Tag Archives: Plano dentist

General Dentistry

Bleeding after dentist appointment

I had my teeth cleaned last Wednesday and there was a substitute hygienist there who was really rough. My gums never bleed, but they bled all through the appointment. I called the dentist’s office this morning because on and off this morning my gums are still bleeding. They told me that the bleeding should slack off today or tomorrow. I keep rinsing my mouth with water but it doesn’t permanently stop. I am not sure that I want to go back to that office. What should I do? – Jackie

Jackie – Your concern is understandable—particularly since your gums do not usually bleed when your teeth are cleaned.

Although gums may bleed during dental cleaning, they should not bleed heavily, unless extensive gum disease is present. It may be that you had more plaque buildup than usual during your most recent cleaning. Your gums may bleed for several days after your dental appointment. You should continue to rinse your mouth and include salt in the rinse.

If the bleeding persists, gets worse, or if it’s enough to worry you, schedule an appointment with your dentist to examine your gums and determine the cause of the problem. Swollen gums should also be examined by a dentist. If you are not comfortable with returning to your current dentist, get recommendations from friends or relatives for a new dentist.

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

General Dentistry, Toothache

Can a dentist tell if my tooth is making my ear hurt?

Can a dentist tell if my tooth is making my ear hurt or do I need to see a regular doctor? – Janae

Janae – Pain in your tooth or jaw can refer into your ear. If you have a toothache, sensitivity in your tooth, or if there is swelling in the gums around your tooth, you should see a dentist. The toothache may be causing pain in your ear.

If there is no indication of a problem with your tooth, you may choose to see your medical doctor first.

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

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening turned my teeth gray

I got free teeth whitening online and it turned my teeth a weird gray color. I only used it twice. I am afraid that I have totally messed up my teeth. What could have happened? – Lanai

Lanai – If a product that was marketed as teeth whitening gel turned your teeth gray in just two uses, you didn’t receive whitening gel. Without looking at the container or testing the gel, it’s difficult to say what you received.

See a dentist right away and take the product with you to the appointment. Your teeth need to be examined to determine what needs to be done to help restore them.

For our readers: The safest way to whiten your teeth is through your dentist. If you choose to purchase online products, do your research first. Free products or products that are exceptionally low in cost may not yield good results.

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

Invisalign

Will the superglue hold on my Invisalign?

I have Invisalign. This is the 3rd time that I either lost or cracked a set. I don’t want to tell my mom what happened or how it happened this time. I just want to fix it myself. Will superglue hold them together and still work with all of the saliva in my mouth? – Shayne

Shayne – Super glue is not for use in your mouth. You need a new Invisalign® aligner, and you should not switch in advance to the next set of aligners.

Tell your mom what happened so that you can see your dentist and get new aligners. It is best to get new aligners so that your treatment can continue as planned. We are sure that your mother would prefer you to get replacement aligners that to interrupt and prolong your treatment, or for you to experience bad effects from having super glue in your mouth.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentist problems – help

I went to the dentist last week for a chipped tooth. I made an appointment. My appointment was not cleaning and exam time. I made the appointment specifically for the chipped tooth. My dentist looked at the tooth and all he said was that I should come back in 3 weeks. He didn’t tell me what he would or could do about it. Just reschedule. I was somewhat surprised because this is my regular dentist who I have been seeing for the past 8 years. Why do I have to wait 3 weeks and walk around with a chipped tooth?  Why would this happen? – Tonya

Tonya – Your dentist didn’t explain the reason for the delay in restoring your teeth, so we can’t speculate on why he responded that way.

But you do have choices. You can call your dentist’s office to ask why you were rescheduled for three weeks later.

You can also choose to visit another dentist.  Find a skilled cosmetic dentist to examine your tooth and recommend treatment for it. Cosmetic dentistry restores chipped teeth and can look natural if it’s done by an experienced cosmetic dentist. You may be able to have your tooth restored by a cosmetic dentist much faster than your next appointment with your usual dentist.

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

 

Teeth whitening

Huge S&H charges from free teeth whitening scam

I got several pop-up ads for free teeth whitening on web pages I was viewing. The ad said that I only need to pay shipping and handling so I ordered it. I never received free teeth whitening, but I did receive three charges on my credit card for the shipping and handling – $24.99 for each charge! Now I am working with my credit card company to get the charges removed. Do you know of any legitimate places where I can get free teeth whitening? – Jan

Jan – We are sorry to hear about your costly experience. There are many scams for free teeth whitening. Often, if you do receive the product, it doesn’t work well, if it works at all.

