All posts by AllSmiles

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.

Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Teeth whitening

I quit smoking and my teeth are still dark. Where can I find free teeth whitening?

I quit smoking about 2 years ago. I smoked from age 13 to 39. I was hoping that with time my teeth would get whiter by now. Now that it’s been 2 years I am not so confident that it’s going to happen. I started using whitening toothpaste about 3 weeks after I quit. I really don’t see any improvement. Also for over a month last year I used whitening strengths. I got the most costly box I could find at Walmart because I really wanted it to work. I am not about to pay a dentist $500 to get my teeth white so I am going to keep working at it myself. How long will it take for my teeth to lighten, or is it really too late? Is there anywhere I can get free teeth whitening? – Henry

Henry – When you quit smoking, you prevent additional staining of your teeth from the nicotine, but quitting doesn’t reverse the stains and discoloration that smoking has already caused on your teeth.

Whitening toothpaste removes surface stains from your teeth. Stains from cigarette smoking are beneath the surface, and it takes strong bleaching gel to penetrate your teeth and break down the stains in them. Over-the-counter whitening strips just aren’t strong enough.

Many people search online for free teeth-whitening kits. Often shipping rates for the products are very expensive. Other consumers find that the bleaching gel had no effect on their teeth at all. In some cases, teeth or gums have been damaged by chemicals in the bleaching gel, which perhaps was not bleaching gel at all.

A cosmetic dentist can help. He or she will examine your teeth to determine which whitening treatment will work best on them. Either in-office or take-home treatment will get your teeth amazingly white. If necessary, most dentists will be able to work with your budget to make teeth whitening affordable for you. You may be able to find a dentist who offers free teeth-whitening treatment to patients who keep their regularly scheduled dental cleaning and exam appointments.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Emergency Dentist, Gentle Dentistry

Can I find an affordable dentist to fix my cracked tooth?

I think my tooth is cracked and I need to find an affordable dentist to fix it. I really can’t see a crack though. I had a heavy blow to my face and I know it hit my tooth. Is this something that will heal on its own or do I need to see a dentist. If it needs to be fixed, how bad will it hurt? Thanks Ian

Ian – If you had trauma to your face and teeth, you may have a cracked tooth. It is important that you quickly find an affordable dentist to examine your tooth.

Some of the symptoms that may indicate your tooth is cracked are pain when you bite or chew, or when the tooth is exposed to heat or cold. You may feel varying levels of pain that come and go.

The inside of your tooth contains soft tissue, or pulp. Pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. A tooth that is cracked is not stable, and causes irritation in the pulp. If it’s left untreated, the pulp can become damaged. Pressure on the tooth when chewing can be painful, and the tooth can be sensitive to extreme changes in temperature. When you find a dentist who can make treatment affordable for you, he or she will treat the tooth based on its condition.

The treatment for your tooth depends on the nature, location, and extent of the crack.

  • Cusp fracture – If the cusp, or biting surface, of your tooth is fractured, it usually doesn’t cause much pain. Your tooth can be protected with a dental crown.
  • Cracked tooth – If the crack in your tooth extends into the root, it will affect the pulp inside your tooth. The crack can gradually spread. The pulp in your tooth will require a root canal treatment to prevent an infection. Cracks that extend below the gumline will likely require the tooth to be extracted. Early treatment is important to prevent the problem from getting worse.
  • Split tooth – A tooth that has been split and segmented cannot be saved intact. The extent of the crack will determine if any portion of the tooth can be saved. Again, prompt treatment is needed to preserve as much of the tooth as possible.
  • Vertical root fracture – This fracture begins at the tooth root and extends toward the biting surface. The surrounding bone and gum may become infected. At times, the fractured portion of the root can be removed to prevent tooth extraction.

Regardless of the treatment you need, your comfort can be maximized by a dentist who is not only affordable, but who also has gentle techniques. Let him or her know about your anxiety. A gentle dentist works hard to ensure that your treatment is pain free. If you are particularly anxious, sedation dentistry may be recommended to help you relax. It’s important that you see a dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Call our office to find out how Dr. Lacy can make dental treatment affordable for you.  Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth whitening

How long should I wait to get crowns after free teeth whitening?

