All posts by AllSmiles

Affordable Dentistry

Does my composite filling hurt because my dentist did a cheap job?

I have a young enthusiastic dentist whose treatment is really affordable. I’ve been a patient for almost 3 years and have been pleased with her gentle care and treatment. In mid-September, I had 3 small fillings filled with flowable resin-based composites. These fillings have been a problem ever since I received them. Whenever I chew hard crunchy food, like dark chocolate covered toffee, which I love, I get sharp pains. It doesn’t last long, but toffee takes some time to chew, so the pain repeats itself. It happens with other hard crunchy food, too.

Of course, I have mentioned the issue to my dentist. In late October, at no cost to me, she replaced the fillings with the same composites, but I still have pain that is pretty much at the same level as the first fillings. This pain does not occur when I clench my teeth together – only with hard crunchy food.

I’ve read a few dental articles online about this issue with small fillings and learned that before placing the flowable composite, self-etching primers or a glass ionomer base might help. Does my dentist not know this because she is young, or might she be skipping the step to make this dental procedure affordable? Does using this base sound reasonable, and is it a no-no for me to ask my dentist about her technique? Thanks. Sunni

Sunni – The sensitivity that commonly occurs with flowable resin-based composites in small fillings, as opposed to larger ones, seems to be related to bonding the filling to the dentin of the tooth.

We won’t suggest that your dentist isn’t using the base just to make dental care affordable. It is possible that she is unaware of the benefits of using self-etching primers or a glass ionomer base. Or, she might typically have success without using a base under flowable fillings.

What’s Next?

Below are two options to consider.

Vertical before-and-after composite filling photos. The top photo shows three lower molar teeth with silver fillings, and in the bottom photo, they are replaced with composite.
Properly bonded composite fillings look and feel great
  • Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the fillings replaced again. Before she starts the work, insist on a glass ionomer base to protect the dentin. The composite will be bonded to the base, not the dentin, and you should have relief when you chew hard crunchy foods. If your dentist refuses to apply the base, you can refuse further treatment.
  • Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to replace the fillings. He or she will know how to prepare your tooth to ensure flowable composite doesn’t cause any discomfort when you chew. And keep in mind that regardless of which type of composite a skilled cosmetic dentist uses, the results will function well and look natural. No critical steps will be skipped to keep costs down.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy doesn’t take shortcuts to make dental care affordable. She provides high-quality care and offers payment options to help you get the care you need.

Sedation Dentistry

Four Factors to Consider Before Taking Your Child to a Sedation Dentist

I’m really struggling with how much I am to blame for not taking my son, Chase, to a sedation dentist. He’s six years old and is a bit fidgety. 3 weeks ago, after an exam, the dentist said Chase had a cavity that needed to be filled.

The dentist offered to do the filling immediately, and I saw no reason to object. Chase seemed a little apprehensive but not overwhelmingly. The dentist asked me to leave the room saying sometimes it helps kids relax when their parents aren’t there. About 15 minutes later, I heard Chase screaming and the dentist began yelling at him. I ran into the room and saw Chase on the floor crying with the dentist standing over him and telling him to get off the floor.

I immediately jumped between the dentist and Chase, took Chase by the arm, and prepared to leave. I didn’t know what had happened, but what I saw and heard didn’t look right. The dentist left without saying anything. Chase was hysterical, so I sat down with him for a moment in the treatment room. One of the assistants came in and explained that Chase had bitten down while the dentist was drilling, his tooth cracked, and now he needs a crown. She gave me a referral to a pediatric dentist and then left. The lady at the checkout desk was pleasant but said nothing about the incident.

I still haven’t taken Chase to a dentist to see if he really needs a crown. He has not complained about the tooth, but he has said that he doesn’t want to return to our dentist. Neither do I.

Although my son hasn’t directly said that he is afraid of going to another dental appointment, I’m now wondering if he should start seeing a sedation dentist Is it possible that I missed signs that Chase has some dental anxiety?  Kyla

Kyla,

Outdoors close-up photo of a mother and children smiling and lying on grass. The dark-haired mother is in the middle, her daughter is pictured left, and her son is on the right; for information on sedation dentistry for children.
Family and pediatric dentists make visits fun for children

Please don’t blame yourself for what happened. If Chase handled dental appointments well in the past, you had no way of knowing how he would react during the most recent appointment.

