All posts by AllSmiles

Sensitive Teeth

Smoke weed instead of getting nitrous from dentist?

I have cancelled 4 dental appointments for a root canal. My dentist finally called me last week and told me the whole deal about the infection spreading and causing more trouble than just my tooth. He suggested that I let him give me some type of sedation. We can start with nitrous and if it’s not strong enough there is a med for anxiety that should really do the trick. I know that weed relaxes me so I am thinking that might be the route to go. Any problem? – Sawyer

Sawyer – Smoking—tobacco, weed, or any other substance—in advance of oral dental procedures is not recommended. Smoking, before or after invasive oral procedures, inhibits the healing process and increases the risk of infection.

Do you have reservations about receiving sedation dentistry? If so, discuss your concerns with your dentist. Ask questions about what is involved in administering sedation, and find out how it will affect you before, during, and after your root canal treatment.

Nitrous oxide is a mild gas, also referred to as laughing gas, which will relax you as you breathe it in. The effects are quickly reversed, and you can drive home after your appointment. Higher levels of sedation are available, but require transportation to and from your dental appointment.

Dentists who are trained in sedation techniques have great success in providing the correct level of sedation to match your anxiety. Speak with your dentist as soon as possible to get a solution for your needs and to avoid prolonging the root canal treatment. A skilled, gentle dentist can make a root canal treatment painless. Your oral health is too important to delay treatment.

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

Sedation Dentistry

What if I’m allergic to conscious oral sedative?

Hi. I have lots of allergies and I am either very sensitive or allergic to many prescription medications. I am afraid that I will have a bad reaction to a conscious oral sedative from a dentist. At the same time, I really need to be sedated for extensive dental work. What can be done if I am allergic to the sedative a dentist is planning on using? Maia

Maia – Before you receive sedation, your dentist will thoroughly review your medical history. If you have a known allergy to a specific class of sedatives, a different class can likely be used. Be certain to provide a list of all your current medications, as well as any medications to which you are allergic, or have sensitivities.

Nitrous oxide—a lower level of sedation—may be effective for you. If you require a higher level of sedation, your dentist will work to find a medication, or a means of sedation, that is right for you. If needed, your dentist will work with your medical doctor or pharmacist to meet your needs. Your dental work can likely be done in phases to ensure your comfort.

Your oral health and overall well-being will be of primary importance when identifying conscious oral sedatives that will safely help you relax during dental procedures.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implant

Can adult baby teeth be replaced with dental implants?

I am 31 years old with three primary teeth. The permanent teeth never came in. This same issue is something that my grandmother on my father’s side had too. The three teeth are on the top left side of my mouth but they are toward the front. Can these teeth be pulled and replaced with dental implants? Thanks. Judith

Judith – It is possible to extract your primary teeth and replace them with dental implants, but it may not be necessary to do so.

Before you decide on a specific treatment to enhance your smile, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Depending on the size of your primary teeth, it may be possible to receive porcelain veneers. The veneers have a lifelike appearance and will be made to match the color and characteristics of your natural teeth. They are bonded to the front of your teeth.

A porcelain crowns is another option that covers the entire natural tooth. A customized crown will blend in with your natural teeth.

A cosmetic dentist can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. If so, it is possible to extract the primary teeth, replace them with dental implants, and attach natural-looking dental crowns to the implants. Your implants will feel and function like natural teeth.

Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with a skilled cosmetic dentist who offers dental implants.

 

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

 

Sedation Dentistry

Is sedation dentistry addictive?

I’m investigating sedation dentistry but I don’t see any info on whether or not it’s something I can get addicted to? I don’t want to take that risk just because I am nervous at the dentist. I would rather take my own meds. Theo

Theo – There are various levels of sedation, and if used only for dental appointments, it is uncommon to become addicted to them. You will be given a level of sedation that matches your level of anxiety.

The medication you receive is mild, commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication. The medication you receive will make you drowsy and help you relax.  The effects will wear off in several hours. Also, the medication is not taken on an ongoing basis. It is only used when you have a dental appointment that requires it.

If you have a dentist who uses sedation, or if you are choosing one who does, speak with him or her about the types of sedation available in the office, as well as the side effects.

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

Teeth whitening

Can I get free or discounted teeth whitening from more than one dentist at a time?

I have seen a few online coupons from dentist for free teeth whitening if you schedule an exam. I called the offices and some dentists give whitening sessions in the office, but the catch is that the number of sessions they will do are limited.  I have to pay for more sessions.  Others just have whitening strips. I am wondering if I go to two different dentists will they each do the whitening for me so my teeth can get super white? – Journee

Journee – If the whitening session requires an exam or a dental cleaning, a portion of your visit will be submitted to your dental insurance company. You will have to pay out-of-pockets expenses for duplicate dental exams or cleanings, and you may end up paying more money than you would by just sticking with one dentist.

Also, too much teeth bleaching is not good for your teeth. It is possible to over-bleach them. Over-bleached teeth can become weak and have a grayish color. Select one dentist, receive the in-office treatment, and after a couple of weeks the color in your teeth will stabilize. You may need an additional in-office treatment, but a take-home kit for you to continue whitening may be all that is needed.

Weigh your options carefully, but don’t rush to have your teeth whitened by more than one dentist. The results can be less than desirable.

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

 

Affordable Dentistry, Dental Insurance

Lost my dental insurance

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

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

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

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

Emergency Dentist, Sedation Dentistry

Will the emergency room pull my tooth?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comfort Dentistry

Has my bulimia totally messed up my teeth?

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

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

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

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

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

Best wishes on a progressive recovery.

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

Emergency Dentist, General Dentistry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sedation Dentistry

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

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

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

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

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