The following is a question I got from one of our visitors that is a follow-up after I answered her question about using a toothpaste with baking soda on porcelain veneers:
Dr. Hall,
I have one last question. One of my veneers on the front teeth apparently left some dentin exposed on that tooth. I had a lot of sensitivity but that has improved ( it has been about a month since they were put on). The dentist wants to replace this veneer and fit it properly. However, I am worried that the color won’t match and I don’t want to have to live with one tooth that is different. Also I’m worried about the risks of removing the veneer (possibly breaking the underlying tooth or surrounding veneers.
What are your thoughts? I’m considering just living with it the way it is, but if I had more confidence fixing it would be ok, I’d go ahead and have it replaced.
Thanks,
Monica from Maryland
Monica,
I don’t know who your dentist is, but I think I remember your saying that you had one of our recommended cosmetic dentists do this. Anyone we recommend should have no trouble matching your existing porcelain veneers. Excellent cosmetic dental laboratories, which are the ones that excellent cosmetic dentists use, will keep their color formulas for work they create so that they can perfectly match previous work.
And damaging the tooth is a non-issue. In fact, you pose more risk to the tooth by leaving this source of irritation than by re-doing the veneer. Exposed dentin has tubules that go straight to the pulp – this is why the tooth is sensitive. And open tubules are a risk for bacteria getting into the pulp. My advice would be to let your dentist do this for you.
– Dr. Hall
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About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.