Veneers offer a long-lasting solution to discolored or oddly shaped teeth. Although veneers are cemented to your teeth, they can become loose in some cases. Chetna Desai, DDS, and Nancy Goldberg, DDS, of Desai Dental Care, perfrom veneer procedures in Ellicott City, MD, and explain what you should do if you lose a veneer.
Contact your dentist
Let your dentist know that you've lost a veneer as soon as possible. She may ask that you schedule an appointment so that she can evaluate your situation. During the appointment, she'll remove any remaining pieces of the veneer and order a new one if necessary. Because it will take one or two weeks for the dental laboratory to make a new veneer, letting your dentist know that you'll need a replacement immediately will decrease the amount of time you'll be without the veneer. Loss of a veneer isn't a dental emergency, but should be reported promptly to your dentist.
Save the veneer
If the veneer is intact and you still have it, put it somewhere safe until your dental appointment. Place it in a hard plastic container with a secure lid, and wrap it in tissues or cotton. During your visit, your dentist will examine the veneer, determine why it detached, and decide if it can be successfully reattached. If it can't, she'll order a new veneer.
Before you visit the dentist
You may notice that your tooth is sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages after you lose a veneer, although it won't affect your ability to chew or eat. The tooth may also feel rough. This is usually just a cosmetic issue, but if the roughness irritates your mouth, cover the front of the tooth with dental wax.
If you live near Ellicott City, MD and are interested in learning how veneers can improve your smile, call Chetna Desai, DDS, and Nancy Goldberg, DDS, of Desai Dental Care at (410) 480-9111. There's no need to feel self-conscious about your teeth a minute longer!