All posts by AllSmiles

Sedation Dentistry

Can sedation dentistry be fatal?

All 4 of my wisdom teeth are impacted. I am having them pulled under sedation dentistry in January. I am managing the pain for the most part, but my schedule is too hectic to get the surgery done before next year. There is no way I can get the teeth pulled without being sedated, but the thought of it is making me nervous. Maybe I shouldn’t have done so much research on it, but I found some accounts of people who actually died from sedation at the dentist. Are there some hidden dangers that my dentist isn’t telling me about? If so maybe I will just take something that normally makes me sleepy so I can get through this. Thanks. Leticia

Leticia,

When you take any type of sedative—whether it’s from a doctor, dentist, or an anesthesiologist, there are always risks. There are also risks and side effects of any type of medication. But the risks are usually minor, and the odds of having a serious reaction with sedation dentistry are very small. The majority of dentists who use sedation don’t have any issues during their entire time of practicing dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is primarily administered through anti-anxiety medication. It will make you drowsy and relaxed, but not unconscious as with general anesthesia. General anesthesia has greater risks, but it is administered by a highly trained anesthesiologist—not by a dentist.

Before you receive any anti-anxiety medication, your sedation dentist will review your medical history and current medication. Your medication will be carefully checked against the anti-anxiety medication to ensure there are no conflicts. If you have an extensive medical history of complications, a conscientious sedation dentist will work with your primary care doctor to ensure you get the correct medication and dosage.

Dentists who administer sedation are required to receive extensive training, and have the legally regulated drugs and equipment for proper treatment. They are also trained on monitoring your vital signs to ensure your safety. The dentist is also trained to handle emergencies and to get appropriate medical help without trying to resolve the issue on his or her own in the dental office. Again, emergencies are rare.

Many patients benefit by speaking with a sedation dentist in advance. It’s an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and ensure you understand what to expect before, during, and after your appointment. Ask about the dentist’s emergency protocol in the rare event of an emergency. The details you receive can help increase your comfort about your procedure. If you are dissatisfied with the consultation, find another dentist who can thoroughly address your concerns.

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

Affordable Dentistry

How do I find an affordable dentist for a horrible toothache?

I am in serious need of an affordable dentist. My husband’s job was reduced to part time work. We kept dental insurance him only because it was too expensive to add dependents. I have a toothache that is getting worse. This happened to me in the past when I did have dental insurance and I ended up needing a root canal. There is no way we can afford to pay for a root canal out of pocket. I know I need to get help right away but I am not sure how to find an affordable dentist to help. What should I do? Thanks. Darla

 

Darla,

You do need to find an affordable dentist right away. When a toothache gets progressively worse, it’s a dental emergency that needs to be addressed. Your past experience shows that you understand the importance of taking care of your toothache quickly.

You can start by doing an Internet search for four to five emergency dentists in your area. Call the offices to find out if payment plans are offered. Some offices provide financing with no interest for qualified applicants. If you call an office that doesn’t offer either, move on to the next one on your list. You will be able to find a dentist that will work with your budget.

Some patients find success in getting an affordable dental insurance plan that doesn’t have limitations for pre-existing conditions. That’s an option only if you can afford to pay for an insurance plan and get approved for it quickly. A low-premium insurance plan can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Most likely, you can find an affordable dentist, but if for some reason you can’t, visit your medical doctor. He or she will be able to determine if your tooth is infected and if antibiotics are needed. It will at least address the infection. Your medical doctor might be able to influence a dentist to see you right away.

Be assured that you will be able to get the treatment you need from a dentist who will make it affordable for you.

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

 

Teeth whitening

Can I give my free teeth whitening to my husband?

My new dentist gives patients free teeth whitening after their second dental cleaning appointment. I don’t want to bleach my teeth because I have crowns on 2 teeth and I don’t want my own teeth to be whiter than the crowns. I can’t use the whitening and the office doesn’t do substitutions for other services. My husband is interested in whitening his teeth and he doesn’t have any crowns or anything to worry about. The lady at the front desk at the dentist’s office was hesitant when I mentioned that I would just give the kit to my husband, and then she told me that the kits are only for active patients of my dentist. Is there any reason why he shouldn’t use it or were they just trying to keep the kit and save money because I can’t use it? Thanks Gemma

Gemma,

Even if the teeth whitening kit is free, a professional kit from a dentist is customized for each patient. Bleaching trays are made based on impressions of your teeth to ensure they fit well and provide the best results. It sounds like your husband isn’t a patient at your dentist’s office. Otherwise, he would eventually receive a free whitening kit of his own.

