Last month, I had an accident that pushed my tooth back. I want Invisalign to reposition the tooth, but my dentist says nothing can be done further to move the tooth. The tooth root got moved forward and poked my upper lip. I could feel it in my nostril. My dentist said he repositioned the tooth as best he could. He said that he might be able to do something cosmetically. But the sensation in my nostril is uncomfortable, and the tooth is clearly out of place. Do I really have to live with this? Will braces help? Thanks. Ryan Ryan, We wish you could have seen a dentist within a day or so of the ..read more

I had jaw pain and popping with my last dental bridge and had to see a TMJ specialist to correct it. I got that bridge in 2001, so it is time to replace it. I relocated and switched dentists in 2014. Three weeks ago, I asked her about a new bridge, and she recommended a zirconia bridge. The pretreatment estimate includes a porcelain upgrade, which my dentist did not explain. I’ve had a billing issue in the past with this practice, so before I call, can you explain the porcelain upgrade? Is this related to my previous TMJ issues? Or should I be concerned that the jaw pain and popping will recur ..read more

My dentist was supposed to take impressions of my mouth this week, but we had to delay it again because my gums and mouth are still swollen after extractions. I had gum disease, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic before and after the extractions in December. The infection was getting better, then got worse again. My dentist extended the prescription. I take ibuprofen for discomfort, but the swelling is not improving. The right side of my face is warm and feels hard. My doctor asked me to wait until late next week to see what happens, but this doesn’t feel right. How long does it take for a ..read more

One of my upper left molars has been hurting for two months. My dentist thought the tooth might be fractured and covered it with the crown. It hurts even when I chew soft food. When I put pressure on the tooth with my finger, it feels better, but the pain returns when I lift my finger. This is so weird. My dentist adjusted the crown, but the teeth still hurt. I’ve had other crowns with no problems like this. Is something wrong with my bite? What could be causing my tooth pain? – Thanks. Carlton from Gatlinburg, TN Carlton Thank you for your question. Your description sounds like your bite is s ..read more

How long does TMJ last? Since late October, I have had horrible jaw pain and clicking when I open my mouth or eat. I also have very painful and clogged ears. Sometimes, they ring, which affects my sleep. I am concerned that I feel tired when I wake up after pain and ear-ringing episodes. My dentist said surgery would just make it worse, and the medicine would help, but it is not helping. Will the pain eventually go away? – Morgan Morgan, Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental. We understand your concerns about your TMJ discomfort and other symptoms. Although Dr. Delaune would need to perform ..read more

I’ve been ill for almost two weeks, and my balance has been off. Four days ago, I fell in my bedroom and hurt my face and knee. The impact was not severe, but I have bruises on my left brow, cheek, and knee. Since I fell, I noticed some jaw pain that I hadn’t felt for five years. I previously had TMJ issues, but could a fall cause a flare-up? Khloe   Khloe, We are sorry to hear about your fall! Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your jaw for an accurate diagnosis, we can provide some insight. Can a Fall Cause a TMJ Flare-up? A fall or any impact on your face or jaw can cause a TMJ ..read more

After getting a new implant bridge in late June, my upper and lower teeth don’t meet when I chew on the right side of my mouth. Also, my jaws are sore when I wake up in the morning. After getting the bridge, I felt jaw soreness, and my dentist adjusted my bite, but something is still wrong. I am anxious about whether I need more dental work or a new bridge. Will you please tell me what my dentist might recommend for the problems with my bridge so I can anticipate it or know whether to get a second opinion? Thank you. Nichelle from SC Nichelle, Thank you for your question. A new dental bridge s ..read more

I’m trying to decide if I really need to see a dentist or if I can manage what I think is TMJ on my own. My friend researched online and found a site that says if I eat whole foods, my TMJ symptoms will improve. It didn’t promise the symptoms would go away, but it said they would get better. I’ve had mild jaw pain for the past three years, but it’s getting worse. Within the last three weeks, my jaw has locked during my sleep. That is a painful and scary feeling. Can you tell me what foods I should eat to improve TMJ? Anias from Vancouver, WA Anias, Whole foods can nourish the body and improve ..read more

Last September, my dentist did a root canal and crown. The crown came off, and it and the post broke. Is my dentist responsible because his work didn’t last? – Thanks. Kenneth from San Diego Kenneth, We are sorry to hear about your experience. Although Dr. Rota would need to examine your crown, we can offer some advice based on the few details you provided. When a Crown and Post Break When a crown and post break, your tooth probably broke off near the gumline. Most of your natural tooth is probably gone, so if both the crown and tooth failed, the post may be weak, or your tooth cannot be saved ..read more

My new crowns feel bulky and make my teeth feel dry. My dentist replaced my old, discolored composite with crowns. But since I got the crowns in September, she adjusted the bite six times, and they still do not feel right. The crowns give me a lisp, and I keep chattering my teeth. I don’t know if it’s the crowns or my nerves. I seem to get relief from Chewing gum, although I have not chewed gum in years. My dentist says the crowns look fine, but they do not look fine, nor do they feel good on my teeth. Should I see another dentist to adjust the crowns, or am I overthinking the issue and making ..read more