Normally, kids who have trouble during a dental appointment get quite fidgety long before there is an issue. Ultimately, it was the dentist’s responsibility to assess the situation, and it sounds like he failed and was very unprofessional in handling Chase’s anxiety.

Should  You Take Your Child to a Sedation Dentist?

Below are four considerations:

  1. Results of delaying treatment – Your son should have his tooth examined. Don’t wait until he is in pain, because it could lead to anxiety about going to any dental office. Even routine dental exams should not be delayed due to a child’s anxiety or fear. Delays in treatment can contribute to a buildup of plaque and decay, and treating those issues makes dental appointments even longer.
  2. One step at a time – You may need to gradually help your child get comfortable again, perhaps by taking him for an office tour or consultation the first visit and then an exam on the second visit.
  3. Does the dentist regularly treat children? – Your child might be a good candidate for dental sedation, but if you decide to try it, visit an office, such as a family dentist, that regularly treats children, or visit one that specializes in dental care for children.
  4. There are levels of sedation – The mildest form of sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), might be sufficient to help your child relax. The gas is breathed in during the procedure, and it is quickly reversed with pure oxygen. An experienced sedation dentist can determine which option is best for your child.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano sedation dentist.

Teeth whitening

Four Facts about Free Teeth Whitening and Dental Implants

Before and after photos for information on free teeth whitening, from Plano TX dentist Miranday Lacy DDS.
Only your natural teeth will respond to whitening

A whiter brighter smile is one of the top ways people want to improve their teeth. Many people look for do-it-yourself whitening kits or even free teeth whitening.

But there are questions about how the bleaching gel will affect existing dental work. What results can you expect with free teeth whitening if you have dental implants?

What Can You Expect?

  1. Dental implant crowns are usually made from porcelain or another material that is colorfast and doesn’t respond to attempts to whiten them. Crowns are stain resistant, but they can’t be penetrated by bleaching gel.
  2. Sometimes, a dental lab can change the color of crowns, but the original color is baked in, so even if it can be changed, it the color would be darker, not lighter.
  3. Depending on the position of your natural teeth in relation to the implant crowns, whitening your teeth may not be a problem. If your implants are toward the back of your mouth, people probably won’t notice that your natural teeth are much whiter.
  4. It is possible to get your teeth as white as you want them and later replace the implant crowns to match them. But if the crowns are being replaced for cosmetic reasons only, your insurance company probably won’t offer any benefits toward the replacement, unless your implant crowns are old.

Before You Start the Whitening Process

Bottom line: You can whiten your teeth if you have dental implants, but only your natural teeth will whiten. You should consider the position of your natural teeth in relation to the implant crowns. The dental implant crowns will not whiten, and replacing them for a color match can be costly.

If you have received a free teeth whitening kit, check the contents of the bleaching gel. The most common whitening agent is carbamide peroxide. If your bleaching gel contains a different whitening agent, research it for safety. Also check online to see what other users say about the gel in your bleaching kit.

Your dentist can provide safe, predictable results. Speak with him or her about how teeth whitening can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. She offers free teeth whitening to her patients who maintain regular cleaning and exam appointments.

 

Sedation Dentistry

Will the type of sedation dentistry use differ with each specialist for dental implants?

I need sedation dentistry for dental implants. I’m wondering whether I should go to a prosthodontist, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist to place my dental implant. Do these specialists handle sedation dentistry differently? I’m not sure what the difference is between all of these specialists anyway. I normally see a general dentist and he’s a great guy, but I guess he won’t do the actual surgery when placing an implant. He says he always refers patients out to a specialist and that he only does the crown on top. He gave me three different referral sheets and told me I could go to anyone. I didn’t really look at them while I was in the office, but now that I’m home, I see that one specialist is a prosthodontist, another is an oral surgeon, and the last one is a periodontist. How do I know which one to choose, and will each of them be willing to give me sedation dentistry?

