All posts by AllSmiles

Dental Implant

Dental implants for children?

My 11 year old daughter is missing 4 teeth. They aren’t going to come in. It’s genetic. I took her to an ortho and she said my daughter’s other teeth are crowded and she has an overbite and she will need braces. What does it cost for implants? Would she need to go back as she gets older to have it done again? – Brittany

 

Brittany – Your daughter’s orthodontic work should be completed first, and her jawbone growth should be completed before she receives dental implants.

Dental implants don’t move, so if teeth need to be repositioned with orthodontics, that treatment must be completed first. Otherwise, the dental implants can interfere with the orthodontic treatment and interfere with the growth of your daughter’s teeth.

Dental implants are placed when jawbone growth is complete. If they are placed prematurely, the growth of other teeth may be affected. As your daughter ages, her natural teeth would likely grow higher than the dental implants, and the implants would not look natural.

When your daughter reaches her late teens and her growth has stopped, you can find out if she is a candidate for dental implants. Until then, a cosmetic dentist will be able to provide her with a natural-looking tooth replacement for the missing teeth.

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

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening trials websites?

Hi. Do you know of any websites where I can get free teeth whitening trials with whitening that really works? Thanks. Sierra

Sierra – We are not aware of free teeth whitening websites. If the whitening is free from a website, it may not really be effective.

You can search for a dentist who offers free teeth whitening, though. Many dentists offer complimentary take-home teeth whitening if you keep your appointments with the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Teeth whitening from a dentist has many advantages: you know the whitening treatment will really brighten your smile, your dentist will monitor the progress, and you will have the dentist’s advice on how to get the best results from the whitening.

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

Comfort Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

How much does sedation dentistry usually cost?

I’m planning on getting a lot of dental work done this fall and I want it with sedation. I’ve heard that most insurance companies won’t pay for the sedation. How much does the sedation cost? – Simone

Simone – There are different types of sedation dentistry or comfort dentistry. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that you breathe in during treatment to help you relax.

Oral conscious sedation, the next level of sedation, involves taking a mild sedative in pill form. You will rest comfortably during treatment and you are unlikely to remember what happened during your appointment. Sedation medication can also be administered intravenously.

The cost of sedation depends, in part, on where in the U.S. the dentist is located, the type of sedation you receive, and the length of time it is needed for your dental procedure.

It is best to contact your dentist to find out the type of sedation used and an approximate cost. Contact your insurance provider to find out if any benefits for sedation dentistry are provided. If you will have out-of-pocket costs for sedation, your dentist may be able to make it affordable for you.

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

Emergency Dentist

My toothache is giving me earaches and headaches

My toothache is so terrible I’m getting earaches, headaches and now the teeth next to it are hurting. Is there anything I can do to decrease the pain? I feel like lying on my floor and crying. It hurts all day it is realy bad at night. –  Brenda

Brenda – Your tooth is no doubt infected. And from your description, it’s a serious tooth infection. You need to see your dentist or an emergency dentist immediately.

The dentist will relieve your pain and stop the infection from spreading. Call now. A dentist who accepts emergency patients will get you into the office before closing today.

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

Teeth whitening

What can I do to make my teeth really white if my dentist doesn’t do teeth whitening?

I use whitening strips and toothpaste but they are not really helping much. I have noticed a little difference. I was thinking getting them done professionally but my dentist doesn’t do it. Can you recommend anything?  – Jen

Jen – Although your dentist doesn’t offer teeth whitening, if you want your teeth professionally whitened, you can get it done from another dentist.

If you are happy with your current dentist, you can explain the situation to a dentist who does provide teeth whitening. He or she will provide you with an in-office or a take-home whitening treatment. Getting your teeth professionally whitened will give you the best results.

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

Comfort Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, Tooth-Colored Fillings

I need cavities filled, but I’m afraid of the dentist

I have 3 cavities that need to be filled. I have avoided making the appointment to get the work done because I hate going to the dentist. What is the process for filling the cavities? Is a needle involved? Thanks. Cherise

Cherise – Before your cavities are filled, your teeth and gums are numbed to prevent you from experiencing pain during the procedure. But a topical anesthetic will be applied to prevent you from feeling the pain of the injection.

When your teeth and gums are numb, the decay in the tooth is removed. Your tooth will be rinsed to remove any debris around it. The tooth will be prepared and filling will be placed in it. You can get tooth-colored fillings that blend in naturally with your teeth. The numbness in your mouth will gradually diminish within several hours after the appointment.

If you are particularly anxious, you can find a dentist who provides sedation dentistry for anxious patients. Sedation dentistry relaxes you so that you can have a productive dental appointment.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Should I bring my three year old to a pediatric dentist or our family dentist?

Should I bring my three year old to a pediatric dentist or our family dentist? What’s the difference? – Jan

Jan – You first need to verify with your family dentist if there are age requirements for the children they treat. Many general dentists accept children as young as 2 ½ years old. Family dentists are able to care for the basic dental needs of children.

Parents and children are often more comfortable with having one dentist for the entire family.

A pediatric dentist is specialist with two years of post-graduate training specific to dentistry for children. Generally, a specialist is not required to help your child maintain good oral health.

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

Dental Implant

Why does the dental implant process take so long?

Why does the dental implant process take so long? How long does it really take? – Thanks Torri

Torri – After you receive dental implant surgery, time is allowed for your jawbone to heal and fuse with the dental implant.

The healing period ensures that the implants are stable and will hold a replacement tooth. Prematurely attaching a replacement tooth to the implant can cause the implants to loosen.

The healing period for dental implants is typically two to six months. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement can be placed on the implant. You will have progress checks with the implant surgeon to ensure that the healing process is progressing.

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

 

Holistic Dentist, Mercury-Free Fillings, Teeth whitening

My teeth are sensitive after I got a filling.

Two of my teeth have silver fillings in them. I got the fillings last Tuesday. It’s hard to eat anything hot or cold because of the zinging feeling I get in my teeth when heat or cold comes in contact with them. Is this normal? Liz

Liz – Sensitivity with silver, or amalgam, fillings is normal.  Amalgam fillings contain mercury and other metals. The metals conduct heat and cold more readily than white composite fillings, so your teeth are sensitive to them.

The sensitivity should gradually decrease within two weeks. If it doesn’t decrease, or if it increases, call your dentist.

Some patients prefer mercury-free filings, which many dentists provide. Composite fillings don’t conduct heat and cold. They also strengthen teeth and blend in naturally with them.

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

Lumineers, Porcelain Veneers

Is there a dental plan that will partially pay for Lumineers?

Is there a dental plan that will partially pay for Lumineers? – Thanks Judi

Judi – Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are one type of cosmetic dentistry. Generally, dental insurance doesn’t provide coverage for cosmetic dentistry.

Many dentists provide payment options for cosmetic dentistry. Credit cards, financing, and payment plans are often available. Speak with your dentist about your interest in porcelain veneers, and find out what forms of payment are accepted at the office.

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