. But from second day's morning, I had some ...
A: Most likely your tongue is playing with the edge of the mouthguare. Second most is that you may ...
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| Porcelain veneers | 10/6/2007 |
Q: I had porcelain caps applied to my front teeth over a year ago, and have found they have ...
A: If the porcelain has truly yellowed over time, and the discoloration cannot easily be polished away, ...
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| my sons teeth | 10/6/2007 |
Q: my name is Stephanie. I have a three year old son that I took to the dentist for the first time on ...
A: If his teeth are decayed, the decay will progress to cause infections in his gums. If he loses ...
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| Veneer recommendation. | 10/5/2007 |
Q: I have upper dentures which I will be replacing very soon. I have had full dentures for about 30 or ...
A: I certainly would not guarantee your happiness with anything I do. I will guarantee your ...
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| sore gums | 9/22/2007 |
Q: I had my top teeth extracted two years ago. Although I am saving for dentures, it will be another 18 ...
A: I'm sorry if I misunderstood the question. There are antiseptic rinses that you can buy that may ...
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| crown "build-up" | 9/22/2007 |
Q: Sir, I recently started treatment for many years of dental neglect. The reasons for the many years ...
A: Not wrong. You feel screwed. Reason was that, while you were prepared to pay $700.00, your actual ...
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| sore gums | 9/21/2007 |
Q: I had my top teeth extracted two years ago. Although I am saving for dentures, it will be another 18 ...
A: You're not telling me that you're walking around toothless, are you? Oh, my... You are. I'm afraid ...
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| infant underbite question | 9/21/2007 |
Q: is there anything that we can do at home or in an office to help prevent anymore of an underbite. ...
A: At 11 months, I wouldn't worry about what might appear to be an underbite. While it may be true ...
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| Crown & Post | 9/21/2007 |
Q: My husband had a root canal, post & crown done on an eye tooth. Well it broke tonight, the crown ...
A: The answer to your question depends on how close to, or how far under the gum the tooth broke. To ...
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| receding gums. | 9/15/2007 |
Q: Mr. Finnk, I am 18 yrs and recently noticed that my gums are receding on both top and bottom. I ...
A: First, of course, you must see your dentist as soon as possible. Bleeding and receding gums are ...
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| discomfort & swelling after dental work | 9/15/2007 |
Q: A couple days ago I had an old decayed filling on my left lower side drilled and prepped for a ...
A: I hesitate to differ with your dentist, but it sounds like some type of infection was introduced ...
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| biting mouth/cheek lining | 9/15/2007 |
Q: When I'm eating and chewing food, I often accidentally bite the lining of my mouth or cheek. It's ...
A: Most of us have had your cheek-biting experiences more than once in our lives. I certainly have, ...
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| root canal problems | 9/14/2007 |
Q: I am having problems with a tooth that needs a root canal. The dentist has tried twice but ...
A: If you are experiencing pain, it is ok to ask your dentist for more pain management. If you can ...
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| Root canal necessary? | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I went to my dentist yesterday for what was supposed to be a filling in tooth #4. Half way through ...
A: We can't always see the complete extent of the decay until we open into the tooth. Often a cavity ...
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| TOOTHPASTE | 9/12/2007 |
Q: My question is what brand toothpaste does most dentists recommend? Also which toothbrush? ...
A: Toothpastes: Crest or Colgate Total. Toothbrush: I can't speak for most dentists, but I recommend ...
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| Irrigation | 9/12/2007 |
Q: Is "irrigation" absolutely necessary during a deep cleaning? My dentist is pushing it, but it isn't ...
A: We provide irrigation with all our deep cleanings. This provides disinfection beneath the gum, ...
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| jaw hurts | 9/11/2007 |
Q: I had a cavity filled last week, and ever since then my jaw has been aching/ throbbing really badly ...
A: It sounds like the nerve in the tooth is inflamed. If the pain is calming down slowly, wait a while ...
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| Root canal | 9/10/2007 |
Q: Is it normal for a root canal to have bleeding and pink matter??? Isn't it normally dead??? Should ...
A: Bleeding and pink sounds like a combination of infection and inflammation. Not dead yet. You should ...
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| Questions before Implant | 9/7/2007 |
Q: Finnk: I've written you before and you've been helpful. I am having an implant done - my first - on ...
A: Once again, I can give only general answers, as I have not examined you or your xrays. Your chances ...
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| root canal | 9/7/2007 |
Q: I was working with my dentist on a root canal. When he filled it originally, the pain go worse, an ...
A: None of what you describe is "normal". However, if you are not experiencing normal healing, then ...
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| unaesthetic bridge | 9/7/2007 |
Q: i've done bridge at my front teeth in private clinic.unfortunately the colour of the bridge did not ...
A: The first thing you need to do is discuss your dissatisfaction with your dentist. I'm sure your ...
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| * allexperts - teeth whitening | 9/2/2007 |
Q: What is the best over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpastes, strips, etc? Or anything else you ...
A: I have found that the best OTC whitening products are Aquafresh whitening toothpaste and Crest ...
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| wisdom teeth | 9/1/2007 |
Q: i am almost 6 months pregnant and have 4 impacted wisdom teeth and bleeding gums all of which is ...
A: First, clear with your Obstetrician, anything the dentist might do for you. In writing. Most OB's ...
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| Extraction/Implant | 8/14/2007 |
Q: PLEASE let me know if I made the right decision before, realizing you have not seen me - and am ...
A: I think the three months have passed this quickly because of our correspondence. You must speak to ...
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| Third Molars ( Wisdom Teeth ) | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I have a question for you about cosmetic effect of teeth extraction. My name is Kenny. Recently ...
A: In my 35 years of dental practice, I have yet to see one patient whose face has changed as a result ...
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| Jaw | 8/12/2007 |
Q: My jaw Locks all the time...and you know how your ment to place your bottom teeth behind your top ...
A: It sounds like you may have a clenching habit. Or maybe lots of gum chewing. Or both. This is ...
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| Extraction/Implant | 8/11/2007 |
Q: PLEASE let me know if I made the right decision before, realizing you have not seen me - and am ...
A: Matthew: I apologize. For some reason I thought you were replacing the #3 tooth (upper first ...
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| Wisdom teeth and facial appearance | 8/11/2007 |
Q: I have several question regarding wisdom teeth: Does wisdom teeth have any connection to your ...
A: I have not heard any of those rumors. It is conceiveable that, if enough jawbone must be removed to ...
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| Root Canal | 8/10/2007 |
Q: I had a root canal about 2 1/2 years ago, i had a temp. crown put on and was told would need to go ...
A: While you were waiting 21/2 years for the permanent crown, your temporary began leaking long before ...
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| wisdom teeth extractions | 8/10/2007 |
Q: I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed 5 days ago (by a oral surgeon) and whenever I attempt to ...
A: If your surgeon did not warn you: NO CHEWING ON THE HEALING EXTRACTION SITES. Tooth roots average ...
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| Extraction/Implant | 8/9/2007 |
Q: PLEASE let me know if I made the right decision before, realizing you have not seen me - and am ...
A: Matthew: I would wait 5-6 months after extraction before doing the implant. Bone density and ...
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| root canal | 8/9/2007 |
Q: Doctor i had a root canal done on my lower wisdom tooth(the last molar on that side) ,55 days ...
A: While it is true that wisdom teeth present with more complex root canal formations, root canals are ...
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| Deposit on teeth | 8/5/2007 |
Q: My name is Ivan, from Bulgaria, 25 years old. I started having a mild toothache of the bottom front ...
A: It sounds like you have a fairly severe infection spreading under your gums, which has now spread to ...
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| root canal & general dentistry | 8/4/2007 |
Q: My mom lost a filling a couple of months ago and jus in the past 2 weeks her pain has been extremely ...
A: The antibiotic your mother has been taking is not effective against her spreading infection. I ...
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| My Awful Dentures | 8/2/2007 |
Q: I had 6 teeth removed and had a denture put in two days ago. My problem is that I feel like I got ...
A: This denture needs to be adjusted until it is comfortable and looks good. If, after several weeks ...
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| Throat pain post extraction: | 8/2/2007 |
Q: My boyfriend had 4 wisdom teeth extracted yesterday. When we left the office he was complaining ...
A: He probably has some type of infection or inflammation spreading down his throat from the lower ...
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| crown | 8/1/2007 |
Q: Doctor i had a root canal done on my lower wisdom tooth ,46 days back.However the dentist put only a ...
A: Of all teeth, wisdom teeth have the highest failure rate, due to their more complex root canal ...
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| Bone Chip | 8/1/2007 |
Q: My 10 year old is getting what I assume are his 12 year old molars. On his bottom left, there has ...
A: I have never seen a bone chip come out of a 10-year-old's gum. However, I have seen small pieces of ...
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| whistle crown | 7/17/2007 |
Q: I just had a temp crown on on of my front teeth. ended up with a whistle when I speak. Dentist ...
A: What you describe is very rare. I've never had this experience, and I've treated several singers. ...
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| wisdom teeth | 7/17/2007 |
Q: my daughter had her lower wisdom tooth out 4 weeks ago and thre is still pain she had an infection ...
A: It is rare that the pain of lost wisdom teeth lasts much longer than a week. There may be several ...
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| Extraction/Implant | 7/17/2007 |
Q: PLEASE let me know if I made the right decision before, realizing you have not seen me - and am ...
A: It's a shame that your leaky crown has caused you to lose faith in dentists. I'm sure your dentist ...
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| Discolored lateral edges of upper back molars | 7/17/2007 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, I haven't been to a dentist in a while. As of my last apointment a few years ago I'd ...
A: I believe what you describe is calcium deposits on your teeth, known as "calculus" to us. These are ...
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| Gap Between Teeth #'s 14 & 15 | 7/16/2007 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, I have crowns on both of the teeth noted above which have also previously received RCT. ...
A: I have placed a filling into a crown to close a space that opened after the crown was placed. If ...
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| Fluoride damage | 7/16/2007 |
Q: My 20 yr old son went in to have his teeth cleaned/fluoride treatment a few weeks after having his ...
A: This is a very rare result of fluoride treatment. My guess is that this stain can be polished off. ...
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| Complete upper teeth extraction except for incisors | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I am 52 years old with a long history of periodontel problems and major bone loss. I live abroad and ...
A: I don't know what your dentist's overall plan is, but as I said before, I would remove all your ...
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| Wisdom tooth coming in | 7/14/2007 |
Q: One of my back wisdom teeth is coming in, and while it's slightly sore, it's not a huge deal. The ...
A: It most likely is your wisdom tooth coming in. There is very little you can do to stop it from ...
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| multiple root canals | 7/13/2007 |
Q: I am wondering if you may be able to point me in the right direction. I recently went to a new, ...
A: I doubt that both teeth were healthy before, assuming that your dentist was correct, and that there ...
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| Complete upper teeth extraction except for incisors | 7/12/2007 |
Q: I am 52 years old with a long history of periodontel problems and major bone loss. I live abroad and ...
