Ask the Dental Experts

1. Is LPT appropriate for pocket sizes of 4''s and 5''s? 2. What is the best way to find a periodontist who does this type of surgery

Thanks for your inquiry.  LPT is a surgical procedure.  Pocket depths of 4 and 5 mm do not necessarily need LPT.  Many times they can be treated with deep cleanings.  The first thing that you would need is a compreshensive dental examination that includes periodontal probing.  This way we can determine if you are a candidate for LPT.  Please give us a call and we would be happy to see you.

Dale J. Brant, DDS

888.790.0309

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 9:46 AM 0 comments

My 3 yr. old has a abscess in the front lower moler, His dentist is staying he need to extract it. Is there any way to keep the tooth?

Usually the simplest and most correct thing to do it to take this tooth out.  This solves the infection from the abscessed tooth.  The second issue that occurs is space maintenance.  With a molar being taken out at this young age, you will probably have to have a space maintainer made to save the space for the permanent tooth.  There are several ways to do this, but it is an important part of your conversation.

Rarely we will do a conventional root canal if the tooth is a critical tooth, but this is not common.

Chuck Campbell, DDS

713-795-5905

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 8:26 AM 0 comments

My 3 yr. old has a abscess in the front lower moler, His dentist is staying he need to extract it. Is there any way to keep the tooth?

Usually the simplest and most correct thing to do it to take this tooth out.  This solves the infection from the abscessed tooth.  The second issue that occurs is space maintenance.  With a molar being taken out at this young age, you will probably have to have a space maintainer made to save the space for the permanent tooth.  There are several ways to do this, but it is an important part of your conversation.

Rarely we will do a conventional root canal if the tooth is a critical tooth, but this is not common.

Chuck Campbell, DDS

713-795-5905

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 8:26 AM 0 comments

Hello,Tooth number #3 is bad and rotten and hasn''t had a crown in over 6 years on it. I want to get it removed and put a partial there. Would you be able to do a one tooth partial?

Thanks for your inquiry.  A one tooth partial is not a good way to replace a mssing tooth.  In my opinion a fixed 3 tooth bridge or a crown supported by a dental implant is the best way to solve your needs.  The fixed bridge or the dental implant is a long term solution to your dental needs.  A one tooth partial will eventually cause problems for the supporting teeth.  Please give us a call and we will be happy to help you with your problem.

Dale J. Brant, DDS

888.790.0309

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 8:05 AM 0 comments

I recently had an abscess and was told i would have to be referred to an oral surgeon which can take up to 6 months. I would probably have to keep being prescribed antobiotics meantime. However today i have felt a tingling sensation on my lip the abscess has gone down from the last batch of antibiotics but there is still a swelling due to the fact that my dentist thinks its near the bone it is above my crown which is holding a 3 tooth bridge and this crown has a post in it should I be worried with this sensation? I feel ok and have no pain

I''m sorry that I am not familiar with your system that requires 6 months to wait for a specialty opinion... it sounds to me like you should first see an endodontic specialist.  You then might still have to see an oral surgeon, but the endodontist might solve your problem.  Here is some dental information that might apply to your situation:

It sounds like you are describing a dental abscess that involves the abutment (support) tooth for your bridge.  This situation is not uncommon, as root canal therapy is not 100% successful, and occasionally there is a failure.  This tooth may be re-infected and be solvable by having the root canal retreated -- or -- it could be a hopeless situation with a fractured root that will lead you to the loss of this tooth.  then you will have a choice between a longer bridge or implant placement to replace teeth in this area.  One other solution that we are using less in dentistry is endodontic surgery, in which the infected area is cleaned out surgically and the root end shortened.  This is being done less because of the success and predictability of dental implants, but sometimes it is a terrific solution.

In our practice, we do perhaps 80% of the required root canal treatment, but in difficult situations such as you describe, we would send you to a specialist (endodontist) for management.  They would be discussing the options I gave you above.

The longer you wait for treatment, the less chance of success you have.  I would recommend pursuing a solution to your problem as soon as you can.

Chuck Campbell, DDS

713-795-5905

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 8:04 AM 0 comments

Hello, Ive had braces for six years without dental care because I don''t have insurance, I think Im having early signs of periodontal disease and Im having my braces removed hopefully in the next three months when I pay for my school and have some money left over, my treatment was never finished and I had a tooth removed and the gap is fairly closed but not fully, when i remove the braces will my teeth move back where they were? my front upper teeth have been lose since the start of the treatment, but the rest don''t move, am i going to have to get braces on again when I can afford them? Im scared my teeth will fall off, thank you

I think it would be wise for you to return to your orthodontist and have those braces removed and perhaps he will be able to place a permanent retainer on your two upper front teeth. Then return to your regular dentist for an evaluation of your whole mouth. If you are having a severe gum problem he will recommend that you see a periodontist. If you have any more questions,please don''t hesitate to call our office at:1-888-790-0309.

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 7:38 AM 0 comments

Hello,I have a receeding gumline on my left top side particularly on the 3rd tooth over from the front I''m pretty sure from brushing. I am living in NZ, but coming home to the US in July. What can I do to correct this?

Thanks for the inquiry.  The first thing that you need to do is have the area evaluated once you get to the states.  I seriously doubt that this is caused by a toothbrush.  In many instances your bite and ocdclusion are the cause of your problem. Gum disease is another cause of this.   Most people brux and clench their teeth when sleeping.  This usually is the cause of gum recession.  In most intances a gum graft can fix your problem.  In order to help prevent this from reoccuring you will need to wear a night guard when you sleep.  This will help keep the pressure off of this area.  Once you get to the states we would be happy to help you out.  Please give us a call.  713.795.5905 or 888.790.0309.

Dale J. Brant, DDS

888.790.0309

posted by Ask the Dental Experts  # 6:59 AM 0 comments