All posts by AllSmiles

Affordable Dentistry, Dental Insurance

Lost my dental insurance

I lost dental coverage for myself and my wife. It expired on 6/30. The company offered us COBRA coverage but it 4 times more than the premium for the dental insurance we had. That is ridiculous. I don’t like the way the financial rep at our dentist sounded when she found out that we lost our coverage. How do I find a dentist who will accept us? Ted

Ted – We suggest that you get recommendations from friends or family members who like their dentist. After you get the recommendations, look at the dentists’ websites, or call the office, to find out what forms of payment are accepted. You will find that many offices accept credit or payment plans, or offer financing.

If you can’t get a recommendation from anyone, search online for an affordable dentist or a dentist who accepts patients that don’t have dental insurance. After you find four or five dentists who might be able to meet your needs, look online for patient reviews. You can schedule consultations with two or three of the dentists to help you make a final decision. If you need special care for your teeth, such as orthodontic or cosmetic treatment, be certain that the dentist you choose offers those services and is experienced with them.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Emergency Dentist, Sedation Dentistry

Will the emergency room pull my tooth?

My dentist is not gentle. Well he is really not still my dentist because I haven’t been there for 2 years. I have a bad, bad toothache and am wondering if I go to the emergency room if they will knock me out and pull my tooth. My thoughts are this is a better and faster way than trying to find a new dentist. Thanks Baron.

Baron – Emergency rooms are equipped to handle all sorts of medical emergencies. But they are not prepared to handle dental emergencies.

Emergency room staff are not trained to examine and assess the issues with your tooth. Dental x-ray equipment is not available, nor is a sterile environment for oral care. At best, you may be given pain reliever.

Your tooth may not need to be extracted. And if it can be preserved, it’s best to do so for your overall oral health. Missing teeth cause jawbone shrinkage and cause other teeth to shift. When your bite is misaligned, you incur additional problems.

If you choose not to return to your most recent dentist, you can search for a gentle dentist who accepts emergency appointments. The pain you’ve described indicates that your tooth is infected, so don’t delay getting the treatment. If you have dental anxiety, it can be addressed with mild anti-anxiety medication to help you relax during your appointment. Take a little time to find the right dentist for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Comfort Dentistry

Has my bulimia totally messed up my teeth?

When I talk to my friends I can see their eyes drift toward my teeth trying to figure out what is going on with them. I am bulimic but I haven’t told anyone other than my husband and sister. This has been going on for 7 years or so. I am in therapy and have been event free for 5 months. I was hoping that time would improve the look of my teeth but they still look horrible and are very weak. Have I messed up my teeth for life? I know I am going to have to face a dentist one day I just want to know if there is anything that can be done. Thanks Krissie

Krissie – There are many patients with eating disorders who are in recovery and have their teeth successfully restored by cosmetic dentists.

Although your teeth need to be examined by a dentist, it is safe to say that your chances of getting a beautiful smile are very good. There are several options for restoring teeth, but the treatment that is best for you depends on your case and the condition of your teeth.

Porcelain crowns cover and protect damaged teeth, porcelain veneers, conceal the front only of your natural teeth, and dental implants restore missing teeth or teeth that are too severely damaged to be saved.

Your comfort during the process is important. Without disclosing details about your eating disorder, you can request consultations with a few cosmetic dentists to find one with whom you are comfortable for the journey of restoring your smile. Keep in mind that upon examining your teeth, a skilled dentist is able to discern that an eating disorder is the cause of the damage to your teeth. So don’t be surprised by that. Continue your conversation and ask questions about treatment options to find a dentist that is right for you.

Best wishes on a progressive recovery.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Emergency Dentist, General Dentistry

If I pull my own tooth what are some warning signs that something is going wrong?

So tomorrow night I am pulling my own tooth. I don’t want anybody to touch it but me. I have sterile tools that have never been used, peroxide and gauze. I have looked it up online on how to do this myself and I watched the videos several times. What I don’t see is how to know what is normal pain or bleeding vs. how to tell is something is really going wrong and I need to get some help. What should I pay attention to after I pull the tooth to be sure everything is going as it should? Thanks Kenny

Kenny – We will not provide any advice for extracting your own tooth. Although the tooth may be causing you a lot of pain, during the extraction, you can damage tooth nerves or nearby teeth and create even more problems.

Most people don’t realize that if a toothache is horrible, the tooth itself is infected. Even though you may extract the tooth, the infection may have spread into the gums or other teeth. You may need additional treatment.

It is unlikely that a dentist would need to extract an infected tooth. A gentle dentist will numb the area around your tooth, painlessly inject pain reliever, examine your tooth, and do a root canal treatment—which will also be pain free.

Please see a dentist right away. Avoid unnecessary pain and stress on your teeth and gums.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Can I sedate myself with Xanax before my dentist’s appointment?