A: I attempted to answer your question last night, and the site froze when I sent my answer. I hope I ...
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| Jaw locking after extraction | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I had a tooth extraction done by on oral surgeon almost two weeks ago. Since the removal of the ...
A: Your surgeon is incorrect. No gum chewing. What you describe is not normal. But it is a common ...
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| black tooth | 7/10/2007 |
Q: About 3 months ago, my 8 year old son's front tooth became loose. After being loose for weeks, it ...
A: The tooth will likely come in when it's ready, unless there is not sufficient space for it to come ...
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| Root Canals and Crowns | 7/9/2007 |
Q: I went to the dentist today and left a little confusedd. I went in today to get a root canal and i ...
A: Most teeth that are damaged badly enough to need root canals (usually because there is massive and ...
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| Glue for a dental device | 7/9/2007 |
Q: I am using a dental device to separate between my upper and lower jaw during the night. (I put this ...
A: The only material I know of that will repair your broken device for any length of time is acrylic. ...
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| Toddler Crowns | 6/29/2007 |
Q: My toddler had to have two crown teeth put on his front two teeth due to a nasty fall which damaged ...
A: The crown teeth will probably not lose their white in time. If this is a major concern to your ...
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| whiten other teeth before crown/veneer? | 6/28/2007 |
Q: My two front teeth are a little short due to some chips that were repaired, awhile ago. I recently ...
A: Technically, there are cosmetic issues with mixing a crown and a veneer (a very smart question), ...
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| Gummy Smile | 6/27/2007 |
Q: I have a very bad gummy smile and I am very self conscious about it. I would like to know what I can ...
A: I know of no such surgery, although there may well be one. Seeing an Oral-Maxillofacial surgeon, a ...
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| Gummy Smile | 6/27/2007 |
Q: I have a very bad gummy smile and I am very self conscious about it. I would like to know what I can ...
A: Correction of gummy smile would require either gum surgery to remove the visible part of the gum, or ...
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| Tooth knocked out of place | 6/23/2007 |
Q: One of my front teeth was knocked backwards 7 days ago and the root of the tooth went forward ...
A: Yes. Your tooth can be repositioned. However, when your dentist repositioned the tooth, the root ...
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| Amalgam or composite filling on last bottom | 6/8/2007 |
Q: i have started undergoing root canal treatment on my last lower molar in the left side(wisdom ...
A: Once I used only amalgam. Now I use only bonded composite core build-up material. It is ...
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| It scares me | 6/7/2007 |
Q: I get this pain directly under my tongue its a shooting pain it only lasts like 10 seconds out of ...
A: Pain in your tongue of unknown origin (you didn't bite your tongue recently, did you?) usually ...
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| Braces again? | 6/1/2007 |
Q: I had braces about 10 years ago. After all this time my teeth seem to be moving to its original ...
A: New retainers can be made to move your teeth back slightly. Then you must wear these or new ...
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| Teeth Whitening | 5/13/2007 |
Q: I'm a 22 year old female, I used to have really bright white teeth 4 years ago and got compliments ...
A: College stresses certainly can bring a dullness to your teeth, as you have proven. You can get your ...
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| my son | 5/12/2007 |
Q: my son is 9, he has a rotated front tooth so i took him to a orthodontist to straighten his teeth, ...
A: Expect that his face will be altered slightly for the better. I know your child is as handsome as ...
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| potentially painful dentures | 5/11/2007 |
Q: Finnk. I apologize in advance for the length of my query and appreciate your time. After not seeing ...
A: I am lost as to why, after what appears to be an alveoloplasty (a procedure to smooth your bone), ...
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| Adding to a tooth | 5/9/2007 |
Q: I have a good bite on one side of my mouth and the other side I would like my bicuspids to touch ...
A: Bonding will be worn down in time. As will your own teeth. What does that mean? Crowns will wear ...
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| pain in all lower teeth after back molar filled | 5/7/2007 |
Q: about 2 weeks ago I had a large cavity filled in my back right molar,my dentist said it would be ...
A: It could take weeks, months, or never get back to normal. Go back to the dentist and have him be ...
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| Crown Lengthening | 5/5/2007 |
Q: I have had RC's on teeth 14, 15. Gen, dentist has said go for CL with periodontist, he put posts ...
A: Sorry for all the confusion. Crown lengthening comes before tooth preparation. Your dentist is ...
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| lollipop | 5/3/2007 |
Q: I am 55 and have found a chocolate hard candy lollipop that I love. I have started eating one a day ...
A: Brushing after, chewing sugarless gum, and mouthwashes (I prefer Listerine in a flavor you can ...
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| wisdom tooth and lumineers | 5/3/2007 |
Q: i never had anything done to my teeth no check up or anything and im 20 yrs old my 2 back teeth hurt ...
A: Your 2 back teeth are probably infected. They will probably need to be removed, or will need root ...
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| Terminology | 4/19/2007 |
Q: What does these terms means, what do they specialize in and their limitations:- General Dentistry, ...
A: DDS is one degree given by U.S. Dental Colleges. It stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. This is ...
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| retainers | 4/19/2007 |
Q: I'd like to know how long you're meant to wear retainers for after you get your braces off? Every ...
A: My rule of thumb is you must wear your retainer for 2X the amount of time you were in braces. So, ...
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| discomfort and numbness still present, day after cavity fillings | 4/18/2007 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, Yesterday, April 16, 2007, I went to my dentist to have two pinhead sized cavities ...
A: It's probably been a few days by the time you read this. I'm hoping that you are beginning to ...
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| bridge vs implant | 4/17/2007 |
Q: I have had a bridge of my last three left upper molars for about 25 years (it has been chnaged once ...
A: Without seeing you and your xrays, I can only speculate. The general rule is one implant per tooth, ...
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| Alveoloplasty needed | 4/17/2007 |
Q: I am in need of one quadrant Alveoloplasty. What approximately should this procedure cost?
A: I have no idea. Each dentist sets his or her own fees. I don't even know what my fee is, as I ...
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| Void in filling? | 4/10/2007 |
Q: Last Nov/December I had 4 fillings and a crown done. In February there was still some sensitivity ...
A: The void in the filling could be causing the problem. Usually voids cause sensitivity to hot or ...
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| bumps on gums | 4/10/2007 |
Q: i recently had my teeth extracted (3 weeks ago) due to soft teeth and breaking. I now have sore ...
A: They will likely go away after a few months. If you are so sore that you cannot wait, then they ...
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| Broken teeth | 4/9/2007 |
Q: My 25 month old daughter broke her two front teeth. A quarter of one tooth is chipped and the other ...
A: Your daughter is just about at the right age for her first visit to the dentist. For now, soft diet ...
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| receding gumline | 4/9/2007 |
Q: I've got a receding unlined which has caused me to loose 6 teeth already. its gotten so bad that i ...
A: If it is simple recession, using an extra-soft toothbrush, and brushing more gently will slow the ...
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| crown on root canaled tooth | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I had a root canal done on my front tooth when I was 9 due to a sports injury. When the filling fell ...
A: Sounds like the root canal has become re-infected. Likely you'll need a new root canal, or a ...
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| Toddler gum bleeding | 4/3/2007 |
Q: My 32month old son. currently has very smelly breath which we have told is as a result of ...
A: Very smelly breath is usually caused by unclean teeth and/or infected gums. It's time to take your ...
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| childs permanent teeth | 4/2/2007 |
Q: My son is 7 and 1/2 years old. I am concerned because he doesn't seem to be getting his top center ...
A: Not to worry. The same teeth didn't come in in my kids until they passed their 8th birthday. ...
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| Bruxism | 4/2/2007 |
Q: Does a nightguard protect teeth from intense clenching, in addition to grinding? How long should ...
A: A nightguard protects teeth from intense clenching and grinding when it is worn 24/7. I don't use ...
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| Tooth Root Exposure | 4/2/2007 |
Q: Will topical fluoride from the dentist help someone with root exposure sensitivity?
A: Usually. In addition, you can use Sensodyne toothpaste, both using it as your regular toothpaste, ...
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| Dentures | 3/22/2007 |
Q: Could you tell me if there is a way to "cut corners" on regular partial dentures with metal clasps. ...
A: The least expensive of these is known as a "flipper". It is usually made to quickly and temporarily ...
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| Gum problem | 3/22/2007 |
Q: I have a cut in my bottom gum in the front of my teeth and this cut just kept getting bigger and ...
A: It is quite possible that you have gum disease. About 60% of the adult population do. If you have ...
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| Gum problem | 3/21/2007 |
Q: I have a cut in my bottom gum in the front of my teeth and this cut just kept getting bigger and ...
A: Without seeing the cut, I cannot be specific about what you can do to help it. If cut from food, or ...
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| pain after fillings | 3/20/2007 |
Q: after getting some fillings done in a wisdomtooth about a week ago, I've been experiencing pain in ...
A: The nerve in the wisdom tooth is inflamed. Likely as a result of the trauma of having the fillings ...
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| lower lip numbness | 3/19/2007 |
Q: My problem is not directly related to dentistry,butthe numbness in my lower lip is a result of a lip ...
A: Sadly, for prolonged numbness, I have no firm answers. Your best bet would be go get with your ...
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| Help Regarding Gums | 3/19/2007 |
Q: how are you? I just had a question regarding an extraction I just had done a week ago. I had tooth ...
A: Odds are very good that everything you describe is all a part of the natural healing process after ...
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| Black spot in my mouth | 3/17/2007 |
Q: Finnk, I just noticed a black spot on the right side of my mouth while I was flossing today. It's ...
A: It might be a bruise, or a blood blister from you chomping on that part of your cheek. It might be ...
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| metallic taste | 3/17/2007 |
Q: I have been having this problem with a metallic taste on the sides of my tongue. It has become so ...
A: The most common cause of metellic taste is patients tasting metallic fillings or metal in dental ...
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| cyst around wisdom tooth and probability of jaw fracturing/temporary sensation loss due to nerve | 3/15/2007 |
Q: I am 48 years old and they have been consulting since 1991 with various dentists and now have been ...
A: The risks of which you speak are true of all wisdom tooth extractions. If you have been consulting ...
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| front tooth | 2/27/2007 |
Q: I had a fill in my top front tooth,After two days it fell out,it was put back in,and now it has fell ...
A: Probably a crown. I don't know how large, or in what shape is the cavity in your front tooth. But ...
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| toddler's discolored teeth | 2/27/2007 |
Q: I have a 21 month old whose front teeth have developed a dark brown stain, mostly at the gumline. ...
A: Of course you should take your child to a dentist. Preferably a pediatric dentist. The dark line ...
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| What is causing this? | 2/26/2007 |
Q: I have a spot on my front tooth that is whiter than the rest of my teeth, and I don't know what's ...
A: This is either a decalcification of the enamel surface, or hypocalcification inside the enamel. ...
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| Cosmetic - Baby teeth | 2/26/2007 |
Q: I have two baby teeth on the upper left, canine and ? (the two by the left big front tooth). I don't ...
