My Veneer came off, can I wait to replace it?

Question

My veneer came off last night and we're leaving town for vacation. I'm not in pain and it's toward the back of my mouth so not obvious to others. Is it safe to leave it exposed until we get back next week?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

If your veneer came off and is not visible to other people, plus causes no discomfort, then I suggest that you treat the tooth very delicately during your vacation, then have it fixed as soon as you return.  The main reason you should hurry to get your veneer re-attached is because it is exposed to bacteria with no protective enamel layer.  Prolonged exposure can cause you to develop tooth sensitivity to hot/cold foods or drinks, and require you to need a root canal on that tooth later on.  It can wait a week, but try to fix it soon.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

There is a slight risk the veneer won't fit if you wait too long or decay can start, but you are very likely to be fine to wait until after vacation.

Fadi Yassmin, BDS, MSc · Answer

Yes, of course.  A veneer can be replaced.  The tooth would have to be re-prepared and a new mould taken and, as a result, construct a new veneer that will match the existing.  Sometimes if you are lucky, you can clean the tooth structure, and re-clean the veneer and then re-cement that on, but certainly, the most accurate way would be to replace the veneer.Most veneer preparations are in enamel so it is often not too sensitive if these do come off particularly, in this case, where it is towards the back of the mouth.  Provided hygiene is maintained and you haven’t left plaque on there it shouldn’t be an issue if left for a week. Enjoy your holiday.

My Veneer came off, can I wait to replace it?

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My Veneer came off, can I wait to replace it?

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