The kit would be incomplete without customized trays for your husband. This puts him at risk for getting not enough—or too much—bleaching gel on his teeth and gums. Store-bought bleaching trays are not a reliable and effective way to put the bleaching gel in contact with his teeth.

Before teeth whitening is completed, an examination is needed to determine if bleaching will help or harm your husband’s teeth. In some cases, the gel will make stains on teeth more noticeable. If your husband is a candidate for whitening, he should have a professional dental cleaning first. This will make the whitening treatments more effective. Still, he needs professional whitening trays.

As a suggestion, your husband can ask his dentist about whether or not free teeth whitening is available, or how it can be made affordable for him. Many dentists are willing to work with patients to make a bright smile affordable.

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

 

Sedation Dentistry

Will insurance cover sedation dentistry?

I need 3 fillings replaced. I’ve had the fillings since I was 15 years old. 2 weeks ago one of them cracked. It broke a piece of the tooth off so bad that I had to go to an emergency dentist. He said I now need a crown. I am dreading this work that needs to be done. The dentist saw my anxiety level increases as he was explaining everything that needs to be done. He said that a sedation  dentist might help me relax and if I wanted to I could go to another dentist who offers it. I’ve haven’t been to a dentist for about 5 months because my old dentist left his practice. Now the thought of being sedated by a new dentist and having this be the first major work done for me is making me more nervous. Is this something that insurance covers?

Whether or not insurance provides benefits for sedation dentistry depends on your individual plan and the type of sedation offered. Some procedures are billed to dental insurance, and others are billed to dental insurance. In advance of your procedure, the dental office can contact your insurance companies to determine if any benefits are provided. Keep in mind that it is unlikely that insurance will cover the entire cost, but some benefits might be provided.

If sedation dentistry is used during an appointment with an oral surgeon, an anesthesiologist might be present to administer it. The insurance will likely provide some benefits for the sedation, which is often referred to as twilight.

Sedation at a dental office for general procedures is usually nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. Anti-anxiety medication is given for oral conscious sedation, and insurance generally doesn’t cover it.

You can search for experienced sedation dentists who use different levels of sedation, depending on your procedure and anxiety level. Ask about each dentist’s training, credentials, and experience. Schedule a consultation with two or three sedation dentists and get a feel for how you are treated as a patient. If you are comfortable with the dentist and his or her office environment, it might be easier to trust the dentist with giving you medication to help you relax.

Remember that you will still be conscious during your appointment and able to respond to the dentist’s questions, and to let the dentist know if you are experiencing any discomfort. Your vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure.

Ensure you are comfortable and have enough information about sedation dentistry and your dental procedures before you schedule an appointment to have your dental work completed. It help your appointment to go smoothly.

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

Teeth whitening

Is this free teeth whitening damaging my tooth enamel?

I got free teeth whitening a couple of months ago and I think that it is started to damage my tooth enamel. My teeth are starting to a weird color. Also they are super sensitive to anything cold. Sometimes even if I am not drinking anything cold, I get this powerful shock in my teeth that really hurts. I took ibuprofen last night and that seemed to help. At first I really thought the stuff was working because my teeth looked whiter. Now they don’t look or feel good. I guess I should stop using it. Can it permanently damage my tooth enamel? Thanks. Joseph

Joseph – You should stop using the free teeth whitening. You didn’t mention how often you use the whitening gel, but if you are using it more than once a month, you are probably using it too often.

Any type of bleaching gel, if used frequently, can weaken your tooth enamel and even discolor your teeth. If bleaching gel is professional strength, usually touchup treatments are needed once or twice a year. If you smoke or drink daily, touchups may need to be more frequent, perhaps quarterly.

But bleaching your teeth daily or weekly should be avoided. Teeth whitening treatments that are unsupervised by a dentist can damage your tooth enamel. Your teeth can become translucent and very sensitive.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist to examine your teeth and to look at the ingredients in the bleaching gel you are using. The dentist will be able to determine if your free teeth whitening gel is causing the sensitivity in your teeth and if it has done any lasting damage to your teeth.

Some dentists offer free teeth whitening or discounted teeth whitening to patients who maintain their regular cleaning and examination appointments. This is a safe way to brighten your smile and get predictable results. Your dentist will monitor the progress and decrease or increase the strength of the bleaching gel, depending on how it is affecting your teeth. He or she will also let you know how frequently you should do touchups.