A: Without seeing you and your xrays, I can't tell you for sure. But it is likely that you can have a ...
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| Negligent billing | 2/24/2007 |
Q: Mr Fink, I have a question. I went to a dentist just to have a look into gingivital grafting. The ...
A: The first thing you do is contact the dentist's business staff. Tell them that you were told you ...
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| assymetrical face | 2/10/2007 |
Q: My lower jaw deviates a tad to the left, but i was wondering if it can be because i always rest it ...
A: Usually, malocclusions are caused by skeletal (jaw) deviations from normal. However, occassionally, ...
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| front tooth problem | 2/8/2007 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, Today I looked in the mirror and it looks like one of my upper front teeth has somehow ...
A: Whether or not your tooth can be fixed depends on the length and depth of the crack. If your son's ...
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| tooth pain | 2/8/2007 |
Q: I have recently been going to the dentist to have several teeth filled. I have had pain in my last ...
A: This does happen, but is not common. It may be that the bite is hitting to heavily on the new ...
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| have to have some kind of surgery | 2/7/2007 |
Q: i went to see the orthodontist and he said something was wrong with my jaw or bite severe something ...
A: You need to have your orthodontist refer you to an oral surgeon who can explain the type of surgery ...
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| a question about periodontal surgery | 2/1/2007 |
Q: I am 24 years old and considering braces. My orthodontist wanted me to get checked out by a ...
A: I would begin with deep scaling and root planing and disinfectant irrigation of these areas (CDT ...
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| Permanent Dentures | 1/17/2007 |
Q: I have spent many thousands of dollars on my teeth the past couple of years. (root canals, crowns, & ...
A: There are probably other things that can be done, other than removing the bridge, removing the ...
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| bite equilization | 1/16/2007 |
Q: I have a problem with the contact of my 2nd molars. My lowers tilt lingually and the uppers tilt ...
A: Without a thorough workup, I can't answer you. What you probably need first, if you are this ...
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| #18 Molar Cracked -- Do I Need RCT? | 1/16/2007 |
Q: I’m a 43 year old male. My #18 molar has been cracked for about 4 weeks. The crack appears to be ...
A: It is possible that your tooth is not cracked into the nerve. Which means that you likely will not ...
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| loose front teeth | 1/14/2007 |
Q: My name is Mary-Jane and my two bottom front teeth have been really loose for a while now. I have ...
A: You'll need to see a dentist, who will likely tell you to have these teeth removed and replaced with ...
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| Drilling through porcelain crown | 1/12/2007 |
Q: Regarding your response, I've never used this site or asked this question of anyone before. This ...
A: My answer must not have made it through the internet maze to you (It was a great answer, too). The ...
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| Possible cracked root | 1/11/2007 |
Q: I've been through root canal therapy...tooth was extremely calcified...Dentist did the root ...
A: If the cap is connected to 2 other front teeth, it is likely that you will need to replace the other ...
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| Pain after fillings | 1/11/2007 |
Q: I hadn't been to the dentist in 4 years and I just went for a cleaning and a check up when they told ...
A: This is not normal. But it can happen after a great deal of dental work is done at one sitting. ...
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| About Braces | 1/10/2007 |
Q: I'm 18 now and i've finally decided on getting braces. My condition is not serious, i would only ...
A: My best answer is that you need to see an orthodontist or two or three. Some orthodontists will ...
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| Molar tooth infected/cracked | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I have a big molar tooth that is infected. It has had a cavity since I was a kid. (now 35) the tooth ...
A: Be sure to tell your dentist that you need to be sedated before any procedure is done. You might as ...
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| Post after root canal | 1/9/2007 |
Q: When I got the root canal he put a wire or somthing inride where the root was. He wanted to do a ...
A: I still don't know how much tooth structure remains to hold the filling. If this tooth is not ...
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| white strips | 1/9/2007 |
Q: I want to try crest white strips premium. Can I drink coffee on the days that I use the strips? ...
A: You can drink coffee or anything that will stain your teeth, at any time after the bleach ...
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| cosmetic dentistry | 1/8/2007 |
Q: how many years of dental school all together is there? how is it like being a cosmetic dentist? what ...
A: Dental school is usually a four year program, after two to four years of undergraduate university ...
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| Temporary numbness | 1/7/2007 |
Q: Last week I had a severe toothache- I visited the dentist and was numbed up- I had a hard time ...
A: You have what is called "paresthesia". Anesthesia to a region, usually caused by what you describe, ...
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| Loose Teeth | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I recently had a tooth cleaning done because it seemed my front bottom teeth were shifting and ...
A: You've told me that you feel they're loose, but you went to the dentist ahd she said they are not. ...
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| Can a tooth infection cause a sinus infection? | 1/7/2007 |
Q: You asked if I could let you know what I did. I have gotten my teeth fixed but I'm not sure if I'm ...
A: Although this appears to be infection of some kind, I believe it has gone too long to be of simple ...
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| Can a tooth infection cause a sinus infection? | 1/6/2007 |
Q: Can a tooth infection cause a sinus infection? Last month I woke up two days in a row with ...
A: It is possible for a tooth infection to cause a sinus infection. It is also possible for a sinus ...
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| swollen inside of lips | 1/6/2007 |
Q: Me and my dentist are both stumped about something, I'm hoping you might be able to provide some ...
A: If you really want to solve this mystery, you would need to keep an accurate diary of ALL your ...
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| Still having pain after extraction | 1/5/2007 |
Q: On Nov. 29 I had what was supposed to be a simple extraction performed by an oral surgeon. He said ...
A: One month is too long to go with painful healing from extraction. It is likely that you have ...
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| bone exposed after extraction | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I am male, 47. I had a lower wisdom tooth extracted about 3 weeks ago. About 4 days ago i noticed ...
A: Chances are your dentist is right. If in a few weeks, you still feel the bone, contact your dentist ...
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| please help | 1/5/2007 |
Q: About 2 weeks ago i noticed a white bump on my gum (right by the left side of my nose). I didn't ...
A: It is likely that it is all connected, and is certainly something you should be worried about. I ...
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| Post after root canal | 1/4/2007 |
Q: I am a 25 year old male. I had a filling on my front #7 tooth about 3 months ago. The tooth hurt ...
A: The rule for a front tooth is: Post and crown after root canal. This rule assumes that the root ...
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| Crowns/Fillings | 12/11/2006 |
Q: My dentist has all the latest technology, but she is charging me $970 for a crown on a molar ...
A: Sorry for the delay. The site was not responding this morning. Here in South Florida, $970 for a ...
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| Dentistry requirements | 12/10/2006 |
Q: what are the prerequirements for dentistry?
A: I can only tell you the prerequisites from my era: At least 2 years undergraduate study, which ...
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| Black Spots on my lower front gums. | 12/10/2006 |
Q: I recently had a wire taken off my lower back teeth from my braces I had before. My gums were ...
A: Could be pigment from your gums themselves (natural on some people). Could be tiny bruises in your ...
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| Ramification on delaying a root canal | 12/7/2006 |
Q: Finnk. It appears I had an infection near one of my back molars. I was given some penicillin which ...
A: The general rule is that the infection usually comes back worse, more virulent, and more likely to ...
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| Ionic vs Electric Toothbrush | 12/6/2006 |
Q: I've done some research on the net regarding electric toothbrushes and have found information on ...
A: I have no information on ionic toothbrushes, other than what's in the websites. My gut tells me ...
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| numb tongue | 12/3/2006 |
Q: its been 5 days since i had a filling, the first part of the injection was fine but after moving the ...
A: It's very rare, but "paresthesia" is known to occur after injection. This happens when the ...
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| Adult Braces and Gum Recession | 11/18/2006 |
Q: I am 49 years old and considering braces for cosmetic reasons. My dentist (not the orthodontist) ...
A: Neither am I. As with any medical or surgical procedure, there can be complications, which usually ...
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| Restormation Crown Strength on an Implant/ Abutment | 11/18/2006 |
Q: I am thinking about having my crown restored and have been given two choices. One will cost $350 and ...
A: Your subject line says "...on an implant", so I will assume you already have the implant in your ...
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| "clicking" jaw | 11/16/2006 |
Q: My wife's jaw starting "clicking/popping" (I can hear it too!) a few weeks ago, and she says it is ...
A: Your wife has what we call TMD (TemporoMandibular joint Dysfunction). Clicking and pain are ...
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| Dry Burning mouth | 11/16/2006 |
Q: I have written to you several times over my fear of cancer and dry mouth. Well I will try to make a ...
A: It is likely that your burning dry mouth is anxiety related, as the Xanax seems to help. Continue ...
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| Bony Bump above upper molar | 11/14/2006 |
Q: I have a white bony bump above my left upper molar (I believe it is 15) on the side facing my cheek. ...
A: Sounds like a boney protuberance called an "exostosis", a benign lump of bone which grows in an odd ...
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| Problem Crowns | 11/13/2006 |
Q: Years ago, I had a crown put on a tooth that was too short. The dentist said that he would have to ...
A: Buildups are done, more often to fill up a huge hole left from decay cleanout, than to make a tooth ...
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| Child Tooth Braces and Extraction | 11/10/2006 |
Q: My twelve year old daughter has a severe overbite. The Orthodontis wants two upper side teeth pulled ...
A: 1. The headgear is probably a requirement. My daughter wore one for a year, and she's gorgeous and ...
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| What is the difference between a crown and an inlay/onlay | 11/9/2006 |
Q: This is in follow up to your earlier response. What is the differnce between an onlay/inlay and ...
A: An inlay is made to fit inside the cavity inside a tooth. An onlay is similar to an inlay, but ...
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| about my daughters loose tooth | 11/4/2006 |
Q: What should i do w/my daugthers loose tooth?she's 6 yrs old. Her bottom front teeth are loose and ...
A: If her permanent teeth are coming in, and her baby teeth are still not out, it is likely that the ...
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| baby root cana | 11/3/2006 |
Q: My child is 7. One of her teeth in the mid jaw has an abscess. Her dentist said a baby root canal ...
A: Having the tooth out provides its own trauma. However, there are times when a baby tooth root canal ...
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| black spot on gums | 10/25/2006 |
Q: I have had a black spot on my lower gums for several years. My dentist didn't say anything about it, ...
A: I just answered another question about black spot on gums. Must be going around. Might be a ...
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| x-rays | 10/24/2006 |
Q: normally, how often should you receive x-rays?
A: Normally, a full set of xrays (about 16 exposures) at the initial visit, then again every 5 years. ...
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| Filling | 10/21/2006 |
Q: This is going to sound elementary, but what foods should I avoid to reduce sugar in my diet? I eat ...
A: I can't answer your question until you produce a 2-week intake diet, which includes everything you ...
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| Filling | 10/21/2006 |
Q: I recently had a filling placed in a tooth (bicuspid?) that had a cavity. The dentist said that a ...
A: No and No. If your tooth needs a root canal, the filling will not interfere. And root canal teeth ...
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| tongue tie, underbite, and speeck | 10/20/2006 |
Q: My 3 1/2 year old son was a late talker (2 1/2) and when he then began to work with a speech ...