My dentist charges $400 for teeth whitening and I can’t afford that. There is a new dentist in my area who took over a practice and she is offering free teeth whitening with an exam. So I am going to get my next exam from her and get the teeth whitening. I figure I will stick with her through that and then return to my current dentist for my dental crowns. I can’t ask this question of my current dentist because she doesn’t know that I am taking a break from her to get my teeth whitened from someone else. I don’t want to ask the new dentist either because she will think I am taking advantage of her, which in a way I guess is true. My question is: How long should I wait to get crowns after free teeth whitening?

It is good that you realize that your teeth whitening treatment should be completed before crowns are placed. Otherwise, your dental crowns would be darker than your teeth. After your teeth have reached their desired whiteness and your whitening sessions are complete, there will be a two to three-week wait to allow the color of your teeth to stabilize.

After the waiting period, if your teeth are as white as you want them, then you can see your dentist for dental crowns. When you return, of course your dentist will know that you’ve had your teeth whitened. Porcelain crowns will be crafted to match the color of your whitened natural teeth.

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

Comfort Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Can I take Benadryl to make me sleepy before I go to the dentist?

For the average person getting cavities filled might not be a problem, but it’s a problem for me. I need something to sedate me or relax me before my dentist’s appointment. I have never had cavities before, and I hate going to even the nicest, most gentle dentist. Now I have 2 cavities that need to be filled. I am going with composite and I know that takes longer than silver fillings. My question is can I take maybe a Benadryl or something for the fillings even though it’s a simple and quick procedure? Will Benadryl affect anything the dentist will do or put in my mouth? I got a suggestion to drink alcohol before the appointment but that doesn’t sound like a good idea to me. What is something safe for me to take before the dental appointment? Manuel

Manuel – Yes, you can be sedated for the simplest of dental procedures. But you shouldn’t try to sedate yourself with Benadryl, alcohol, or by any other means. If you are anxious or nervous, a sedation dentist prefers that you be relaxed before your appointment. If you can’t relax, the dental treatment and your visit won’t be productive. But leave the sedation to your dentist.

A sedation dentist uses nitrous oxide (also referred to as laughing gas), conscious oral sedation (mild, anti-anxiety medication), or IV sedation to help you relax during a dental procedure. The levels of sedation offered varies with the dentist and his or her training. All are common, safe means of helping patients relax.

Many patients cancel dental appointments because of their anxiety. Some patients actually refer to themselves as dental cowards or dental phobic. Speak with your dentist about your concerns and your desire for sedation. If he or she doesn’t offer a level of sedation adequate for your needs, you can consider finding a dentist who does.

Your comfort level with a dentist can contribute to or decrease some of your anxiety. If you need to find a dentist who practices sedation, we suggest that you schedule a consultation first to ensure you are comfortable with the office environment, staff members, and dentist.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Dentures

How do I find an affordable dentist to replace my dentures?

I just got new dentures 3 months ago. I thought I was done, but now I need to find an affordable dentist to replace my dentures. The upper dentures fit great but the lower dentures are very loose and regularly come off. Is this normal? I can’t even eat soft foods like applesauce and yogurt without dislodging them. The place I got the dentures from is one of those mega denture centers. I was treated quite rudely on all of my 4 attempts to get them to do something about these loose dentures. I refuse to be insulted when I have paid for a product and service. A close friend of mine is a consumer protection attorney and I am thinking about getting her help to get my money back. Meanwhile I still have to get dentures that fit. My budget doesn’t allow me to pay out of pocket right away, so I need to find an understanding dentist who is going to work with me on this issue. I feel awful about this, but I feel that I don’t have a lot of options. How do I begin to find an affordable dentist who will work with me on paying for new dentures? Thanks. Jeanne

Jeanne – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you have experienced with your transition to dentures. Be assured that you can find an affordable dentist to help you.

It is not normal for new lower dentures to regularly come off. If they do come off regularly, either they were not properly fit initially, or previous to receiving dentures, you may have experienced jawbone shrinkage, which would make it difficult to keep a denture in.

You should speak with your new dentist about the problem. It is possible that your dentures need to be relined or even remade. You can contact a few cosmetic dentists in your area and ask about financial arrangements for financing or payment plans. Schedule a consultation with at least two of the dentists. Cosmetic dentists provide natural-looking dentures that fit well.

If you have experienced jawbone shrinkage, bone grafting can build your bone back up so that it can support a denture. Affordable dental implants can be used to stabilize your dentures and prevent further jawbone shrinkage. When your dentures are secured with dental implants, it will be easier to eat and speak with them.

If won’t be difficult to find an affordable dentist who will understand your circumstances and help you get the dental care you need.

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