Dr. Gary Markovits, D.D.S.

Yes, dentures can cause "jaw pain". If new dentures are fabricated in either an over closed or over opened position, the internal arrangement of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) can be altered resulting in discomfort or pain in the TMJ (just in front of the ear). Symptoms can also be caused if the occlusion (the way the dentures meet when closed and in function) is not correct. New dentures often require additional appointments with your dentist in order to address and rectify these issues.

If you are sure it is not a herpetic cold sore, it may be *angular cheilitis* which is usually the result of a localized a fungal infection and can be treated with an ointment that combines and antifungal with a topical steroid.

If you currently have healthy gum tissue, porcelain veneers (PLVs) when done well will not be a problem. Where PLVs does have the potential for irritating the gums, it is generally due to a less-than-ideal junction (bulky or rough) between PLV and tooth at the gum line which can lead to chronic longterm irritation and subsequent gum inflammation and recession.

This is a very common question asked by many patients. Teeth that have had root canal treatment (RCT) are often times structurally compromised (weakened) due to lost tooth structure from decay, fractures or by the RCT itself. In these cases, placing a simple filling may not be strong or protective enough to stabilize the remaining tooth and in these cases, a crown is the best solution. If, however, the RCT access to nerve chamber is small and there is adequate tooth structure remaining, then a conservative direct bonded composite resin filling could suffice.