A: In one part, you say your son has an underbite, and in the next you say overbite. With regard to ...
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| tightness in jaw after filling 2 1/2 wks ago | 10/20/2006 |
Q: I had a tooth on the lower left side of my mouth filled on oct 2 and ever since i have had a ...
A: I don't know exactly what happened. It is likely a result of the injection. Sounds like minor ...
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| Is it really infected? | 10/18/2006 |
Q: Finnk, Over the last 18 months, I have had extensive dental work done. 3 root canals, 2 ...
A: I cannot answer your question for you. Now that you know the condition of the tooth, it becomes ...
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| Expander | 10/17/2006 |
Q: My daughter is 11 years old and in the process of getting braces. She now has a expander on which ...
A: Your orthodontist has determined that the width of your daughter's upper and/or lower jaws are ...
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| Dry socket | 10/16/2006 |
Q: I had a tooth extracted Tuesday, it is still painful. I am assuming I have a dry socket. What can ...
A: If it is a dry socket, most dentists usually pack it with sterile gauze soaked in eugenol. This ...
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| Nitrous Oxide | 10/14/2006 |
Q: I am considering using nitrous oxide for an upcoming dental procedure and do not know what to ...
A: Nitrous Oxide usually helps patients get through procedures without swallowing. But, just in case, ...
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| infected tooth | 10/14/2006 |
Q: My boyfried, about 2 weeks ago, started experiencing mouth pain, at first, mild. yesterday it was ...
A: It is very likely an infected tooth. Your boyfriend must see a dentist immediately to have the ...
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| spit lines | 10/12/2006 |
Q: My husband has spit lines when he talks. They connect the bottom and top of his teeth.It is very ...
A: Spit lines are usually caused by the thickness and viscosity of your husband's saliva. Usually ...
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| Crown | 9/19/2006 |
Q: I had a root canal performed on my left very back bottom tooth several weeks ago. I had the ...
A: What you describe is, in fact, uncommon. There are times, usually on the very last molars, when we ...
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| Broken Front Tooth | 9/18/2006 |
Q: I chipped my right front tooth during a fall. My dentist told me that I also chipped the tooth to ...
A: I would probably recommend the same for you, if the chips are small. Composite is a conservative ...
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| teeth moving | 9/17/2006 |
Q: I woke up in the middle of the night with the sensation that my upper teeth had moved. I used to ...
A: Your teeth probably did move. Your teeth will probably continue to move slowly, over time. While I ...
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| when is it too late to get a root canal | 9/13/2006 |
Q: I have had a bad cavity for a while, but also had to get my wisdom teeth pulled. So that took ...
A: The wiser choice might have been to fix the tooth first, then remove the wisdom. Unless the wisdom ...
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| Burning gums | 9/12/2006 |
Q: For the last few days, my gums have started burning. They are fine in the morning but get worse as ...
A: Could be allergy. Could be viral or bacterial. Hard to tell without looking at it, and without ...
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| 4 days after wisdom teeth extraction eating? | 9/12/2006 |
Q: is it okay to eat 4 days after getting all 4 of my wisdom teeth out? two were impacted, 2 not. I'm ...
A: This is a question you should put to your dentist. A phone call would answer your question more ...
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| Dentistry | 9/11/2006 |
Q: I'm 34 and very scared to go to the dentist,need help with my teeth and very worried about how to ...
A: It sounds like you may need some time with a therapist before you visit a dentist. Your high level ...
|
| Braces | 9/10/2006 |
Q: my name is Marie, and I'm 17. I have only about three teeth that are crooked, but I'm self ...
A: The best solution is braces, almost always. Other options might be caps or veneers. But since I ...
|
| Injection injury | 9/8/2006 |
Q: I had a molar tooth extracted 7 months ago, in February 2006. I was given 3 injections prior to the ...
A: You are experiencing what appears to be reversing peripheral nerve damage to the mandibular nerve ...
|
| Receeding Gum Lines | 9/8/2006 |
Q: I am a 20 year old male with receeding gum lines. I use an extra soft brush, but as of recently, ...
A: Odds are, in addition to scrubbing too hard with a harder-than-soft brush, plus scrubbing your gums, ...
|
| Chipped tooth | 9/6/2006 |
Q: I had gone for a routine exam about two months ago and realized that I had a small chip in my front ...
A: Unless there is pain, swelling, or it is disfiguring, this is not an emergency. But at this point, ...
|
| Thanks for reply | 8/20/2006 |
Q: Subject I need your good advice Question Hi there, one side on my face jaw or lower face little ...
A: The only antibacterial rinse I recommend without a prescription is Listerine. But it won't solve ...
|
| teeth whitening | 8/19/2006 |
Q: What method do you recommend for teeth whitening? Thanks Rich O Newton, NH
A: Unless they're in a big hurry, I recommend my patients start with Crest Whitestrips. If that ...
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| I need your good advice | 8/19/2006 |
Q: one side on my face jaw or lower face little hang I thing due to my crown broblem which is two years ...
A: I'm not quite clear on what you mean by "face little hang". BUT, if you mean it looks swollen or ...
|
| The specialists could not find what was causing my excruiciating pain. | 8/16/2006 |
Q: Last month my dentist put a crown on my lower right side wisdom tooth. 7 to 10 days later I ...
A: After several visits to your dentist, a periodontist, an endodontist, then back to your dentist for ...
|
| Pain after filling | 8/14/2006 |
Q: About 2 weeks ago I went to the dentist (after I hadn't been for about 2 years) and found out that I ...
A: I doubt it is an area of decay. I bet it was near the gumline of the tooth. If so, it was an area ...
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| fosamax and extraction | 8/13/2006 |
Q: I have had 2 teeth treated with root canals recently, one just one month ago, and one one year ago. ...
A: I'm glad you responded. I've been thinking about your problem since you wrote. I would like you to ...
|
| a | 8/13/2006 |
Q: When you prepare the tooth to allow enough surface area and thickness for bonding do you mean that ...
A: The rule of thumb is 1mm. This means that I would roughen the enamel margins around the chip to ...
|
| a | 8/12/2006 |
Q: I chipped two teeth as a result of stress related grinding. I went to a dentist and was told a ...
A: I almost NEVER use a rod, a screw, a pin or a post. I would prepare the tooth to allow enough ...
|
| flouride | 8/11/2006 |
Q: I know a lot of people are paranoid about flouride. I am not one of those. My dentist suggested that ...
A: Do not be concerned at all. If your children drank the well water during most of their growth, they ...
|
| underbite in my three year old! | 8/11/2006 |
Q: My three year old has an underbite and people have a hard time understanding her speech, are these ...
A: Yes. And your child must be taken to an orthodontist right away, so that he or she may be evaluated ...
|
| Jaw and Neck Pain | 8/8/2006 |
Q: I have been experiencing lower jaw pain (to touch), tingling numbness and tightness for the past 6 ...
A: It sounds like a nerve inside one or more of your teeth is infected. The infection is apparently ...
|
| Son's front tooth damage | 8/7/2006 |
Q: My 14 year old son had a biking accident which resulted in a fractured front tooth (#8) with exposed ...
A: Nope. This used to be true before bonding materials became as strong, and as attractive, as they ...
|
| Restoration after root canal | 8/7/2006 |
Q: I had a root canal done a couple weeks ago and currently have a temporary filling in it. So far, so ...
A: It's good that you trust your dentist as much as you do. I generally make a build-up (rebuilding ...
|
| sinus pain? something else? | 8/7/2006 |
Q: Recently i have been having some strange symptoms, my upper back teeth hurt, but they are not ...
A: My first thought was that you are clenching your teeth lately, causing the mild toothaches, ...
|
| injured teeth | 8/4/2006 |
Q: My 2-yr-old fell and hit his mouth about 3 weeks ago. His gums bled and one front tooth was ...
A: The front two teeth may, in fact, become infected. You would do best to see your dentist to be ...
|
| Lump? | 8/1/2006 |
Q: I am a 29 yr. old female. Borderline hypocondriac, take anti-anxiety drug daily. Huge fear of cancer ...
A: It could be a lymph node. It could be a small sac of connective tissue fluid, produced by your ...
|
| To use invisalign or lumineers | 7/31/2006 |
Q: I had orthodontic tr when I was a child, but had to get my braces removed early as it was extremely ...
A: If your upper central tooth protrudes forward, a Lumineer will only make it protrude more. If ...
|
| Pain in gums | 7/13/2006 |
Q: I had my wisdom teeth extracted almost one year ago exactly and a few days ago the gums behind my ...
A: Obviously this is cause for concern, expecially if the pain is worsening. Usually the pain you ...
|
| tooth pain only when biting | 7/12/2006 |
Q: I really hope you can help. I have been dealing with bite tooth pain for about 6mos. My dentist is ...
A: The tooth needs to be shortened (adjusted out of your bite). Then stay away from it for one week, ...
|
| Tooth discoloration... smoker | 7/12/2006 |
Q: I have been smoking since a teenager and have always had brown spots on the inner side of my bottom ...
A: First, visit your dentist. I certainly can't tell from here if your teeth are becoming decayed. And ...
|
| Tooth | 7/12/2006 |
Q: I recently have noticed for about four days that I have a tooth that is a bit sensitive and feels a ...
A: Jeremy: Don't freak out. See your dentist. Sounds like the nerve in this tooth has become ...
|
| Worried about the health of my gums | 7/10/2006 |
Q: Dr.Finnk, Hi there, my name's Valerie, and I'm 19 years old. Just to let you know, this is probably ...
A: Get an extra soft toothbrush, and brush these areas very gently until you can get to your dentist. ...
|
| FREAKED OUT! | 7/5/2006 |
Q: I took my son to the Dentist today, he saw the hygeinest (sp?) and the Dentist, I watched carefully ...
A: Believe it or not, the dental staff wears masks to protect themselves more than you! Being exposed ...
|
| Hit tooth out of place... | 7/5/2006 |
Q: At about 6:30 today, I was playing catch with some family members, when the baseball popped out of ...
A: Splint was a good idea. Take it out once a day to brush your teeth with a very soft brush. Soft ...
|
| Infection? | 7/5/2006 |
Q: Several months ago, I had problems with a front lower tooth - I was very sensitive to hot and cold. ...
A: It sounds like an infection. Will need to be treated, first with antibiotic, then with a procedure. ...
|
| Replacing porcelein veneers | 7/4/2006 |
Q: Replacing porcelain veneers Dear Doctor Finnk, I recently had 8 veneers installed on my upper arch ...
A: You sound very knowledgeable on the subject of veneers. And I understand your disappointment. If ...
|
| two front teeth | 7/4/2006 |
Q: my two front teeth were wearing away and thining, so my dentist filed them down and took and ...
A: I really can't tell you if this is ok without looking at your crowns and your gums. And I don't ...
|
| Possible allergy to commonly used dental products? | 7/4/2006 |
Q: Dr. Finkk . . . Six days ago, my dentist prepped teeth #7-#10 for new crowns. While I was not ...