My dentist promised to provide sedation when I get the implant crown, but what about the surgery?

Thanks. Malcolm

Malcolm,

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Sedation dentistry helps you relax

Great question! Basically, any dentist can do dental implant surgery. And dentists who provide oral surgery offer some level sedation.  From a general dentist who just graduated from dental school to a specialist—all of them can place dental implants. But if you’re going to have extensive work done, you want an expert. Statistically speaking, the doctor’s level of training and experience is the most influential factor in the outcome of dental implants.

Even some general dentists have taken extensive post-graduate training in implantology and are highly qualified to place implants. But your dentist is referring you to a specialist. So how do you choose your specialist, and will he or she be willing to provide sedation dentistry?

Which Levels of Sedation Dentistry Will Be Offered?

Most general dentists often offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Specialists offer higher levels of sedation, including oral conscious sedation (anti-anxiety medication in pill form) and I.V. sedation. You can call each specialist’s office and ask what levels of sedation will be offered to you.

Dental Implant Specialists Who Offer Sedation

Oral Surgeon

After finishing dental school, doctors can begin practicing right away, or they can continue school for several more years to become a specialist in one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). They define the area as:

“Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.”

Periodontist

The ADA defines this area as:

“Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.”

Prosthodontist

From the ADA:

“Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.”

Which Specialist Should You Choose?

Regardless of which specialist you choose for dental implant surgery, each of them will offer adequate sedation dentistry to relax you and minimize your sensitivity to pain.

Oral surgeon – Oral surgeons are trained to surgically treat diseases, injuries, and defects. In other words, it’s their job to treat damage, trauma, and malfunction. This could include:

  • Cleft palate
  • Jaw trauma
  • Wisdom teeth extraction
  • Dental implant placement

Periodontist – The periodontist description, mentions “teeth or their substitutes” and talks about maintaining health and function. Periodontists typically

  • Periodontal disease
  • Bone loss, including bone grafting
  • Structural problem

Prosthodontist – The description for prosthodontics says, “clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth.” Prosthodontics is an entire specialty for missing tooth replacements, ranging from dentures to dental implants.

Request Consultations

We suggest that you review each dentist’s website to learn about his or her qualifications. Look for the following:

  • Education
  • Years of experience
  • Credentials, including state board certification, fellowship, or mastership in dental implant organizations
  • Published works on implantology
  • Patient testimonials or reviews (some might be published on external sites)

Choose at least two specialists and schedule consultations with each. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions about dental implant placement, as well as your options for sedation dentistry.

This blog is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy is a cosmetic dentist who offers sedation dentistry and restores dental implants with lifelike crowns.

Teeth whitening

Can I use my sister’s free teeth whitening trays to straighten my teeth?

I understand that Invisalign trays are pretty much like my sister’s free teeth whitening trays. Her dentist gives her new whitening trays every few years and she keeps them in her bathroom drawer. My sister’s teeth are perfectly straight, but mine are scattered. Can I use her free teeth whitening trays to move my teeth to a straight position? Our teeth are basically the same shape, but mine are not evenly spaced. If I use her whitening trays, will they work like Invisalign or other clear braces? Thanks. Giovanna

Giovanna,

Not at all!

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on teeth alignment from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Teeth whitening trays are not designed to straighten teeth

Many dentists offer free teeth whitening to their patients, but both the trays and the gel are for the patient’s use. Your sister’s free teeth whitening trays are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment. There are several reasons why.

Will Free Teeth Whitening Trays Straighten Your Teeth?

  • Design – Teeth whitening trays are designed to keep bleaching gel in contact with your teeth and away from your gums. That’s it. They have no other purpose. They are not designed to move your teeth. But if you wear someone else’s trays, your teeth could be damaged.
  • Material – Even if they are custom made, the material of whitening trays is not rigid enough to correctly move anyone’s teeth.
  • Customization – Teeth whitening trays only come in a single set. Invisalign trays are a series of custom aligners that gently move your teeth to the correct position over time. The aligners and treatment plan are customized for each patient. The attempt to move your teeth to the correct position with a single set of trays can damage your tooth roots.