Schedule an examination with an experienced cosmetic dentist as soon as possible.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Need an affordable dentist for 3 chipped teeth

I really need to find an affordable dentist. I have been out of full-time work since April of this year. Last week I had a bike accident that chipped 3 of my teeth. They are so sensitive. They hurt if I drink cold water, eat anything cold and even the cold air makes them hurt. I know that I can’t keep going like this so I have to do something about it. My budget is really tight and I am wondering if because I need 3 crowns whether the dentist will give me a discount. – Niles

Niles – Yes, you can find an affordable dentist to treat your chipped teeth. He or she will first need to examine your teeth to determine the extent of the damage. If the damage is limited, depending on which teeth are chipped, dental bonding may be able to restore them. Dental bonding will provide a secure restoration for central and lateral incisors, as well as canine teeth. If that’s the case, you won’t need crowns at all, and bonding is less expensive than a dental crown.

Molar teeth, on which more pressure is exerted for biting and chewing, may need a sturdier restoration, such as a dental crown. If you do need crowns, you can find a dentist who can make them affordable for you.

Some dentists have in-office discount plans for patients who don’t have dental insurance. Another alternative is to speak with the dentist about payment plans for your care. Financing with no-interest payments are often available. Contact the offices of a few skilled dentists to find out your options to get affordable dental care.

If you are feeling sensitivity in your teeth, you need to get them examined and treated as soon as possible. Tooth cracks, fractures, or breaks can worsen in with time when they are left untreated. The condition of your teeth and accompanying pain can get worse. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier the restoration will be. It can also help you avoid more aggressive treatment and the expense that comes with it.

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

Teeth whitening

Can I start my free teeth whitening while I’m wearing braces?

Can I start teeth whitening while I am wearing braces? We moved from Georgia last month and I have already found a new orthodontist. Now I am working on getting a new general dentist. I found a few dentists from postcards sent to my home as a new resident in the community. Both dentists offer free teeth whitening if you keep your regular exam and cleaning appointments. I think it would be great to have my teeth white when the braces come off. I am noticing some spots on my teeth anyway, so why not? My husband told me that I should check first instead of signing up for something that I can’t use. I see that your office offers free teeth whitening too. Can I start it while I’m wearing braces? Thanks. Brenda Leigh

Brenda Leigh – When a dentist offers free teeth whitening, you will likely receive customized bleaching trays and bleaching gel. The trays are made based on impressions of your teeth. But you’re wearing braces, so to make the trays, you’re braces would have to be removed, and you wouldn’t be able to whiten your teeth with the braces on. So you do need to wait until your orthodontic treatment is over.

Even people who wear removable braces such as Invisalign need to wait until treatment is completed before whitening their teeth. Invisalign trays are not made for whitening teeth. The trays, as well as your teeth and gums can be harmed by using Invisalign in ways for which they were not designed.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t select a dentist who offers free teeth whitening. Choose a dentist based on his or her experience and training, as well as your oral health needs. After you find a qualified dentist who offers free teeth whitening, explain your interest in the treatment. The dentist is probably willing to give it to you after your orthodontic treatment is completed.

It’s easy to call two or three dental offices first and explain your situation. Have a consultation at each office to meet the staff and dentist. It will help you determine if you will be comfortable with the practice. After your braces are permanently removed and your teeth are cleaned, you can enjoy a bright smile.

 

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

Sedation Dentistry

Will sedation dentistry interfere with my PTSD medication?

I take medication for stress from some traumatic events I experienced during childhood. During the past 3 years, I have been able to cope with therapy and medication. Situations that can potentially make me nervous are heightened because I am predisposed to anxiety. Dental appointments are a real challenge for me. I manage to get through the x-rays and exams. Now I need a root canal and crown and the thought of it is making me nauseous. My dentist mentioned sedation. The office has a list of my current medications. Although he says everything will be okay, I am afraid that there might be a conflict between the sedation from the dentist and my PTSD medication. Should I be concerned? – Jen

Jen – If you are taking any medication, you should always be concerned about how it will interact with other medications. The mild anti-anxiety medication given for sedation dentistry is typically compatible with most medication. If your dentist has a list of your current medications, he can double-check for contraindications and you receive a compatible medication.

Sedation dentistry helps you relax so you won’t be focused on what’s happening during your dental appointment. Many patients find that it also dulls their sensitivity to pain.

When you speak with your dentist again, talk to him about your anxiety disorder. Let him know your concerns about sedation dentistry, as well as what can be done to increase your comfort level during the appointment. Some patients are more relaxed when they are notified before a dentist or a staff member enters the room, instead of being quietly approached from behind.

