All posts by AllSmiles

Pediatric Dentistry

Does my child really need a root canal?

My daughter is 7 years old and she has had a horrible toothache for about 2 weeks. It hasn’t been horrible from the beginning, it just got progressively worse. I took her to our pediatric dentist, and she recommended a root canal for my daughter. She called it a pulpotamie (spelling?) but it’s basically the same thing. I am wondering if this is necessary if my daughter is going to lose the tooth anyway. Or why can’t the tooth just be extracted? I am just a little suspicious and for more reasons that this one incident. Thanks. Amy

Amy – If your daughter has an increasingly painful toothache, it’s a sign of an infection, which will continue to spread until it is removed.

A pulpotomy will remove the infection. A dental crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it. One of the advantages to keeping the tooth is that it will prevent the adjacent teeth from moving into an empty space if the tooth is extracted. Additionally, primary teeth help guide permanent teeth into the correct position.

You can consider visiting another pediatric dentist or family dentist to examine, and likely x-ray, your daughter’s tooth and provide you with a second opinion.

 

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

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening kit is burning my gums

I got a free teeth whitening kit with some other stuff that I ordered online. I have used it for 3 nights in a row and now my gums are really starting to burn bad. What should I do to keep the gel from burning my gums? – Ramona

Ramona – We recommend that you stop using the free whitening kit immediately. If the burning persists over the next day or two, see a dentist.

Sometimes, free teeth whitening kits don’t whiten teeth at all. They may contain other chemicals that are harmful to your teeth and gums. Although they are not free, you will likely get better and safer results from over-the-counter whitening strips than with a free whitening kit.

The only free teeth whitening kit that you can really trust is one from your dentist. And there are dentists who offer free bleaching gel and trays to patients who remain current with their dental cleaning and exams. Either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are safe ingredients for teeth bleaching gel.  And these should not be used excessively. Custom bleaching trays should be used to prevent the gel from burning your gums and mouth.

If you receive custom trays and whitening gel from a dentist and your gums are still burning, you can use less gel in  the trays, or wear them for a shorter period. If the problem persists, contact your dentist.

It is also recommended that teeth whitening be done under a dentist’s supervision. A dentist will let you know if the bleaching gel will help or harm your teeth, as well as the results you can expect.

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

 

General Dentistry

How soon can I smoke after my tooth is pulled?

How soon can I smoke after my tooth is pulled? Thanks Matt

Matt – Smoking affects the healing process after tooth extraction. It is best to avoid smoking at least 24 hours before surgery and 72 hours after.

When you smoke, carbon monoxide enters your bloodstream and slows the healing process. If you smoke right after a tooth is extracted, the sucking action of inhaling can disrupt the blood clot or cause it to dislodge. A dry socket may develop if the tooth nerve is exposed, and it will be very painful.

Allow time for the surgical site to begin healing before you smoke. It will help you avoid additional pain and expense.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

If bonding from a dentist is more affordable than veneers why would I get veneers?

I have done some research on and off for about a month on how to fix the spaces between my teeth without braces. I understand that I need to see a cosmetic dentist for it to look natural. It seems that this can be done with dental bonding or porcelain veneers. If bonding so much less expensive than veneers why would I choose veneers? Thanks Xiao

Xiao – You are correct. Dental bonding is significantly less expensive than porcelain veneers. But bonding will dull and stain with time, while veneers are stain resistant. As your dental bonding wears, it will periodically need to be polished and sealed, but eventually it will need to be removed and replaced with new bonding. This process will need to be repeated continually.

Veneers are stronger than tooth enamel, so they won’t chip or crack as dental bonding can. Porcelain veneers will produce stunning results. The shape and color of your teeth can be beautifully enhanced with veneers. And they will last for many years—15 years or more if you take excellent care of them.

Whether you choose dental bonding or porcelain veneers, find an experienced cosmetic dentist to get the best results. A cosmetic dentist will match dental bonding to seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, or provide you with life-like porcelain veneers. If you want porcelain veneers, ask about financing options or payment plans that can help you receive an affordable smile makeover.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Will I have pain if I get porcelain veneers or will the dentist sedate me?

I am undecided on whether to get crowns or porcelain veneers for my front teeth. Either way, I don’t want to feel any pain at all. I tend to get anxiety attacks at the dentist so I need to know in advance what kind of pain I should anticipate. If I get porcelain veneers, will I feel a lot of pain when my teeth are shaved down or will the dentist just sedate me? Manahl

Manahl – Porcelain veneers require light preparation of your natural teeth to ensure that the veneers will look natural, not bulky. This light preparation will reduce the outer layer of your teeth by about 0.2 mm. The process is most often pain free. When teeth are incorrectly positioned or crowded, a little more tooth structure may need to be removed, and some sensitivity might be felt.

Although you might feel a little discomfort during the procedure, and not pain, if you are anxious, let your cosmetic dentist know in advance so that sedation can be arranged. He or she will give you a mild anti-anxiety medication to take in advance of your appointment, and it will help you relax.

Even if you don’t feel pain from the procedure, if you are anxious, it can make your appointment stressful and less productive. Anxiety can cause dental procedures to be interrupted with the need to schedule another appointment to complete the work.

Find an artistic cosmetic dentist to provide you with porcelain veneers, and speak with him or her about your options for sedation.

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

General Dentistry, Toothache

How do I stop a toothache without going to a dentist?