Orthodontic trays are developed based on the structure of your teeth and mouth, so it is unsafe to wear someone else’s aligners, even if they are specifically made for orthodontic treatment.

Want Your Teeth Safely Aligned?

The only solution to correctly align teeth is to receive orthodontic treatment from your dentist or orthodontist. A treatment plan and braces will be customized based on the condition and position of your teeth—not someone else’s.

If you want your teeth aligned, speak with your dentist or an orthodontist about your smile goals. He or she will explain affordable options and how financing or payment plans can help you meet your goals.

Don’t take orthodontic treatment into your own hands by using free teeth whitening trays or any other means that is unsupervised by a dentist. It will cause serious damage to your smile and make the current condition of your teeth worse.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Affordable Dentist Gave Me a Bad Crown

I feel embarrassed about this, but I answered an online ad from an affordable dentist who offered crowns at a reduced rate. He said he had just ordered a new machine that let him make crowns in his office and he wanted to practice on a few people for a much lower fee than usual. I was delaying a visit for a crown because of the expense, so I took the offer. I was in his dental office for five hours. He kept having issues with the machine and the crown wouldn’t fit right. Eventually, he came back. Shaved my tooth down more, went back to the machine a few times and finally got the crown to fit.

This all just happened last week and my tooth is sore. Actually, my whole mouth is sore, but that particular tooth is especially worrisome. Could he have done permanent damage? And, if he did, am I mostly on my own because he was learning how to use the crown machine and disclosed that in advance? – Maggie

Maggie,

It sounds like you had quite an ordeal. It is best to schedule an appointment with the dentist and let him know what you’re experiencing. Teeth can get irritated when they are repeatedly worked on. The repeated try-on of the crown no doubt caused some irritation.

Possible Resolutions for Low-Quality Affordable Dental Care

  • If it’s basic irritation, it will clear up in a few days.
  • You can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to help you through.
  • There is a possibility it won’t get better on its own. It’s possible that before you received the crown, decay had already affected it and the tooth needs a root canal now. Or, you might need a root canal because the tooth was traumatized during treatment.

What’s Next?

Ultimately, the dentist is responsible for the treatment he provided, even if he promoted himself as an affordable dentist or told you he was learning how to use the crown milling machine. If the dentist is ethical, he will want to know you’re experiencing issues, and he will want to correct them. If the dentist isn’t agreeable, or if he fails to remedy the issue, you’ll need to see another dentist for a second opinion on the dental crown.

The before-and-after photos below show how an experienced cosmetic dentist can beautifully enhance your smile with porcelain crowns. The patient’s left lateral incisor (right side facing your computer screen) was too small. A porcelain crown was used to cover the tooth and match the surrounding teeth.

Before-and-after photos of porcelain crowns, which are available from Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Finding a Trustworthy Affordable Dentist

In the future, seek an affordable dentist out who focuses on providing quality services and finds ways to help make them fit your budget. Some ways to make dental care affordable include:

  • Scheduling treatment in phases to spread out costs or maximize insurance benefits
  • Financing treatment
  • Offering various treatment options at varying costs

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano affordable dentist.

Affordable Dentistry

Affordable Dentist for Porcelain Veneers vs. Press-On Veneers

Closeup, head-and-shoulders photo of a brunette woman smiling with her head slightly tilted back; for information on Plano affordable dentistry and cosmetic dentistry options.
An affordable and experienced cosmetic dentist has different techniques to enhance your smile

Looking for an affordable dentist for cosmetic work? In the hands of an artistic cosmetic dentist, a smile makeover with porcelain veneers can be stunning. But if you’re on a budget, are press-on veneers a good alternative?