Believe it or not, many dentists offer free teeth whitening. Dr. Lacy offers free take-home whitening treatment to patients who remain current with their exams and cleanings. If the teeth whitening from your didn’t isn’t free, he or she may offer specials or work out a plan with you to make it affordable for you.

Let your dentist know that you want to whiten your smile. He or she will let you know your payment options.

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

Comfort Dentistry

Ripped off by mobile dentist

I saw an ad for a mobile dentist. It looked legit so I scheduled an appointment. There are certain spots that the mobile van is supposed to be on certain days so I went. I figured this was good and convenient for me and I don’t like sitting around in dentists office any way. So the setup wasn’t really as good as a dental office but I figured it’s a van so I shouldn’t expect the same thing. Any way the guy started cleaning my teeth and cut my gums twice.I should have left but I didn’t. Then after my teeth were cleaned and polished he told me that I needed four fillings and to schedule another appointment but he needed 20% down. I didn’t give cash but I put the 20% on my credit card. I know dumb me. Any way I just saw on the news that the guy is a scam and I have to get my credit card company to see if I can get my money back. If they can find him. Just wanted to let people out there to know to beware. D.C.

D.C. – Thank you for sharing your experience. There is a lesson for all to learn. The legitimacy of a business—particularly mobile healthcare—needs to be verified in advance.

You are like many people who don’t like going to the dentist. But not all dentists are alike. Many dentists have created an office environment and a dental experience with patients like you in mind. The next time you need an appointment, look for websites that feature gentle dentistry. Take time to look at patient reviews to find out what you can expect from the dentist and his or her team.

We are certain that you can find a positive dental experience if you take a little time to find the best dentist for you.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry

How can I trust a dentist?

I have two fillings that fell out and I have a third tooth that needs so much filling there will be more tooth than filling. That’s what I know of. I am going to find a dentist but how do I know that the dentist won’t just tell me that I need more work because he wants the money? How do I know whether or not to trust what the dentist says?  Mila

Mila – You can ask friends and family members for references to a dentist whom they already trust. You can check patient reviews, too.

The dentist you visit should provide you with treatment options—not just a single treatment. Patient reviews may give you added confidence about the dentist.

If major dental work is recommended, and you’re seeing a dentist with whom you are not familiar, we suggest that you get a second opinion. You can have another dentist, outside of the practice, examine your teeth and let you know what treatment he or she suggests.

If you have dental insurance, it will likely provide coverage for a second opinion. But an examination fee for a second opinion may be well worth it to help you make a decision regarding which treatment you will choose.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentist question for my son

I need to schedule my son’s first dental appointment. He will be 5 yrs old in October. I know I should have taken him sooner. I think my fear of the dentist has made me delay his first appointment. How do I prepare him for the appointment? – Melissa

Melissa – If you have already chosen the dentist for your son’s appointment, you can take your son to see the office and meet the staff. If your dentist is a family dentist who also treats children, take your son with you to your dental appointment so he can see your successful appointment. Don’t mention your fear of the dentist to your son. If you don’t have an appointment scheduled before your son will need his visit, stop by your dentist’s office to introduce your son to the staff.

Explain to your son that he is going to get his teeth checked and cleaned just as adults do. He will have healthy teeth and a nice smile.

If you are still deciding upon a dentist for your son and your own dentist treats children, both you and your son may be more comfortable there. If you haven’t made a decision on where your child where be treated, visit a few dental offices with your son to ensure you are both comfortable with the office environment and the staff.

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

Comfort Dentistry

How can I get over my phobia from dentists?

i’ve had dental problems ever since i can remember.  in the past, several dentists made painful mistakes with my teeth…and i started to hate going to the dentist…and put off visiting them…and now my teeth are so bad I am ashamed to smile…what can help me get over my fear? Tab

Tab – Find a dentist who is concerned about your comfort. You will find websites for dentists who feature gentle dentistry or comfort dentistry.

These dentists and their staffs enjoy treating anxious patients, and they will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are especially anxious, nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation can be used to calm you during your dental procedure.

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