All posts by AllSmiles

General Dentistry, Nutrition and Teeth, Oral Health

Chemotherapy and oral health

It is helpful to identify and treat dental problems before chemotherapy treatment begins. Gum disease cavities, loose fillings, broken crowns, and other dental problems can become worse during chemotherapy. When the immune system is weak or when white blood cell count is low, the risk of infection increases, and existing oral health issues can worsen. Chemotherapy can also prevent cells from dividing, which slows the healing process in the mouth.

Oral complications of chemotherapy

  • Dry mouth
  • Easy bleeding in the mouth and ulcers
  • Changes in taste
  • Inflamed mucous membranes
  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease

 What you can do about it

  • Dry mouth – Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Use fluoride toothpaste. Tell your dentist about your health condition. He or she may recommend or prescribe mouth rinse or saliva-producing medication.
  • Easy bleeding and ulcers – Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth several times throughout the day, but avoid aggressive brushing. Rinsing your mouth with a mixture of salt water and 3% hydrogen peroxide can assist with healing of any sores in your mouth.
  • Changes in taste – This is often a result of dry mouth or damage to the taste buds. After your chemotherapy treatment is complete, your sense of taste may gradually improve in a few months.
  • Inflamed mucous membranes – Regularly rinse your mouth throughout the day. Keep your teeth clean, and use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush often. Your dentist may recommend a water-soluble lubricating jelly to keep your mouth moist.
  • Tooth decay – Gently floss between your teeth and gums daily. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal to keep your teeth clean. Keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments for examination and cleaning. If you wear dentures, clean them daily and keep them moist.
  • Gum disease – Floss gently, but regularly. Your dentist will recommend an antibacterial rinse. Keep your dental appointments.

Although it may be difficult, try to eat regularly and maintain proper nutrition. Avoid junk food and carbonated beverages, which can create additional acid in your mouth, reduce saliva production, and increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Chemotherapy may affect your oral health in other ways. Maintain open communication with your dentist to ensure the issues are properly addressed.

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

Ceramic Crowns

How much is a tooth crown if I don’t have dental insurance?

I am only working part time, and I don’t have dental insurance. I have a tooth that has been filled several times, and my dentist says that the tooth is really damaged. He says that I need a crown. I am going to get a second opinion to see if I really need a crown. If I do, I want to get an idea of how much it costs, but without insurance. Can you give me an estimate of how much a crown costs without insurance? Thanks. Jared

Jared – The cost of a dental crown varies based on the type of crown you receive, where you live in the country, and the dentist you choose. You can choose an all-porcelain crown or a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, which can be fused to base metal, noble metal, or high noble metal.

An all-porcelain crown has a porcelain foundation. A crown fused to base metal will have a foundation that is not precious metal. Noble metal contains gold. High noble metal contains a higher percentage of gold. Depending on the dentist you choose and where you live in the country, the cost of a porcelain-fused-to-base-metal crown can range from $806.00-$1,200.00. The cost of an all-porcelain crown is approximately $900.00-$1,500.00. Other fees and expenses will likely be incurred in association with receiving the crown.

If you receive a crown, you want one that will look natural and that will last. We recommend that you find one or two experienced cosmetic dentists to examine your tooth. Regardless of the type of crown you choose, an artistic cosmetic dentist will give you optimum results for the crown type. You can also ask about payment options to make the restoration of your tooth affordable.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist refuses to sedate me for 3 fillings

I am a dental phobic. My dentist in Austin understood that and I had no problems getting sedation from her. Now I have a new dentist who tells me I have 3 cavities and refuses to give me sedation. He says that he is gentle and I won’t feel a thing, so no sedation is required. How can I convince him to sedate me before drilling out the cavities? Thanks Clayton

Clayton – You may not be able to convince your dentist to provide you with sedation for your cavities, but you can schedule an appointment to explain your fear to him. If you are not successful, consider seeing another dentist who will provide you the sedation needed to restore your teeth.

There are different levels of sedation, including nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and IV sedation. Many patients successfully receive treatment with nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas.” It relaxes them enough to have a productive appointment.

For patients that need a higher level of sedation, conscious oral sedation is mild anti-anxiety medication that will make you relaxed and sleepy throughout your dental appointment. It is taken an hour in advance of the appointment. You need to arrange transportation to the appointment. When you arrive, you will be relaxed and ready for treatment. IV sedation is the highest level of sedation.

When you choose a sedation dentist, ask him or her about training and experience in sedation, the levels of sedation offered, and the results you can expect.

Maintaining good oral health is made easier with sedation. You can find a dentist who will respect your anxiety and work to alleviate it to preserve and restore your teeth.

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

Ceramic Crowns, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Which is more affordable? Porcelain veneers or dental bonding for peg laterals?

I know porcelain veneers are not cheap, but I also read that applying dental bonding takes a lot of time for cosmetic dentists to do and it can be expensive. I have 2 peg laterals and want to know which is more affordable and which I should really get. Thanks. Pam

Pam – Dental bonding is more affordable than porcelain veneers. But what you really need to know is what treatment is best for your case.

An examination and diagnostic studies from an experienced cosmetic dentist will help determine your options. The least expensive option may not give you the best, longest-lasting results. It may wear with time and need to be replaced.

Teeth can be widened and lengthened with cosmetic bonding. This technique requires skill, experience, and artistic talent on the part of a cosmetic dentist. It can be completed in one visit. Quality dental bonding can last ten years or more if it is properly maintained. Bonding stains and discolors faster than porcelain veneers and crowns. It will need to be polished periodically and replaced occasionally.

Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth surface from the gumline to the biting surface. Porcelain can be mixed and manipulated to reflect the color, characteristics, and translucency of natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist along with his or her master ceramist can produce beautiful results.

Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of teeth. Light preparation of the teeth may be required to prevent the veneers from looking bulky or too large. Veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer. They are stain resistant.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic to discuss your options. If you want to proceed with treatment, an exam and x-rays will be required to assess the condition of your teeth and the preferred treatment options.

Your cosmetic dentist will discuss how the treatment you choose can be made affordable for you.

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

Emergency Dentist

Urgent care for a cracked tooth

We received a gallon bucket full of pecans in the shell from a friend. Yes, we do have a nutcracker, but for some reason my husband decided to open the shells with his teeth. One of his teeth cracked. I heard it and he felt it. Our dentist is in Europe until January 4. If we go to the urgent care is this something they can temporarily bond? We saved the piece of the tooth that cracked off. Thanks janet

Janet – The urgent care is not the place to go for a cracked tooth. They don’t have the dental equipment needed to x-ray teeth or the materials to restore them.

You will be able to find a local dentist who accepts dental emergencies to examine and x-ray your husband’s tooth. Since tooth bonding is needed, we recommend a cosmetic dentist to provide the restoration. A cosmetic dentist knows how to use and manipulate composite bonding material so that it matches natural teeth.

You didn’t mention when the accident with your husband’s tooth happened, but he really needs to see a dentist right away.

A lingering toothache, a cracked or chipped tooth, a bleeding tooth,  a lost filling or crown, and various types of trauma to the teeth or tongue should be considered dental emergencies.

Although it may appear that the only damage is a cracked tooth, there may be other trauma to the tooth that is more easily and effectively treated if he sees a dentist right away.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Does my child really need a root canal?

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

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

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

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

 

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

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening kit is burning my gums

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

General Dentistry

How soon can I smoke after my tooth is pulled?

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

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

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

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

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sedation Dentistry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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