A: Sounds like a reaction to something. But most likely a profound reaction to the procedure itself, ...
|
| Recent posting regarding Sonicare | 7/1/2006 |
Q: Dr. Finnnk, I came across your recent answer to a posting regarding Sonicare toothbrush (3/20/06). ...
A: I am amazed at the number of people who believe that if they spend big bucks, they'll get their ...
|
| dental shots without epinephrine | 7/1/2006 |
Q: I need to have dental work done that i have put off for 10 years because the shots with the ...
A: Find another dentist. There are several anesthetics that do not contain epinephrine, that block ...
|
| sore spot behind lower right second molar | 6/10/2006 |
Q: The sore spot has swollen quite a bit more and now hurts somewhat more than it did originally. I ...
A: I can't, as I can't see the area, nor do I have an x-ray of it. If you have been taking amoxicillin ...
|
| peeling gums | 6/8/2006 |
Q: My gums on the inside part of my cheeks and in the front of my mouth are always peeling. I wouldnt ...
A: It could be from some of the foods you enjoy, like citrus. There is also citric acid in many ...
|
| Periodontal Disease Treatment Rationale | 6/8/2006 |
Q: It is my understanding that routine gum disease treatment consists of scaling the teeth every three ...
A: Jan Wade: If you could clean all your teeth completely, from stem to stearn, fronts and backs, ...
|
| crowned tooth pain | 6/8/2006 |
Q: I had a molar on bottom crowned approx 1 year ago. the last month or so I have had pain in that ...
A: It sounds like you're going to need a root canal. On average, around 4% of all teeth prepared for ...
|
| numbness? | 6/8/2006 |
Q: Recently I had a UTI, and I took Macrobid for one day and i got rid of it, and i was drinking ...
A: Good question. Any answer I give would be pure speculation, as I have never heard of this reaction ...
|
| t | 6/8/2006 |
Q: Do you have any recommendations on how to treat sensitive teeth? I chipped a tooth slightly years ...
A: I would disagree with your dentist. Normally this type of sensitiviey is relieved by covering the ...
|
| gum disease | 6/6/2006 |
Q: i developed gum disease when i fell pregnant with my first child and thought i had gotten rid of it ...
A: It appears you have gum disease which requires professional attention. I usually begin with what is ...
|
| ceramic restoration-- central incisor in place without proper core buildup | 6/5/2006 |
Q: Finnk, A cycling accident when I was 8 years old caused immediate extraction of tooth #9 and ...
A: You have a father who is a retired dentist, and you are asking me for advice? A tall order here. ...
|
| dental workat little to no expense | 6/4/2006 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, both myself and my best friend are in need of dental work. We both need teeth pulled. I ...
A: I do not know where your location is. However, there is the widely known Simmonds Dental Clinic in ...
|
| post RCT | 6/2/2006 |
Q: I'm 25.3 years ago my upper premolar developed caries for which RCT and porcelain crowning was ...
A: Ann: If you are chronically packing food in this space, you are developing a mild periodontitis in ...
|
| Post Root Canal Pain | 6/2/2006 |
Q: I had a root canal completed 3 days ago by my dentist. I was told that I had an "extremely angry" ...
A: It sounds like you are a tooth clencher. You'll need to have this tooth adjusted out of your bite ...
|
| What's my problem? | 6/2/2006 |
Q: Ok so i'm 15 years old and this past summer i got into a car accident and knocked out my front tooth ...
A: It is likely that you have some type of infection in these teeth. Often after trauma, like your ...
|
| Root canal xray | 6/2/2006 |
Q: I went to my dentist due to gum bleeding and possible cavities between two teeth on the left top ...
A: Yes it is possible that he cannot tell which tooth is the one causing the problem. It may be that ...
|
| Intravenous Sedation | 4/30/2006 |
Q: This particular oral surgeon had never met me prior to the consultation, which is why I got the ...
A: Remember, doctors don't know your wants or needs until they meet you and hear what you want and ...
|
| Gingival Recession | 4/29/2006 |
Q: I am a recently graduated dentist, and am starting to have dental concerns of my own. I have noticed ...
A: Congrats on your recent graduation, and welcome to our unbelievably great profession. About your ...
|
| Intravenous Sedation | 4/29/2006 |
Q: My question is...is intravenous sedation absolutely necessary during the surgical extraction of my ...
A: It is not absolutely necessary, unless your surgeon feels that you will have a difficult time with ...
|
| gum surgery | 4/22/2006 |
Q: One week ago today I had gum surgery with skin graft. The gum on my front bottom tooth was receeding ...
A: If you had a frenectomy with skin graft, and it was sutured, it is unlikely that the graft came off. ...
|
| Tooth Fillings | 4/10/2006 |
Q: I have been going to the dentist twice a year for my entire life. Ive never needed a filling ...
A: It is possible to have no cavities your entire life, and then get cavities. The vast majority of ...
|
| Bone grafts | 4/9/2006 |
Q: Surgeons I've consulted feel that donor or synthetic bone is not reliable, what is your opinion? I ...
A: Your own bone is most reliable. Next best is demineralized, freeze-dried bone. Last is synthetic ...
|
| Dental Implants? | 4/8/2006 |
Q: I have seen many people with dental implants, at least I think they were. Problem is, they seem to ...
A: I have never seen dental implants turn green. Odor and color might come from gum infection, which ...
|
| Sealing of Bridges | 4/7/2006 |
Q: I'm curious how does a dentist determine that the crown on a abutment tooth (part of a bridge) is ...
A: I will almost always make my crowns to fit so that their edge is 1/2 to 1mm. under the gum, so that ...
|
| have a cavity | 4/1/2006 |
Q: I have a cavity. Yep, that is bad, I know. So my question is this...what do I do? I currently attend ...
A: I thought I had answered your question. But I received it again, so here goes. Again. Pain with ...
|
| All Ceramic Bridges | 3/30/2006 |
Q: Are these a viable option for 4 unit posterior bridges especially the ones of zirconia? Why do these ...
A: I have not yet made an all-ceramic bridge on posterior teeth. The reason is that they tend to be ...
|
| swollen, sore gum area | 3/24/2006 |
Q: All four of my wisdom teeth have been removed around October 2005 (5 months or so ago). The holes ...
A: If you're going to see your dentist soon, you probably don't need my guess about what's going on. ...
|
| gingervitis | 3/24/2006 |
Q: I'm 20 years old and have pretty much neglected to brush my teeth my whole life, sometimes months ...
A: First, call your dentist to set up an appointment for a checkup and cleaning. While you are waiting ...
|
| recommended electric toothbrush | 3/20/2006 |
Q: I am looking for an electric toothbrush. I know of Sonicare (leading towards Sonicare) and Oral-B ...
A: I don't know anything about the WaterPik. I do know about the Sonicare, and I don't like its ...
|
| abscessed tooth relief | 3/18/2006 |
Q: about 2 years ago I had a root canal that failed and i never got it taken care to so at this point ...
A: That bubble is an infection. You can pop it, but popping it won't get rid of the source of the ...
|
| Hi,
I had a root canal... | 3/14/2006 |
Q: I had a root canal done awhile back ago, when I was younge, probably 12-14 years old may eyounger ...
A: I don't know how rotted your tooth is now, or whether there is enough tooth left that it can be used ...
|
| Dental Implants | 3/9/2006 |
Q: I require 5 dental implants in total (Upper right 2 and 5, Lower right 5 and 7, Upper left 6). I was ...
A: Yes it is possible, and preferable, to receive two or more implants in one visit. The only ...
|
| diet pills | 3/9/2006 |
Q: <h1>automata quartile wildcats Americas daybreak frigate.monastic evoke reformatory sojourn gad,<A ...
A: The following is what I got. Is it what you meant to send? <h1>automata quartile wildcats Americas ...
|
| problem with porcelain | 3/8/2006 |
Q: Finnk, I,ve got a new fixed bridge for about two months. Before it was installed I had a lot of ...
A: I can't answer for sure. But do you clench or grind your teeth during the day or at night? It may ...
|
| Toddler's Teeth | 3/7/2006 |
Q: My daughter is 21 months old. She has 20 teeth (got second molars about 6 weeks ago). In the last ...
A: Sounds like she has some severe staining. Usually from something she's eating, drinking or sucking. ...
|
| prosthetic problem | 3/1/2006 |
Q: Finnk, I have endless prosthetic problems with two of my upper bridges (3-8, and 9-14), which I ...
A: I cannot answer any of your questions without a thorough exam and xrays, except the one about ...
|
| Dental cap pain | 2/27/2006 |
Q: I had a cap put back in place some months ago. I complained about low grade discomfort a few weeks ...
A: It is possible that the cap is a bit "high" in your bite, or contacting slightly before your other ...
|
| Cosmetic Dentistry | 2/27/2006 |
Q: I am in need of cosmetic work. I have been saving for veneers and had anticipated spending about ...
A: Not necessarily superior, but maybe more conservative, in that they are tooth-sparing. Some, but ...
|
| I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS... | 2/25/2006 |
Q: I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF WHITENING MY TEETH BY A HOME KIT AND HAVE NOTICED THAT THE GUM ...
A: The gum may grow back several weeks after you stop bleaching. It may not. It may be possible to ...
|
| teeth | 2/24/2006 |
Q: Behind 2 teeth on my upper jaw they have become sharp,almost slightly cocaved where the tooth enters ...
A: Sounds like a combination of excessive wear, usually due to chronic clenching/grinding (bruxism), ...
|
| white fillings | 2/16/2006 |
Q: are white fillings available on the nhs ? my daughter has had 1 filling today at check up she was ...
A: I'm sure white fillings are available in the nhs. I can offer no information concerning fees or ...
|
| Tongue bite pain days later | 2/10/2006 |
Q: Two or three days ago I was eating and accidentally bit down on the front / tip of my tongue with my ...
A: A tip-of-the-tongue bite is often similar to a minor laceration or paper cut is to the skin. Much ...
|
| wider smile? | 2/8/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if there was anything i can do to make my smile wider. I am ok with the rest of my ...
A: Sounds like you may need 2 visits. First to a prosthodontist, who will evaluate your smile to see ...
|
| wider smile? | 2/7/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if there was anything i can do to make my smile wider. I am ok with the rest of my ...
A: I can't see you. So I don't know exactly what you mean by "wider smile" Do you have narrow jaw ...
|
| Crown Prep | 2/7/2006 |
Q: What are the benefits and downsides to the following two different scenarios? In what cases might a ...
A: I've done it both ways, and I've now reverted to string, packed lightly between gum and tooth. This ...
|
| Post Dental Work - Sensitivity | 2/6/2006 |
Q: A month ago I had some old silver-type fillings drilled out on the back teeth on the left side ...
A: Could be the bite. It usually is. But in about 4% of all teeth with otherwise normal nerves, the ...
|
| Must stains be treated? | 2/1/2006 |
Q: Finnk, I went to a Coast Dental office for a dental examination and was told that I had a cavity ...