Communication through each step of the treatment process can also help. It might be helpful if you are told in advance what will happen during treatment and why, as well as what you can expect in terms of sounds and sensations.

Another way to increase your comfort level during sedation dentistry is to ask your dentist the name of the medication you will be given to help you relax. Speak with your medical doctor or pharmacist about the medication and any possible contraindication with your current medication. You can also do your own research on any contraindications with the medication.

Best wishes for an anxiety-free dental appointment and a healthy smile.

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

 

Affordable Dentistry, Root Canal Treatment

Can’t afford a dental bill but I need a root canal

Last month I had a cavity filled and I had to pay for it out of pocket. I saw a dentist in a hurry because I had a toothache that was getting worse. I thought something was stuck between my last two top right molars because it didn’t hurt until 2 days after I ate popcorn. The pain kept getting worse. I was able to floss and pick until a piece of popcorn kernel came out but my tooth kept hurting. There was nothing I could do but get to a dentist fast. He said I had a cavity and the popcorn kernel probably irritated it. He filled the cavity the next day and I had to pay for it out of pocket because my insurance only covers cleanings and exams. The problem is that the same tooth has started hurting again. Now I think I need a root canal and I cannot afford another dental bill. I just finished paying for the filling and it still hurts. Now I am not so sure that there really was a cavity. How do I get a root canal if I can’t afford another dental bill? – Dexter

 

Dexter – Although you need an affordable dentist, take a moment to consider the potential seriousness of the condition of your tooth. If you do need a root canal treatment for your tooth, it is a time-sensitive situation. If it is left untreated, your dental expenses—and possibly medical expenses—can escalate quickly.

A root canal treatment removes infection from a tooth. An untreated infection can affect other teeth, your jawbone, and in serious cases, spread into your bloodstream. A progressive dental infection can also become a medical problem. So consider the consequences of not treating the tooth.

You may not need a root canal treatment. Your tooth needs to be x-rayed and examined to find out the cause of your pain. It is possible that there is tooth decay remaining that was not removed. Have the tooth examined again. You may want to receive an examination from a different dentist, as a second opinion. Contact a few dental offices first to find out the cost of root canal treatment without dental insurance.

Another option is to find a new dental insurance plan. You might be able to find a plan that provides more coverage. Find out how soon you can start using benefits for different services, including root canal treatment. Even if a new insurance plan has a higher monthly premium than your current plan, it will probably be less expensive than having to pay out-of-pocket for root canal treatment. If you do need the treatment, your tooth will need to be protected with a dental crown, or which you will incur additional expense.

For each dental office you contact, find out what can be done to make treatment affordable for you. Most dental offices offer some type of financing or payment plans that allow you to pay for treatment based on your budget.

The condition of your tooth is a dental emergency. Don’t put it off. Find a skilled, but affordable dentist who can help.

 

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

Sedation Dentistry

I am still nervous after nitrous oxide at the dentist

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry? I have a really embarrassing fear of the dentist. My current dentist is really nice but every time I have to go I get so nervous I shake and I am sometimes literally sick. I’m afraid I’m going to need a cavity filled or something. My dentist before wasn’t that nice. When I leave this dentist everything is fine but when it’s time for the next appointment I start freaking out again. They say it gets better every time you go. But it hasn’t for me. Any tips? I have another apt in 2 weeks and I want to prepare myself for a better visit. I am asking about sedation because my dentist only uses nitrous and it doesn’t help at all. I am still nervous after I receive it. Thanks Brendon

Brendon – Bad dental experiences are a source of fear and anxiety for many patients. It is good that you have found a gentle dentist. You may be a candidate for a higher level of sedation dentistry. Your medical history will need to be reviewed first.

To start, tell your new dentist about your fear and the reason for it. He or she will pay extra attention to the things that make you particularly nervous. Sometimes, a more thorough explanation of the procedure, and what to expect during and afterward will calm you.

You can take an I-pod and listen to music to distract you from the dental procedure. Or, some dentists have televisions in the treatment room.

If you are very anxious, you may need a dentist who uses higher levels of sedation than nitrous oxide, such as as a small amount of anti-anxiety medication that you take in advance, or IV sedation. Dentists vary in the type of sedation dentistry they offer. Not all dentists provide sedation for their patients.

Sedation dentistry completely relaxes you so that your dentist can complete your treatment while you are free of anxiety.

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