Megan Shelton, DMD

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are often translucent.  If the tooth is dark and the dentist preps into it it will usually be darker under the enamel, so trying to cover that with a veneer is hard.  The dentist can have the lab put a thin layer of zirconia or other opaque material to block out the darkness and then have a nice translucent porcelain layered on top for optimal esthetics.  I'm guessing the tooth with the root canal is a crown... Since your tooth is non-vital and it is after the fact, one option would be to try internal bleaching.  The dentist can drill a hole through the back of your crown and place a medicament that can lighten that darkness showing through.  Talk to your dentist about these options!  I wish you the best.  Smiles, Dr. Shelton

Hello!  Yes!  Those are great items to eat.  You're on the right path by avoiding foods with bright pigments.  Neutral colored and pH foods and beverages are best for you to achieve optimum results.  Stray from red sauces, mustards, red wines, etc.  The whitening can make the teeth a porous and therefore can hold stain easier.   Tea is another culprit!  Be careful while you are bleaching and a few days after and you will be fine.  Good Luck!  I wish you the best and brightest.  Smiles, Dr. Shelton

You are correct, periodontal disease is an aggressive disease.  The first step would be making certain that you and your clinician have teamed together to achieve optimal results, it sounds like you're in a stable state, but always keep a close eye on it.  There are different periodontal mouth rinses that can be used, and more frequent deep cleanings that may be done to reduce your risk for bone loss.  Since the bone cannot be brought back, and implant wouldn't necessarily change the spaces, and the other concern is that implants can still get periodontal disease.  One option you could do is to crown the teeth, it would afford you the ability to eat out comfortably by closing the spaces, if done correctly. Since implants are based on bone, the implants would not offer any better result that your natural teeth.  Another option for you might be orthodontics with interproximal reduction, but that can be limited.  Check with an orthodontist or your general dentist to see which options are best for your situation.  Smiles, Dr. Shelton

Without a 3D CBCT it can be difficult to detect all bony defects or infections.  The xrays that most dentists take are 2D and if the infection was directly to the cheek side or tongue side it would be difficult to see, the implant would block the view of the infection. I wish you the best in resolution of your infection. Smiles, Dr. Shelton 

Hello.  The best routine is.... 

Floss, brush, rinse with mouth wash.  If you are going to do your morning hygiene after your breakfast, you need to wait 30 minutes from the time you stop eating or drinking.  Brushing too soon after can be harsh on your enamel because of the acidic nature of your oral cavity.  This same routine should be followed in the evening right before bed, floss, brush, rinse.  By flossing first, you remove the debri between the teeth and allow the toothpaste and bristles to access the interproximal spaces.  Just remember, but first FLOSS!