A: 1. I cannot express any opinion on what you may or may not need done. I haven't seen you or your ...
|
| single missing tooth: non-invasive options | 1/30/2006 |
Q: Years ago I had a back tooth extracted and was scheduled for a crown when the company I worked for ...
A: Did you ask your dentist this question when you were discussing the possibilities? You should have, ...
|
| pain after extraction | 1/27/2006 |
Q: Monday I had my lower right wisdom tooth removed and was placed on amoxicillin. I had pain the first ...
A: This is not normal. I don't know if it will go away on its own. I usually have my extraction ...
|
| Cleaning or debridement? | 1/25/2006 |
Q: I recently went to an office for a routine clean-up because it has been a while ( about 3 years ). ...
A: I like to use your car as an example. If you neglected your car for 3 years (no washes, no oil ...
|
| Uvula question | 1/20/2006 |
Q: I'm 28 yrs. old. You might remember me... huge fear of cancer (grandmother died of Ovarian cancer 4 ...
A: Uvulas (uvulae?), like people, come in all shapes and sizes. I'm sure yours is fine. Now, how ...
|
| crowns | 12/26/2005 |
Q: I need 2 crowns on my left front tooth and the one next to it --football injury in high school 38 ...
A: I did not gather from your question how some of the work has been done. You say that root canals ...
|
| Receding gum line? | 12/25/2005 |
Q: During the past week I have been having some gum pain while brushing my teeth. After brushing, there ...
A: What you have is irregularly receeding gums, caused by either brushing too hard, too often or too ...
|
| Exposed bone | 12/22/2005 |
Q: I live and work in France and I am 41 years old. I had 2 lower impacted wisdom teeth removed on 4 ...
A: I wouldn't call what happened to you "common", but it happens enough that I've seen it (and have had ...
|
| Crown | 12/2/2005 |
Q: Finnk, I see that you have practiced in Michigan, I used in live in Ann Arbor when my father taught ...
A: Small dark line at your gumline might be permanent staining inside the edge of the gum from bleeding ...
|
| bad breath | 11/24/2005 |
Q: i just went to my dentist on wednesday for the first time in 14 years. he said my teeth are very, ...
A: About 80% of bad breath comes from gum infection. You didn't say whether your dentist cleaned your ...
|
| Total Teeth Repair | 11/19/2005 |
Q: Let me make this as quick as possible. I basically have let my teeth go to the point of no ...
A: Your words tell me that you are committed to LOSING all your teeth. If this is true, then you will ...
|
| prosthetic | 11/15/2005 |
Q: I moved to Florida 3 years ago. I am having very bad luck finding a dentist. The first dentist ...
A: I moved to Florida 4 years ago. I've found a few good dentists near where I live in the Fort ...
|
| Fluoride | 11/3/2005 |
Q: I daily use fluoride w/ a .64% concentration. The product label says that I am supposed to mix it ...
A: As long as you don't swallow it, it won't cause any problems. If the fluoride is a gel, you should ...
|
| Irritated palate. | 11/2/2005 |
Q: Last year I had a strep infection and severe hives. The WORST symptom was swelling in the gums on ...
A: First be sure that you are not putting something in or on your mouth which might be touching off ...
|
| Extraction causing mis-alignment of bridge? | 10/28/2005 |
Q: I recently had a 6 unit bridge (teeth 6-11) done. It was completed about 5 weeks ago. Then, this ...
A: The bridge didn't shift, but your bite did, after the loss of your 2 molars. They were probably ...
|
| Dental Infection | 10/21/2005 |
Q: I had a root canal done (lower left tooth)several years ago where they did not remove enough of the ...
A: I can't help here. There could be several causes for your problem. Accessory canal. Root fracture ...
|
| Infection | 10/20/2005 |
Q: I had a tooth taken out two days ago which was infected, but im still getting the infection taste ...
A: Yes. Instead of salt water, use Listerine, as long as it does not burn. Hold it over the area for ...
|
| Does the toothpaste that one... | 10/20/2005 |
Q: Does the toothpaste that one uses contribute towards healthy gums and teeth? If yes, could you ...
A: Yes. The fluorides in most toothpastes help prevent cavities. The antibacterial in Colgate Total ...
|
| impacted wisdom tooth removal | 10/6/2005 |
Q: I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed 4 days ago. I develop huge swelling and bruising. I am on ...
A: I'm sorry for your pain. The questions you ask me, you should be asking your dentist. I don't know ...
|
| cavities | 9/29/2005 |
Q: My 5 year old son had dental x-rays yesterday, and the dentist noticed 2 small cavities (one in the ...
A: I can't second-guess your dentist. I don't know how large or deep the cavities might be. If you ...
|
| I need your advise! | 9/27/2005 |
Q: Finnk, I've got in unpleasent situation at teaching dental center and don't really know how to ...
A: Although I am saddened by hearing about your problems with your teeth, and your dentists, I cannot ...
|
| loose tooth that won't let go | 9/26/2005 |
Q: My 7 y.o. daughter has lost three four of her baby teeth to date. She has a very crowded lower jaw ...
A: See your dentist to have the tooth removed. No root canal required. In addition, if your daughter ...
|
| dentures | 9/18/2005 |
Q: I am thinking about getting dentures. I need teeth pulled and the dentist said that they give u a ...
A: Sorry I'm so late. I'm guessing goofy juice is a liquid medicine they give you before the procedure ...
|
| Root Planing | 9/5/2005 |
Q: In your opinion, do 6MM pockets necessitate root planing and antibiotic treatment? My dentist tells ...
A: The simple answer is "yes". If your dentist probed your gums and measured 6mm of detachment, he is ...
|
| Aftermath of Surgery | 9/5/2005 |
Q: how are you? My name is Paul and I am from South Portland, Maine. I am writing you today in high ...
A: You have certainly presented a many-faceted problem in this book you have written me. First, ...
|
| school | 9/2/2005 |
Q: I am conducting a science fair project for school and am required to write a 2 page paper invoving ...
A: The coloring in these beverages is what stains teeth. However, most beverages contain acid in some ...
|
| Implants | 8/26/2005 |
Q: Finnk, I have decided to get implants(2)#12 & 13 which my Dentist says I need. I have seen two ...
A: The type of anesthesia used is mostly up to you. If you are comfortable and can sit still with your ...
|
| dentures | 8/19/2005 |
Q: I have dentures. They do not make my gums sore. I can eat anything I want to eat.I have no problems ...
A: My general rule is the same as your friend's dentist. The reason is that the bone that supports ...
|
| bridge or implant | 8/16/2005 |
Q: I have a tooth, #7 that used to have a crown. It fell off and there's nothing left of the tooth. It ...
A: You are absolutely correct. Going with an implant or a bridge would be best for you. Without being ...
|
| Gum Treatment | 8/15/2005 |
Q: I have red, puffy, sensitive gums and bad breath. My regular dentist has told me that I need gum ...
A: Too bad your dentist is not very approachable. You should feel comfortable asking your dentist the ...
|
| help | 8/11/2005 |
Q: I need a bridge on both sides. Here is my rate qwote can this be right? core buildup w/p 3 $236.00 ...
A: I don't help with Dr.'s fees. All dentists charge differently. You may wish to visit different ...
|
| pain after abscessed tooth and root canal | 8/2/2005 |
Q: I have had consistent pain under my bottom teeth for about 3 weeks now with no relief - or virtually ...
A: I am assuming you had an adequate root canal performed. The first thing I would do is adjust this ...
|
| Bump on the gum | 7/31/2005 |
Q: This is the timeline: 10 months ago, my #30 suddently feel very painful. It lasted for several ...
A: What you describe is most likely an abscess coming from the infected nerve of that tooth, now broken ...
|
| diagnosis discrepency | 7/2/2005 |
Q: Dr. Howard Fink, I would appreciate your feedback on this situation: Dentist (A) claimes I ...
A: Sad you have such anger over your interaction with 3 different dentists. However, it is fairly ...
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| dentures | 6/29/2005 |
Q: Wondering about dentures. Are there different styles, some better than others? I've heard you can't ...
A: There are many different styles and colors of dentures. Most are made to fit the individuals mouth, ...
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| tooth pain | 6/28/2005 |
Q: my front top teeth have been paining on and off for about a month its worse on the right side, one ...
A: I thought I already answered your question. But, just in case, here goes: If your teeth are ...
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| lumineers | 6/27/2005 |
Q: im really interested in lumineers im just wondering around how much would it cost if i just want two ...
A: Plan on about $900.00 per tooth for Lunineers. Fees vary in different parts of the country, and ...
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| Gums | 6/26/2005 |
Q: I noticed today that my 2 front teeth are loosening and the gum area surrounding them is sore. Is ...
A: It sounds like you're experiencing the end stages of gum disease, at least around these 2 teeth. ...
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| crooked lips | 6/26/2005 |
Q: I had braces for 7 years, and have had them removed now for about 3 years. I've noticed for a long ...
A: I wish I could see your condition, and thus be able to make a better assessment. If this condition ...
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| this dentist said i need to... | 6/21/2005 |
Q: this dentist said i need to remove one of my wisdom teeth that has a cavity because ti may help ...
A: I can't tell from here whether your wisdom tooth should come out or not. I doubt that taking out ...
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| enamel | 6/16/2005 |
Q: Helo Dr. Finnk- I am 37 years old and have tetracycline stains on all my teeth. When I was 18 yrs ...
A: Porcelain itself will not stain or wear. It can chip, and the junction where the porcelain meets ...
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| enamel | 6/15/2005 |
Q: Helo Dr. Finnk- I am 37 years old and have tetracycline stains on all my teeth. When I was 18 yrs ...
A: First, if your dentist is skilled at bonding veneers, I don't think much enamel is being removed at ...
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| veneers | 6/14/2005 |
Q: How do veneers hold up over the long time, my teeth are ok but look dark. I also have front caps ...
A: Veneers hold up well over the long term. However, since you already have caps on your front teeth, ...
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| Root Canal Therapy | 6/8/2005 |
Q: Finnk, I'm near the end of having root canal therapy of a tooth that has a gold crown in the lower ...
A: It is not uncommon to prescribe antibiotic on completing a root canal. I don't know how old you ...
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| TMJ | 5/29/2005 |
Q: My daughter started orthodonture with a rapid palatal expander and lip bumper at age 10. She is now ...
A: TMJ can be developmental, and may occur regardless of braces or bite. Often, we dentists see TMJ as ...
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| Crown repair for chipping, shearing and wear | 5/29/2005 |
Q: Finnk, Thank you for offering to assist me by answering my questions. About 8 years ago, a local ...
A: I moved your questions below so I could answer them... 1) When I decided to have all the teeth ...
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| Swollen Gum behind the Wisdom Tooth | 5/28/2005 |
Q: I am 23, and I have a wisdom tooth and i think i have had it for years, my question is, you know ...
A: Yep. Peanuts tend to irritate. And that little gum behind your wisdom tooth tends to be very ...