Five considerations for porcelain veneers from an affordable dentist vs. press on veneers

  1. Porcelain veneers process – When you receive porcelain veneers, your dentist prepares your teeth for the veneers, takes impressions of your teeth, and the veneers are made by a dental lab. The veneers are made of porcelain.
  2. Press-on veneers process – You will need impressions of your teeth to receive press-on veneers, but they fit over your teeth without preparation from a dentist, similar to a Snap-On Smile. The veneers are made of plastic resin.
  3. A comparison of the aesthetics – Porcelain has properties that can make your veneers look and feel like natural teeth. Plastic resin, which press-on veneers are made of, often looks bulky and fake. Also, the shape of your teeth won’t look natural.
  4. The cost – Press-on veneers are relatively inexpensive and can cost a few hundred dollars. Depending on where you live in the U.S., porcelain veneers can cost $1000 or more per veneer, but the results will be stunning and lasting.
  5. Long-term results – Depending on how well you take care of them, porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer. If worn every day, press-on veneers will wear out quickly. A warranty for press-on veneers is usually for three to twelve months.

What Are the Options to Achieve a Beautiful Smile?

Teeth whitening

Most people want a bright smile. That can often be achieved with teeth whitening. If your teeth are in good shape, whitening them can rejuvenate your smile.

Dental bonding

If your teeth have chips or cracks or are uneven, dental bonding can repair and shape them. A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools and materials in his or her office to provide bonding that matches the color and characteristics of your natural teeth. Your teeth can be whitened before you receive dental bonding, and bonding will be applied to match your bright smile.

Porcelain veneers

If you want a long-lasting smile makeover, porcelain veneers produce beautiful results. An expert cosmetic dentist can determine if you need veneers on a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all the teeth that show when you smile. At times, a combination of dental treatments can prevent you from needing as many porcelain veneers as you think.

Schedule a Consultation

Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss your treatment options and how the treatment you need can be made affordable for you. Affordable dentistry isn’t cheap dentistry. Your dentist will work with you and provide payment options.

In Plano, TX, Dr. Miranda Lacy is an affordable dentist who produces high-quality cosmetic work. Schedule a consultation with her to discuss your options.

 

Sedation Dentistry

Is a Craigslist ride to and from my sedation dentistry appointment acceptable transportation?

Head and shoulders photo of a man and woman lying in a field of flowers, for information on sedation dentistry from Plano TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Sedation dentistry helps you relax, but you need a trustworthy caregiver

I’m supposed to visit a sedation dentist to have a tooth pulled. Apparently, the roots are somewhat curved and the doctor wants me to be sedated for the procedure. I don’t have any friends or family nearby. I usually use a discounted cab service that is available to me because I am disabled. I asked the dentist’s office if that was good enough and they told me no because the person driving me has to go into the office with me.

I thought about using Uber or Lyft and asking the driver to do it, but you never know who you will get, and I’m not sure they’ll do something outside the normal service for me. The only thing I can think of is Craigslist. That way, I can hire someone and they can stay there then drive me home after the appointment. I’m afraid to tell my dentist’s office this because if they say no, I’m out of options and I may have to do it anyway. What are my choices? Thanks. Deidre

Deidre – Think about it this way… when you visit the sedation dentist, you’ll be given medications that will relax you. They won’t make you unconscious but will relax you so much that you’re not really concerned about an extraction. The medication doesn’t wear off right away. It can take a few hours before you feel like yourself and you’ll probably be drowsy for the rest of the day. Most people go home and sleep until the medication wears off.

Why Be Selective about Your Driver for a Sedation Dentistry Visit?

  • Craigslist can be a great service, but it can also be a dangerous one. You don’t really know who is responding to your inquiry until you meet them, and sometimes not even then. Unfortunately, while sedated, you probably still won’t care much what’s happening around you.
  • Would you entrust yourself to a stranger? Would you let a stranger take you inside your home? Probably not, and you shouldn’t.
  • One of the reasons you must have a trusted adult be your companion during and after these visits is that you’ll need someone to watch and care for you. Generally, offices worry about you stumbling at home, but if you’re with someone you don’t know, not only do you not know if they’re equipped to help you in a situation, you don’t if they are safe or if they will assist you.

