urgent dental care Archives - Drake & Wallace Dentistry

Broken Porcelain Veneers

Posted on February 15, 2026 by writeradmin.

I had porcelain veneers placed. I was pretty happy with them. I knew it would be tricky because of my tetracycline stains. The real problem I have is that the two front teeth broke in half vertically. I was freaking out. I called the office. They didn’t really consider it an emergency, but I was so upset that they finally let me come in and they glued the pieces on. It doesn’t look or feel great. They did schedule an appointment to replace it, and asked me if I wanted to get more porcelain veneers or if I wanted crowns instead. Is there some reason why I should get crowns instead?

Fanny

Dear Fanny,

If you were at a practice which did a lot of cosmetic work, they would understand what is known as an esthetic emergency. If you are at a basic family dentist, then they would likely only consider a tooth infection or a broken tooth an emergency.

As to your other question. Don’t get dental crowns. This is usually suggested by a dentist who isn’t confident in matching porcelain veneers. If they were the original practice that did your veneers than they shouldn’t have trouble matching them. They have all the notes from your procedure. If they didn’t do your veneers, I am not sure they are going to be the best people to fix yours if they are bringing up dental crowns.

The exception to that would be if there is also damage to your teeth which is extensive enough to justify dental crowns. But, if that was the case then why offer veneers as an option.

Bear in mind, I don’t know all the details here, but from the little you’ve told me I am going to suggest that you look for a different dentist to do this repair.

This blog is brought to you by gentle dentists in Decatur, AL Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Is a Cracked Porcelain Crown a Dental Emergency?

Posted on March 21, 2025 by writeradmin.

About ten years ago, I had four porcelain crowns placed for a smile makeover. One of them had always had what my dentist called a craze line, but it was never a problem. Now, I can see it as a horizontal crack. I can also feel it with my tongue as well. I am worried this is going to break. Should I get this replaced? Is it a dental emergency or do I just schedule a regular appointment?

Laura

Dear Laura,

I’m glad you wrote. While craze lines are usually harmless, your dental crown has obviously changed. Given that you can feel and see a crack, it is very likely to break at some point. I would not consider it a dental emergency, but I would schedule an appointment. That crown will need to be replaced. While you are there, you can have the dentist check out the other three crowns to see what kind of condition they are in.

If they’re fine, then you have a couple of options. You could just replace all of them at the same time and get it over with. Or, you can simply replace the one with the crack and then leave the others to replace one at a time when they live out their lifespan.

I am curious as to why your dentist suggested porcelain crowns for your smile makeover. The typical procedure for a smile makeover is to have porcelain veneers placed. Was there some structural damage to your teeth or some other reason for your dentist suggesting using crowns instead?

Some dentists who do not have serious training will point patients to a procedure they are comfortable with. Every dentist studies dental crowns. Unfortunately, even though it is a massive overtreatment, you will always have to have crowns on those teeth. There is not enough structure left for your dentist to place porcelain veneers.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

No Job and a Bad Toothache

Posted on April 13, 2020 by writeradmin.

I have had a toothache for a few days now. The big problem I’ve faced is my job has been furloughed during the COVID-19 quarantine. I’m completely broke. Then, this morning, my cheek is swollen. Should I call my doctor and see if he’ll write me a prescription for antibiotics? I have Medicaid but no dental insurance.

Kayra

Dear Kayra,

I’m sorry your job was furloughed. This has been a difficult time for many countries, including our own. Having a toothache on top of that is probably making things even more stressful. The first thing I’m going to do is make sure you know that antibiotics will not be the solution. These are only meant as a temporary stop gap while you get to the dentist. It will not remove the infection.

I do understand you are in a tough spot. I’m going to give you ways to afford your care. However, before I do that, I want you to understand this is considered a dental emergency. You need to see a dentist. This infection will spread. Based on the swelling you described, it has already started. If the infection gets to your heart, lungs, or brain— all of which are close to your jaw —it will become life-threatening quickly. You don’t want to put this off.

One thing I’ve seen during this entire COVID-19 crisis, is the country pulling together. You will find a dentist who is sympathetic to the financial difficulty you find yourself in at the moment. They will likely be willing to provide the urgent dental care you need and then allow you to pay out the fee.

I’d start by looking for dentists who advertise as being affordable dentists on their websites. This usually means they are willing to take payments. If they were willing to do that before the quarantine, they will certainly be willing to now.

If for some reason you can’t find a dentist willing, another option is to apply for Care Credit. It is a medical loan service that has low and no interest payment plans, depending on your credit. I don’t think you will have an issue, though.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.