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| fixed bridge | 5/27/2005 |
Q: I'm going to be getting an 8 tooth fixed bridge (PFM). My former dentist had advised that all his ...
A: None. There are several metals that are actually more biocompatible today than is gold. In ...
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| Dental anxiety | 5/26/2005 |
Q: I sent you some dental-related questions (on local anesthesia) a few months ago. Thank you for your ...
A: A great story about your youthful experience with the dentist. One that will help me to remember ...
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| baby tooth that won't come out | 5/26/2005 |
Q: Dr. Finnk, My 7 year old son lost one front tooth last year. The other one has yet to fall out and ...
A: Kids almost never lose the front teeth together. Thus the reason for "All I Want For Christmas Is ...
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| what do you think | 5/22/2005 |
Q: I am 33 years old. I have 2 wisdom teeth on top that have been partially through the gum for quite ...
A: By now, you've probably seen the dentist, and you have your answer. My favorite tooth pain remedy ...
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| Serious advise for serious problem! | 5/21/2005 |
Q: Finnk, I am a 52 yr. old man from Swansea, MA. in dire need of your expertise and knowledge. ...
A: Sounds like you are on the brink of losing your teeth. The infection of which you speak is combined ...
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| Bad experience with novacaine | 4/28/2005 |
Q: I am having a root canal and last time i went to the dentist i screamed with pain because i felt ...
A: If you are feeling pain, even a small amount, your dentist should be able to eliminate it with more ...
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| braces | 4/23/2005 |
Q: My son is 22, and has had braces for 8 months to correct an overbite. I checked his bite today and ...
A: No, neither you, your son, nor his orthodontist are nuts. As the orthodontist moves teeth, they go ...
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| Gum discoloration on eye teeth where bridge is connected/some gum disease? | 4/23/2005 |
Q: I have had a rather large top brige for over 6 years. The tops of my gums on my eye teeth where the ...
A: It appears you need treatment for your gum disease. And I recommend you stop flossing until you get ...
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| Stains | 4/21/2005 |
Q: Wissot- I am 35 yr old male with very good teeth and healthy gums. I had a check up today and ...
A: First, you got Dr. Finnk rather than Dr. Wissot. But I will answer your questions anyway. ...
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| bit my toungue | 4/14/2005 |
Q: .i bit my tongue over an hour ago...it's still bleeding? what do i do
A: Sorry my answer is probably a bit late. By now you probably know that the best thing is to suck on ...
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| endodontics | 4/12/2005 |
Q: i want to ask u if the patient came in the 2nd visit of root canal filling and he has tenderness if ...
A: Too little information. If the patient is tender at the second visit, I will usually complete the ...
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| Tooth | 4/1/2005 |
Q: I recently bent my front tooth outward but i managed to push it back into place. After a week, the ...
A: Before I can answer, I'll need a few answers myself. First, how did you bend your tooth forward? ...
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| filling chips when flossing | 3/14/2005 |
Q: Why does a filling chip when flossing--filled approximately 2-1/2 years ago? Answer - Dear ...
A: I am not a dentist-rater. As I do not have all the facts surroounding your case, I would not render ...
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| cosmetic | 3/9/2005 |
Q: I recently had a composite filling on my front tooth to imrove the shape and colour of the tooth. ...
A: If the original color is not right, you must return to show your dentist. It is your dentist's ...
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| Hi! I'm 33 years old & i've... | 2/9/2005 |
Q: I'm 33 years old & i've been having problem with my yellow teeth eversince i was in my teen years. ...
A: Yes. Just ask your dentist about tooth whitening. There are now many different methods. I'm sure ...
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| ROOT PLANNING | 1/31/2005 |
Q: If someone had root planning and scaling and after two months one quadrant is still redish and ...
A: Sadly I do not have enough information to answer your question well. There can be many reasons for ...
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| Deep Cleaning | 1/31/2005 |
Q: My Mom, who's a very healthy almost 83, needs a root canal. The dentist recommended first doing a ...
A: If your mother has gum disease, it is important that she have the "deep cleaning". If she has no ...
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| extraction | 1/29/2005 |
Q: i had a molar extracted 2 days ago.i am still experencing pain and a bit of swelling.im worried ...
A: No, the way you describe the site is not normal. It is not uncommon, however, to experience ...
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| WHITE TEETH | 1/26/2005 |
Q: BJ, I have teeth not yellow, but not bright white...am getting married in less than 6 months...I am ...
A: The only toothpaste I have actually seen whiten teeth is Aquafresh Whitening. There may be others. ...
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| perodontal pockets | 1/21/2005 |
Q: About 4 months ago, I went to a dentist for a root scaling/planning procedure. My pockets are ...
A: Our policy is to have you back 6-8 weeks after scaling to check healing and home care. After 4 ...
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| Gum Problem | 1/19/2005 |
Q: Followup To Question - HI, I have a red bump over an upper tooth that does not hurt, I am not ...
A: My suggestion, if you want to try more things at home: 1. Do NOT use the ultrasonic water thingie ...
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| Gum Problem | 1/18/2005 |
Q: I have a red bump over an upper tooth that does not hurt, I am not taking pain killers, doesn't ...
A: Glad you wrote back. Not many questioners do. For right now, I have to trust your dentist's ...
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| Gum Absess Brought to a Head | 1/14/2005 |
Q: I've had this gum abscess for 2 weeks. I had the tooth root canaled a year ago. It doesn't hurt but ...
A: I don't know if your abscess is coming from your gum, your old root canal, or another tooth. ...
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| toothpaste | 1/14/2005 |
Q: My son is almost 3, and I wondered if the non-fluoride toothpastes do a good job of cleaning a ...
A: Fluoride, when applied to teeth, will cause the teeth to be more resistant to cavities. Period. ...
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| Extracting a tooth | 1/12/2005 |
Q: I would just like to get your opinion. About 2 months ago my dentist suggested I go to a ...
A: An 8 pocket in your gums represents some severe infection under your gum, now likely dissolving away ...
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| made a mistake | 1/8/2005 |
Q: I took my daughter (almost 3 years old) to the dentist for the first time. The dentist asked about ...
A: Don't know for sure if this will self correct. Depends on how much has developed or will develop in ...
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| cavities | 1/3/2005 |
Q: I know you cannot diagnose online. But hopefully you can describe what I need to look for in my ...
A: What you describe sounds like cavities to me. Most cavities do not cause any pain until they reach ...
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| hi, my question is if a person... | 12/31/2004 |
Q: my question is if a person has tooth mobility or slight movement of the tooth what is the best thing ...
A: Can't answer your question in specifics. But I can tell you that there may be several causes for ...
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| Tooth Extraction | 12/15/2004 |
Q: I am going to have a tooth pulled tommorow. I have many worries about this but what I am wondering ...
A: While your concern seems valid, I have not heard of birth control pills causing generalized ...
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| extraction time | 12/5/2004 |
Q: I've gotten some bad but expected news. Through bad gum disease at 43, I have to have all my upper ...
A: Sorry to hear you need to lose your teeth. Now for my answer. Yes, the way your dentist has ...
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| Tooth pulled | 12/3/2004 |
Q: I have a tooth that has given me alot of trouble. It is the second one from the back on the bottom ...
A: Even without seeing your tooth, I will recommend that you have a root canal. There is nothing more ...
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| LASER | 12/1/2004 |
Q: Is there some laser treatment to give health to the gums, and if so what problems can it cure?
A: Yes, NdYag lasers are used on occassion to perform needed treatment to the gums. Generally, these ...
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| Teeth whitening | 11/30/2004 |
Q: Finnk, I have tried several kinds of teeth whitening over the years from carbamide peroxide to ...
A: Unless you have had your front teeth bonded, veneered or capped, if Rembrandt worked for you before, ...
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| teeth | 11/20/2004 |
Q: Why do certain types of beverages stain the teeth at different parts (such as the root and crown of ...
A: Certain beverages stain teeth due to a combination of the coloring in the beverage, the density of ...
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| scaling | 11/19/2004 |
Q: For scaling and root planning is it necessarily better to use sonic instruments instead of manual ...
A: Not necessarily. Ultrasonics usually remove gross calcifications more rapidly. Antibacterial ...
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| 3 questions | 11/18/2004 |
Q: I went to the dentist today because I thought I had a cavity. There are 3 little holes (craters) on ...
A: Without you here, and without me being able to see your tooth, I can only guess: 1) If there is ...
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| flouride | 11/16/2004 |
Q: We use children's toothpaste with flouride for my 2.5 year old toddler. We brush her teeth twice a ...
A: I have yet to learn of one case of a child that has been harmed by swallowing a small amount of ...
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| Swollen from extractions | 11/14/2004 |
Q: I had 6 of my bottom back teeth extracted, 4 on the right and 2 on the left, including my lower left ...
A: I must assume you are taking antibiotics. If not, you may need some now. When I remove 4 wisdom ...
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| cavity | 11/6/2004 |
Q: I am 32 yrs old and never had a cavity filled. I currently have a cavity and I am terrified of ...
A: Have the tooth fixed. If Monarch doesn't suit you, I'm sure there are other dental offices near you ...
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| Tongue Soreness | 11/5/2004 |
Q: You might remember me - 27 yr. old white female -hypocondriac/anxiety/panic attacks - huge fear of ...
A: Everything you describe sounds like results of the surgery. The feelings in your tongue will likely ...
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| Mercury dental amalgams | 11/1/2004 |
Q: My main question is about mercury toxicity from dental amalgams. I have heard lots of histories ...
A: My take on existing amalgam fillings is that, in general, they are not harmful. There may be a few ...
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| MOUTHWASH | 11/1/2004 |
Q: I have noticed that if I use Listerine mouthwash 3 or more times a day plaque does not form in my ...
A: I recommend Listerine for most of my patients, to be used after brushing morning and night. It is ...
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| SCALING | 10/28/2004 |
Q: For root scaling and planing, should that be done by a dentist or periodontist? Should that whole ...
A: Root scaling and planing may be done by a dentist, a periodontist or a hygienist. Areas of need ...
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| Abcessed tooth | 10/22/2004 |
Q: A couple questions. What are the symptoms of an abcessed tooth? I always heard that an abcessed ...
A: Answers: What are the symptoms of an abcessed tooth? SOME ARE: PAIN, SWELLING, LOOSE TOOTH OR TEETH, ...
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| Dental Cap Problems | 10/22/2004 |
Q: I just have one moreI was researching on the internet and also came upon information regarding ...
A: It is not likely that your dentist is making pre-fabricated crowns. She would not need to make ...
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| Dental Cap Problems | 10/21/2004 |
Q: I got a root canal done ages back and just recently went to the dentist to get a dental crown placed ...
A: I will answer your questions as you put them: - Since it was so loose that it kept falling off ...
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| Occassional Soreness | 10/15/2004 |
Q: I'm 27 yr. old white female. You might remember me - I was the one with the huge fear of cancer ...
A: As i suggested before, your meds contribute a great deal to your dry mouth, as well as the soreness ...