Suggestions for Finding a Trustworthy Driver

  • Talk to your dentist’s office and see what they recommend. If they don’t have any ideas, check in with your church (if you have one) or any other community groups you belong to.
  • There are also community programs that sometimes offer transit and support as a service—sometimes even free.
  • Depending on your insurance, you may qualify to have a caregiver assist you for the day.

If those options are not available, you may want to consider hospital care or going without the sedative if the doctor approves. Obviously, having the tooth removed is a medical necessity. However, your doctor may be able to do other things to keep you comfortable or petition your insurance company for extra coverage based on medical necessity.

You have a  few options to consider, but Craigslist is a bad idea.

This blog is sponsored by Plano Sedation Dentist, Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

Looking for an affordable dentist to remove my porcelain veneers

How can I find an affordable dentist to do some cosmetic work for me? I had gaps between my front teeth so about 7 years ago, I got porcelain veneers to cover the gaps. I wasn’t sold on them when I first got them, but now they are really bothering me. I want them off and I want to get bonding instead. Kaila

Kaila

It’s unfortunate that you haven’t liked your porcelain veneers from the start. If veneers aren’t placed by an expert cosmetic dentist, some patients dislike the look so much that want them removed.

Can an Affordable Dentist Remove Porcelain Veneers?

Whether or not porcelain veneers can be removed can only be determined when your dentist begins to remove them. If your teeth were not prepared, or shaved, before the veneers were bonded to them, then the veneers can be removed. Your teeth will need to be polished to restore their appearance. If the teeth were shaved, your veneers can only be replaced with new ones. In either case, you want the expertise of a skilled cosmetic dentist. You can speak with the dentist about how the change can be made affordable for you.

What about Direct Bonding?

Small- to medium-sized gaps can be filled with direct bonding. Again, find an experienced cosmetic dentist to either have new veneers replaced or to receive the bonding. Most dentists lack the artistic inclination to give you beautiful cosmetic results.

You’re local to our office, which is in Plano, so you should know that Dr. Lacy is a cosmetic dentist and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her experience in porcelain veneers and dental bonding will give you a beautiful smile. She makes dentistry affordable by providing financing and payment plans.

This blog post is sponsored by Plano female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Should I have to pay for sedation dentistry again?

In May I got a new partial denture and I think I’m going to have to go back under sedation to have it fixed. A metal clasp on the left side of my mouth is putting a lot of pressure on the next tooth. I thought that maybe it would loosen with time but it’s quite uncomfortable. Can this clasp be adjusted? If it can be, should I have to pay out of pocket for sedation dentistry? I’ve used all of my insurance allowance for sedation. I just can’t get through a dental appointment without it. If this is an issue my dentist is responsible for, shouldn’t she cover fixing the partial and waive the fee for sedation? – Patrick T.

Patrick,

Although partial dentures are made at a dental lab, most general dentists are able to loosen a clasp on the denture. Partial dentures are usually uncomfortable when you first receive them. The tight clasp might not necessarily be your dentist’s fault. Ask her to explain the reason for the discomfort.

Call your dentist to let her know your concern. If you’ve had the partial denture for longer than a month, she will want to promptly check it. A clasp that is too tight on a tooth for a long period can potentially damage the tooth.

Ask Your Dentist about Sedation

You should speak with your dentist about your need for sedation and ask if she is willing to waive the fee. You can also contact your insurance company, explain the circumstances, and ask for special consideration for any insurance claim that will be submitted for sedation fees.

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental implants are an option for permanently replacing teeth without the adjustment period or the discomfort of partial dentures.  But dental implants are a more expensive option, and your dentist must determine if you are a candidate for them. They have several advantages over a partial denture:

  • Surgically implanted in your jawbone
  • Stimulate bone growth and prevent shrinkage
  • Look and feel like your natural teeth
  • Don’t need to be secured to an adjacent tooth
  • More cost-effective in the long-term because they are permanent

If your budget permits, you can consider dental implants as an alternative in the future when you need a new partial denture.

We hope you have a successful outcome with adjusting your partial denture and getting assistance with the cost of sedation dentistry.

This blog is sponsored by Plano sedation dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.