Q: Why will some dentists cover a perfectly good tooth with gold? This is most noticeable on the front teeth. I'm sure you have seen some cases where not only one tooth, but several are covered with gold. Can this process be reversed with success or is it permanent? In addition, this must be extremely expensive. Why would a dentist perform such a procedure to a perfectly normal tooth?
A: The gold around the tooth is actually part of a dental crown or cap used to rebuild a damaged or cracked tooth. It only looks like gold around the edges of a "normal" tooth because the rest of the crown is either made of a white material (acrylic), or is all gold and has a window that exposes the middle of the tooth. This type of crown is common in many places, such as Mexico, South America and other parts of the world.
Most of the people with these crowns do not want a dentist to change them. The process involves removing their crown and replacing it with a new one. You should also keep in mind that to these people, gold teeth are a symbol of beauty and status.
Q: My tongue feels pasty and burns when I wake up. My dentist has not found anything wrong with my teeth or gums. Do you have any suggestions?
A: You may be suffering from "burning mouth syndrome," This disorder can be caused by a deficiency in vitamin B or iron, known as pernicious anemia or iron deficiency anemia; dry mouth, caused by Sjogren's syndrome or medications; a fungal infection (candidiasis); diabetes; hormonal imbalances; or trauma related to certain dental procedures. I suggest you see an oral surgeon and your family doctor to explore the possibility of this disorder. In some cases, certain blood tests are needed.
If nutritional deficiencies are found, replacing the missing dietary components can sometimes cure burning mouth syndrome. Certain drugs, such as nystatin or clotrimazole can cure a fungal infection. In some cases, the cause has several different components, and multiple types of therapy are needed. If no cure can be found, topical anesthetics like viscous lidocaine or topical steroids may be helpful in reducing the burning sensation. However, please consult a doctor for diagnosis before taking any drugs.
Remember, only a dentist can diagnose your dental problems and offer the right dental treatments for you. If you need a dentist, call us at 1-866-970-0441 to be connected with one today.