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| I notice in my front top teeth... | 10/11/2004 |
Q: I notice in my front top teeth there is like lines in my teeth, I don't know if they are cracks or ...
A: I have seen many lines of differing causes in people's teeth. I can't see yours, so I can't give ...
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| possibilites | 10/10/2004 |
Q: I know I actually need to see a Dentist so my problem can be looked at, I have an appt. next week, I ...
A: You probably have clogged salivary glands from the dryness your mouth experiences during sleep. ...
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| PERIODONTAL DISEASE | 9/26/2004 |
Q: I understand periodontal disease is caused by bateria and that a good first step is scaling. But ...
A: I don't know your age, so I don't know if 20% is bad, good or average relative to your age. As a ...
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| questions concerning teeth | 9/26/2004 |
Q: I have three questions: What are teeth? what are they composed of? and why do beverages such as ...
A: Teeth are... well... teeth. The word defines that part of your anatomy that is responsible for both ...
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| PERIODONTAL DISEASE | 9/24/2004 |
Q: I understand periodontal disease is caused by bateria and that a good first step is scaling. But ...
A: We use peridex (a chlorhexidine rinse). And, depending on the severity of your disease, your idea ...
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| braces | 9/21/2004 |
Q: For someone who got braces 20 years ago, is it possible that those braces stained the teeth? Maybe ...
A: It is possible that the braces stained the teeth. However, after one or two professional cleanings, ...
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| Veneers or Caps.... | 9/21/2004 |
Q: I just had a quick question wondering if you could help answer it. My teeth are all straight but I ...
A: Veneers and caps can stain. But the stain remains on the surface of the porcelain, and is more ...
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| Ortho made my teeth too narrow... | 9/18/2004 |
Q: I'm 24 years old and got braces recently. I've had them for a few months. I had very very minor ...
A: It is often difficult, if not impossible, to widen the lower jaw. What is sometimes done is to ...
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| Teeth | 9/18/2004 |
Q: I am 20 years old with white, straight, healthy teeth. About 5 months ago I noticed that around the ...
A: Near Sandi: Not due to brushing, though you should be using an extra-soft brush. Not due to a lack ...
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| ears/teeth/jaw | 9/16/2004 |
Q: could you please tell me what maybe happening to my ears...i have eustachian tube dysfunction..and ...
A: I am a dentist. SO... for the bad tooth at the top back right side of your mouth, you should see ...
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| upset | 9/14/2004 |
Q: I went to the dentist today for the first time in a long time. I am having sensitivity on the top ...
A: I am confused. Why are you asking me these questions instead of asking the dentist you went to? ...
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| Just had a tooth pulled | 9/2/2004 |
Q: I just had my tooth number 15 pulled. This morning when I woke up, I noticed that I was biting on ...
A: Sorry you had to lose your tooth. What you describe happens occassionally to tooth sockets that ...
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| what can any of the folowoing... | 8/26/2004 |
Q: what can any of the folowoing speciaties do for tmj? regular dentist oral surgeon tmj ...
A: All of the specialties you name can treat tmj. Each may have its own way of doing so. And each ...
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| mouth pain | 8/25/2004 |
Q: i had a molar pulled friday august 20,04 lower back right side of mouth. my mouth is real sensitive ...
A: It is possible that you may have tuna in the socket, that the socket is infected, and that you may ...
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| Molar Pain | 8/24/2004 |
Q: I am 22 years old and have a problem with molar pain. All my molars are extremely sensitive to the ...
A: You probably clench your teeth both day and night. If you have worn the enamel off the tops of your ...
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| overbite | 8/23/2004 |
Q: I'm so sorry to bother you again! I did give you incorrect information. My son has a deep bite. ...
A: I agree that braces are required to correct his bite. But this is really a decision for your son to ...
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| overbite | 8/20/2004 |
Q: My son is 21 years old and has a overbite 6mm. He refused to have braces. His orthodontist has me ...
A: 1. No. 2. Having answered the first question "no", you now know that braces will have nothing to do ...
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| Just curious... | 8/18/2004 |
Q: you might remember me, I'm the hypocondriac from earlier in the week. Background: I'm a 27 yr. old ...
A: Probably just a residual film of toothpaste that's not been rinsed out due to your generally dry ...
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| Dry mouth? | 8/16/2004 |
Q: I'm 27 yr. old white female. Medicine that I am currently taking: Allegra-D along with Flonase for ...
A: I'm sure I've answered your question before, though your name has changed. This doesn't sound like ...
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| Crowns | 8/10/2004 |
Q: My front teeth have five porcelain crowns. I have had them for quite a number of years and am very ...
A: Porcelain-metal crowns can be every bit as beautiful as all-porcelain. And Porcelain-metal crowns ...
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| White Teeth | 8/1/2004 |
Q: So that means that the tray systems dont work THAT good?I am a 16 year old male. When I was 4 years ...
A: Tray systems do work well. That would be one system your dentist might offer. If you are trying to ...
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| dry mouth | 7/29/2004 |
Q: I'm a 27 yr. old female, drink once a week (4-5 beers), ex-smoker, take Aciphex for Reflux, ...
A: All the meds you take, plus the coffee, plus the anxiety... all contribute to dry mouth. There is ...
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| Painful Burning | 7/25/2004 |
Q: my throat feels like it is on fire. One one side of the soft area right before the back of your ...
A: Because I can't see the sores, you'll need to see someone. GP physician or ENT likely best. The ...
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| Temp crown removal & tooth sensitivity | 7/13/2004 |
Q: Finnk, My #14 tooth had a loose filling, and I went to the DDS to get it checked and was told I ...
A: Interesting story. All of it. In answer to your questions: 1. Yes, the edge of the crown should ...
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| Allergy (relevant?) | 7/8/2004 |
Q: I recently got a surfuce filling and braces. I noticed though that after getting those, I developed ...
A: Although anything is possible, I've never heard of braces causing a rash. It may be possible that ...
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| Risks involved with temporary cement in a bridge in someone's mouth for a prolonged period of time | 6/24/2004 |
Q: I have 3 questions to ask: Question # 1: What are the risks involved with temporary cement in a ...
A: 1. Temporary cement could wash out from under the bridge, leaving the teeth under the bridge more ...
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| dry mouth | 6/15/2004 |
Q: a little bit of background... I am a 27 yr. old female, I drink once a week and ex-smoker. I ...
A: The answers: 1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. Yes. You should discontinue all your medicines. You should ...
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| your opinion? | 6/4/2004 |
Q: i went to a prosthodontist - missing 4 bottom front teeth, and missing the last 3 or 4 top teeth on ...
A: A very long, complicated, difficult and sad story. And I can't see a thing from here. Because you ...
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| Tongue Bite | 6/3/2004 |
Q: Finnk, This may sound like a weird question. But, while jogging, I accidentally bit my tongue. That ...
A: It'll take about a week to 10 days for your tongue to heal. Doing nothing is usually the best ...
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| Cosmetic Dentistry | 6/2/2004 |
Q: I am interested in becoming a cosmetic dentist. I have tried to find information about the field, ...
A: First you become a dentist. This involves from 2-4 years of University undergraduate ...
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| your opinion? | 6/1/2004 |
Q: i went to a prosthodontist - missing 4 bottom front teeth, and missing the last 3 or 4 top teeth on ...
A: I am stunned that you could have had all this damage done in the few months that it should have ...
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| affordable dentistryI | 5/31/2004 |
Q: I read your response with great interest. We have friend who is impoverished she has medicaid in ...
A: I'm no expert on Medicaid in Florida, but it was my understanding that they do pay a very small ...
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| crown | 5/20/2004 |
Q: My bottom back tooth has a silver-colour, metal crown which a dentist fitted 4 ½ years ago, after a ...
A: The reason a dentist shortens an opposing tooth during crown preparation, is that they can see that ...
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| implants and crowns | 5/1/2004 |
Q: Finnk, Next month I will have surgery to incert 8 upper implants: two front, two on the left and ...
A: Sorry that you had bad experiences with bridges. This is very uncommon. I have no idea what the ...
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| implants and crowns | 4/29/2004 |
Q: Finnk, Next month I will have surgery to incert 8 upper implants: two front, two on the left and ...
A: These, of course, are all questions you should have had answered by your dentist, the surgeon who is ...
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| teeth whitenings | 4/9/2004 |
Q: I'm wondering if you could tell me how these 2 whitening gels are different and which one is more ...
A: I cannot answer why the 22% carbamide peroxide did not work for you, unless your teeth are already ...
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| whitening | 3/28/2004 |
Q: I've heard that cigarette ashes actually whiten your teen! Is this true? thanks, Jenny
A: I've never heard this. But I would imagine that some sharp producer might make cigarette ashes into ...
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| TMJ & Teeth Whitening | 3/27/2004 |
Q: I have a question ref TMJ. How can I ease the clicking when I chew? Also, I have a filling in the ...
A: TMJ clicking can come from several sources. The shape of the inside of your jaw socket (or the ...
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| Pain with flossing | 3/22/2004 |
Q: For the past couple of weeks I have had pain in between the same two teeth whenever I floss. It ...
A: If food is not getting caught in this area, then you have likely lacerated your gum with the floss. ...
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| Upper Jaw Pain | 3/21/2004 |
Q: Finnk, You helped me out before and I hope you will help me again. I am having some upper jaw ...
A: The answers to all your questions is YES! 1. YES sinus infections CAN cause tooth pain. But tooth ...
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| dry socket | 3/20/2004 |
Q: i had a upper back tooth pulled actully 2 of them this was done 2days ago thursday at 3pm and this ...
A: May be infected by organism resistiant to the antibiotic you are taking. Or may be dry socket (a ...
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| Would appreciate advice | 3/16/2004 |
Q: I'm a 55 year old woman who has been wearing a full upper denture and lower bridge for many years. ...
A: From the tone of your letter, I thought you had already received the finished product, were wearing ...
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| Would appreciate advice | 3/16/2004 |
Q: I'm a 55 year old woman who has been wearing a full upper denture and lower bridge for many years. ...
A: Yours is a long and complicated story. And I have only your story, not that of the dentist or ...
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| oral health | 3/14/2004 |
Q: How many times a day do you recommend to brush the teeth? In Brazil,all the dentist insist on 3 ...
A: Two times a day: After breakfast and before bed. Soft toothbrush. Fluoride toothpaste. Front ...
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| tooth problem | 3/1/2004 |
Q: I am 30 Male from Nigeria. i notice that my teeth is cracking and chipping off at the edges. Could ...
A: 2 things that crack and chip your teeth at the edges: Coarse, hard food you eat, and a clenching or ...
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| Dentures | 2/27/2004 |
Q: Finnk, I am in need of an upper denture. I've heard of an outfit called "Affordable Dentures". ...
A: Funny how you use the name of an "outfit" to choose who makes your teeth. I worked at an outfit in ...
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| Sores in the mouth | 2/17/2004 |
Q: I am 25 years old, and I have just recently begun going to the dentist regularly. The last time I ...
A: I would really like to see these bumps to know what they could be. The rest is only speculation. ...
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