I am funny about putting prescription medication in my body. I already have several meds that I have to take and I don’t want to add another one just for dental appointments. I need some extensive work done and I don’t want the anti-anxiety med from the dentist. The work will probably take several appointments. I moved here from MD and my previous dentist recommended sedation to get all the work done. Xanax works great for me and makes me relax, so I just want to take a pill before my appointment. Same diff right? Do you think I can find a dentist who will let me take my own sedation meds? – Jovana

Jovana – We recommend that you first find a few sedation dentists with whom you can have consultation. If you are not able to receive recommendations from friends or family, do some research on the Internet to find several sedation dentists. Find out how long each dentist has been practicing sedation and what forms are offered.

Explain your concerns and anxiety. Also let the dentist know that you want to take Xanax before your appointment, and why you prefer to use your own medication. You will be able find a dentist with whom you are comfortable and can work out agreeable arrangements for your sedation and your dental treatment.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Looking for free teeth whitening with low or free shipping

Can you tell me where I can get free teeth whitening with low or free shipping costs? I have found several places to get it but the shipping is $15 and up. I figure that I am paying for the whitening with the shipping costs. Do you know of any good kits with low shipping that really work?

Kasey – Based on the feedback we have received, free teeth whitening kits don’t yield good results—unless you receive them from a dentist. After paying high shipping costs, many people are disappointed because the “bleaching gel” they received just doesn’t work. Some even discover that they didn’t receive bleaching gel at all.

There are dentists who offer free whitening to patients who maintain their regularly scheduled cleaning appointments. Some offer free bleaching gel for life after your initial whitening treatment. Still others offer discounted whitening.

If you want to safely and effectively whiten your teeth, check with a few dentists and ask about special offers for whitening. You can also inquire about how brightening your smile can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

How to stop gums from bleeding when I can’t afford a dentist

My gums bleed every time I brush my teeth. I haven’t been to a dentist since I lost my dental insurance in 2012. If there something natural I can use to stop my gums from bleeding. Thanks KE

KE – Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to stop your gums from bleeding. Your gums are inflamed from infection that will only get worse if a dentist doesn’t intervene.

Gingivitis, or inflammation of your gums, leads to periodontal (gum) disease. Progressive gum disease causes tooth roots to weaken, and teeth become loose.

Although you don’t have dental insurance, schedule an appointment with a dentist. Explain your financial situation and ask about payment plans or other arrangements that will make treatment affordable for you.

Treatment involves several deep cleanings to remove the bacteria between your teeth and gums. Your gums and teeth can be restored back to health. From that point, regularly flossing and brushing your teeth will prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth that lead to gum disease. Schedule an appointment right away.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Why can’t I get nitrous oxide for dental cleanings?

No one in my dentist’s office has actually laughed at me, but they really make me feel like I am exaggerating when I say that I need nitrous oxide for my dental cleanings. I have tried to get the cleanings without it and it is way too traumatic. Is it unreasonable for me to ask for nitrous for my cleanings? – Luca

Luca – If you are very nervous about dental cleanings, it is more important for you to have nitrous oxide during your cleanings than to avoid the dentist.

One option is to schedule an appointment with your dentist just to explain the level of your fear. If he or she listens and cooperates, fine. Otherwise, you can schedule consultations with other dentists. You can get recommendations from acquaintances or family members.

Dental phobia is real. Millions of Americans have it. You will be able to find a dentist who is both gentle and willing to give you nitrous oxide before your cleanings. The goal is to help you maintain good oral health.

Consider whether or not the emotional stress is worth remaining with a dentist who doesn’t respect your wishes.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening turned my teeth greenish gray

I got free teeth whitening as a complimentary gift for an unrelated purchase on an internet site. I should have known better but I always wanted my teeth whitened. I am not sure what was in the stuff but my teeth are a greenish gray. They are not dark greenish gray, but the change in color is noticeable. I am terrified about what will happen to my teeth, but also embarrassed to tell my dentist what I did because we spoke about teeth whitening several times in the past. Can this be reversed? W.L.

W.L. – Your teeth need to be examined by a dentist to determine if the color can be removed from them. It is possible that professional-strength bleaching gel from a dentist can restore your teeth. But be certain to only receive the whitening from a dentist.

When you receive online free teeth whitening products, you can’t be certain of the contents of the “whitening gel.” Not only can it discolor your teeth, depending on the contents, it may damage your tooth enamel. We can’t say what you received, though. If you still have the gel, you can take it or send it to a lab to be tested.

Only free whitening gel from a dentist should be trusted. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment for your teeth—whether it’s whitening them or some other cosmetic treatment.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

Looking for free or very low cost dental treatment

This is not for me. I have dental insurance. I recently met a woman at a place where I volunteer who is in desperate need of dental care. She only has part-time work and she has no dental insurance. I am wondering where to look to help her find free dental treatment in Plano. Justyce

Justyce – Your sincere concern for someone else’s oral health is commendable. There are dental clinics in the area who offer discounted, and in some cases, free services.  A dental school is another option.

And you may be surprised at how many local dentists may be willing to help. Make a few calls, explain the situation, and you may find a good response. Verification from the organization for which you volunteer may be required. If you cannot find any free care, you will be able to find a dentist who can make treatment affordable for your acquaintance.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.