My tooth has been hurting for over a week. How do I stop it from aching without going to the dentist? Victor

Victor – Whether or not you can stop the toothache depends on the cause of the toothache. Sometimes food trapped between your tooth and gums can cause a toothache. Try thoroughly flossing around the tooth and between the tooth and your gums. If you find that food debris was trapped there, you may get relief from your toothache.

If you don’t get relief, you will need to see a dentist to have your tooth examined. You may have a cavity in your tooth that needs to be filled, or your tooth might be infected, in which case a root canal treatment will be needed to remove the infection. Don’t worry though. A root canal treatment can be a painless procedure.

You may get temporary relief with over-the-counter topical toothache pain reliever. Look for a brand that has an American Dental Association seal of approval, such as Benzodent®.  Keep in mind that an over-the-counter product is no substitute for a dental appointment. An examination and x-ray will determine the cause of your pain, and your dentist will let you know your treatment options.

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

Teeth whitening

Legitimate free teeth whitening offers

Hi. I am looking for legitimate free teeth whitening offers. I have seen enough of scams that have outrageous shipping fees or places that you go to for whitening and they are really trying to sell you something else. How can I find legitimate free teeth whitening offer? Thanks. Tricia

Tricia – Free teeth whitening that is available from a dentist’s office is one of your options. The whitening may be offered as an incentive to acquire new patients.

Ask what type of free whitening is being offered—whitening strips, in-office treatment, or take-home kits. If  take-home whitening is offered, you can ask if customized trays will be included in the offer. Inquire about the bleaching gel—what type is it, and what is the strength of the gel? Take-home whitening from a dentist will usually get your smile much whiter in about two weeks.

You may also ask if the service is available to current patients, and if so, how much it costs. There may be requirements for you to receive the free teeth whitening, such as a dental exam or cleaning. Be prepared for that also.

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

General Dentistry

Why is my tongue white?

My tongue is white. Maybe it’s been that way for years. I don’t know. I am noticing it more since I bought a tongue scraper. Is this a problem? Why causes a white tongue? Thanks. Beth from Frisco

Beth – When you use a tongue scraper, it removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface. You will see white or cream-colored residue as the tongue scraper removes it.

If your tongue is  white after using the tongue scraper, or it’s best to bring it to the attention of your dentist or medical doctor for examination and to see if there is a need to be concerned, and to receive an accurate diagnosis for your case. There are several conditions that can cause your tongue to be white, even after the tongue scraper is used. Some of them are listed below.

  • Candidiasis (as oral thrust or moniliasis) – This if a fungal infection that causes red or white patches in your mouth, including your tongue. It can be painful and cause bad breath. The Candida alibcans yeast can flourish after antibiotic treatment, when your mouth is excessively and continuously dry (from medication or a medical condition), or if your immune system is compromised. Your dentist will review your medical condition to find the underlying cause and recommend treatment.
  • Inflamed papillae (finger-like projections on your tongue) – When bacteria, debris, and dead cells get lodged between the inflamed papillae, your tongue will be white and coated. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, dry mouth, fever, and dehydration can cause inflammation
  • Medication – Certain medication is associated with white patches or discoloration of your tongue.
  • Medical condition – Certain medical conditions, including some auto-immune disorders can cause discoloration of your tongue.
  • Leukoplakia, or thickened white patches on the gums, inside of cheeks, and tongue, is common with tobacco users. It is not dangerous in itself, but it can be a precursor to cancer.

An examination and review of your medical history, along with tests or blood work, is required to receive an accurate diagnosis.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Can’t afford a dentist so how often should I change my toothbrush to keep my mouth healthy?

What I really mean is that I can’t afford a dentist right now. I have some other health issues that are taking priority and my dental coverage is really, really limited. I need to do what I can to keep my mouth clean while I am not at the dentist. How often should I change my toothbrush? Thanks Dean

Dean – You should change your toothbrush every three to four months. Before and after you use it, you should thoroughly rinse it to remove debris and excess toothpaste.

Your toothbrush should not be stored in a covered container. The moisture can breed mold and bacteria on your toothbrush.

In addition to changing your toothbrush regularly, be certain to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss daily, too. Limit sugary foods and snacks, and if you eat them, rinse your mouth with water to reduce the amount of acid in your mouth. Acid weakens tooth enamel.

See a dentist as soon as you can. Keep in mind that there are many dentists who will work with your budget to make dental cleanings and exams affordable for you.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth whitening or veneers for a celebrity smile?

I want to improve my smile. It doesn’t look horrible but I want it to look like a celebrity smile. I am slowly getting into modeling and local TV commercials. I think that the best smile possible will move things along a little faster so that I can get jobs in more places. The shape of my teeth is not the best and they are not the whitest. Will teeth whitening do what I want or will I have to get veneers? Thanks Kyle

Kyle – A cosmetic dentist needs to examine your teeth to answer your questions about which treatment will give you the best smile.

Teeth whitening from a dentist can give you the brilliantly white smile that you want. If the shape of your teeth is inconsistent, dental contouring, or shaping, may be all that is needed to give them a uniform appearance. Contouring is a painless procedure that can be completed in one or two visits, depending on how much shaping is needed.

If there is too much space between your teeth, porcelain veneers may be the answer, or dental bonding might be sufficient.

An examination by an experienced cosmetic dentist is needed to correctly assess your needs and give you the celebrity smile you want.

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