Think dentist shaved off more than he said he would. Is it possible to tell how many mm shaved from photos? (photos)

Question

I went to a dental office to get a veneer, on my front tooth. And they prepared my tooth by shaving very little off, and took a molding, and two times the lab sent in a poor veneer, that they didnt want to use. It just so happens, that the dentist that was working on me was let go, and they brought in a replacement dentist who told me he needed to trim another 1 mm.. but i think he went way too far, and now i feel extreme sensitivity.

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

Hello
The veneer preparation is supposed to be very conservative so the final veneer adhere well to the enamel. I have no information about how your tooth looked before, however just looking at the preparation I estimate about 2 to 2.5 millimeter was shaved from the length and at least 1.5 mm from the outer aspect of your tooth. You are getting a "Porcelain Restoration",  which could be a 3/4 crown or 7/8 crown, not a conservative veneer in which all the surfaces are in enamel. 
Best of luck

Joseph Goodman, DDS, DMD · Answer

Hi Jacob,
Porcelain veneers is an art and you should only entrust an expert to perform this procedure. In particular, the most difficult case is to place one veneer only, trying to match them with the remaining teeth. 
Generally, there are different guidelines when it comes to preparation-- the deep preparation, the shallow preparation, and the no-prep. Patients usually prefer the shallow and the no-prep veneers. It is very possible that the reduction was necessary, thus do not worry about the preparation for now. 
Please get your temporary as soon as possible and get your veneer placed. It is most important that you look three times in the mirror before you agree to cement this veneer. Like I said, it is the most difficult procedure to match the rest of your teeth. Best of luck!

Best,
Dr. Joseph Goodman

Charles Briscoe, DDS · Answer

Good Photos!The second dentist reduced more of the tooth so that he could deliver the best looking veneer/crown possible for you. See how things look after the restoration is delivered.The sensitivity should reduce or be eliminated with the permanent one.You really should wear your temporary!

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

Thanks for posting the pictures. My concern is why are your walking arounbd without a temporary? Matching one veneer to your natural teeth is definately an art. The second dentist probably had a good reason for removing more tooth structure. I would wait until the veneer comes back from the lab to make your final decision. Your sensitivity is probably due to the exposed dentin and I suggest you return to the dentist and request a temporary.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:It is difficult to accurately judge how much was shaved off the tooth exactly without clinical exam, however, it appears that 2mm was shaved off the surface and 3mm off the edge of the tooth.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Think dentist shaved off more than he said he would. Is it possible to tell how many mm shaved from photos? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Veneer concerns

Answer: Veneer concerns

Answer: Veneer prep

Answer: Veneer prep

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Think dentist shaved off more than he said he would. Is it possible to tell how many mm shaved from photos? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Veneer concerns

Answer: Veneer concerns

Answer: Veneer prep

Answer: Veneer prep

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.