All posts by AllSmiles

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.

Invisalign

How much does Invisalign cost?

I am thinking about getting Invisalign, but I want to know how much it costs first. – Thanks – Teresa

Teresa – The cost of Invisalign® invisible braces varies, depending on your individual case. Several factors can affect the cost, including the complexity of your case, the length of your treatment, and where you live in the U.S. If your insurance provides orthodontic coverage, it may provide some coverage for Invisalign.

You will need to visit your dentist to have your teeth examined and x-rayed for Invisalign. A treatment plan will determine how long you will need the aligners. The longer your treatment time, the more aligners you will need.

You can also speak with the financial coordinator in your dentist’s office to find out if payment plans or financing are available.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth-Colored Fillings

My dentist put a silver filling back in my tooth but I wanted white

I went to the dentist for a filling. I wanted an old silver filling removed and replaced with a white filling. When I got home, I saw they put a silver filling back in my tooth. I don’t know why I didn’t look in a mirror before I left or ask to look in their mirror. This is a side tooth and it shows the dark filling when I smile. It looks like a cavity. That’s why I asked to have it replaced. Now I have to go back and have it drilled out so it can be replaced with a white filling. What should I do to make sure the dentist gets it right this time? – Morena

Morena – You should definitely tell your dentist about your concern. Consider asking your dentist if he or she uses white composite fillings at all. It could be that your dentist doesn’t use them, or prefers amalgam fillings. You might also ask if filling your tooth with amalgam was intentional.

Depending on the answer you receive, you may need to find a dentist who doesn’t use amalgam fillings. Dentist’s websites often advertise white fillings, tooth-colored fillings, composite fillings, or mercury-free fillings. A cosmetic dentist will ensure that you receive a natural-looking filling that blends in with your tooth.

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