I have a job interview in two days, and one of my veneers just popped off. It doesn’t hurt, but it looks horrible, and I’m terrified it will cost me the job. I think this qualifies as a dental emergency, but my dentist’s office doesn’t seem to agree. They said they can’t get me in for at least four days! Shouldn’t there be some kind of urgency here? I guess if they’re booked, they’re booked, but what am I supposed to do until then? Should I find an emergency dentist to do the work, or can I just superglue my veneer back on to get me through the interview and while I wait for my appointment? — Tina
Dear Tina,
Super Glue is never the answer to any kind of dental issue. A lot of people use it thinking it will hold, but the problem is that it holds too well. If the veneer is put on incorrectly and your bite is wrong, you are likely to damage it or traumatize the tooth, which could certainly cause you to wind up in an emergency dentist’s office. You’re also likely to get a poor seal on it, which will allow bacteria to get in underneath the veneer, which will lead to decay. Moreover, the Super Glue will form an incredibly tough bond, which will make it very difficult for an emergency dentist to remove later. The process could traumatize the tooth, and it’s also highly-likely to break the veneer. It’s also worth adding that putting it back on doesn’t address the real reason why it came off in the first place, and your doctor should perform an exam to see if there is already decay there or if there’s an underlying issue.
Technically, a missing veneer isn’t something you’d need to see an emergency dentist for, but that’s always an option. The biggest concern is that the tooth is more susceptible to decay, so it needs a protective cover on it soon. Your concern over cosmetics is also understandable, so if you need it corrected quickly, you can opt to see an emergency dentist. However, there are temporary dental cements available in most drug stores and grocery stores, which can give you a short-term fix. It will likely say it’s for crowns, not veneers, but it works just the same. Be aware, however, that it is temporary cement. This is good, because your doctor will be able to remove the veneer easily later, without causing damage to the tooth or veneer. On the other hand, you may have to re-apply it repeatedly to get you through until your appointment. You’ll want to be sure it’s solidly-affixed before your job interview, and avoid eating, drinking, or putting anything in your mouth before or during the interview. That’s not a general rule with temporary cement- you can normally eat and drink, but to avoid the risk of having it give out at an inopportune time, be extra careful during the meeting.
This blog post is brought to you by Des Moines cosmetic dentist, Dr. Phelan Thomas. For more information on the services he provides, please visit his Des Moines cosmetic dentist website.