If you have swelling in the face and throbbing pain there is something wrong. The tooth will probably need a root canal. However, placing you on an antibiotic is the first step if they can't get you in immediately for treatment. You will need to see a specialist, Endodontist, for the root canal. Your other option if the tooth is abcessing, is to have the tooth extracted. Once a tooth becomes infected you only have 2 options, root canal or extract. Patients will have biting sensitivity with temporary crowns and sometimes the bite needs an adjustment, but with the symptoms you have, you need to see a dentist/endodontist.
Absolutely not! Crowns are too aggressive. The most conservative, durable and best option would be veneers. The more natural tooth structure you can keep the better prognosis for the tooth long term. Also, resin composites are more durable than they used to be. It done correctly and bonded to the tooth, it would last a while but would need to be replaced in your future at some point. If you want the best, a porcelain veneer would last you a lifetime if done correctly.
Most patients can be a candidate for implants. My recommendation would be an appointment with your dentist for an exam, xrays and/or a CT Scan. This helps the dentist see exactly how much bone you have to place the implants. There will be some bone loss after 2 years, the amount is unknown until we have all of this information. If there is too much bone loss, there are procedures that can be performed to restore the jaw bone to an optimal level for placing dental implants.
Research shows the best way to whiten your teeth is the professional custom tray, take home method. It is easy to use, you will have less sensitivity and you will maintain your results the longest. Studies show that the in office professional whitening, for example Zoom, only last 3 months and you will be back to your original shade. Patients often think that the in office whitening will give them a quick fix and that there is no follow up needed, when in fact there is. In our office we strongly recommend the custom tray whitening. However, we do offer the in office whitening for our patients that request it. We include custom trays with our in office whitening for the patient to achieve optimal results.
