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Sedation Dentistry

Will I Need Crowns on All My Teeth After Bulimia Recovery?

I’m recovering from bulimia and trying to save my teeth. Will I need crowns on all teeth to save them? I’ve seen four cosmetic dentists with good reputations in the state to see which one is the best dentist for a smile makeover. Two of the four dentists recommended porcelain crowns for a smile makeover because several of my teeth are severely decayed. They basically said that the crowns could correct my bite and give me a good-looking smile.

The decay is severe in 11 of my teeth; 3 more have limited decay, and my remaining teeth don’t need major work. Their recommendation surprised me, and I wonder if I should let them grind down all my teeth when most don’t need aggressive action. I’m beginning to regret seeing so many dentists because it was the last two dentists who recommended crowns. Or maybe I shouldn’t have told each dentist what the other one said. I’m confused.

I also get nervous at the dentist, so I chose dentists who were willing to do sedation. Are the first two dentists I saw too conservative, or are the last two dentists too aggressive? Should I start all over and schedule consultations with dentists, maybe in another state? Thanks, Sole from GA

Sole

It’s good to know you’re recovering from bulimia nervosa and concerned about your smile. Although one of our dentists would need to see you in person to examine your teeth and review your x-rays and dental history, the recommendations you received from the last two dentists concern us.

Conservative treatment is a priority for advanced, ethical cosmetic dentists. They want to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. If you’re uncomfortable with aggressive treatment, a cosmetic dentist concerned about you as a patient certainly wouldn’t recommend it.

Do You Need Crowns On All Your Teeth After Bulimia Recovery?

Whether a dentist needs to place crowns on all your teeth to preserve them or limit dental problems as you recover from bulimia depends on the condition of your teeth. If you sense that the last two dentists are more interested in selling you crowns than giving you a smile makeover that helps you feel good about recovering from bulimia, choose another dentist. A conservative cosmetic dentist will recommend treatment that increases your confidence about your smile—not options that increase worry about your teeth.

A full-mouth reconstruction with crowns on all teeth is sometimes required, though. Common reasons include:

  • Many missing teeth and jawbone resorption that make your face sag
  • Severe, painful issues with your bite
  • Most of your teeth are severely decayed or broken

How to Decide on Treatment

We recommend you return to either of the first two cosmetic dentists offering conservative treatment. Without telling them about the recommendations from the last two dentists, ask about the pros and cons of dental crowns for all your teeth. Each of the first two cosmetic dentists will explain their recommendation and the disadvantages of crowns on all your teeth.

Depending on the extent of damage to your teeth from bulimia, the recommendation for your smile makeover might include a combination of treatments: orthodontic treatment, porcelain veneers, dental implants, cosmetic bonding, or dental crowns.

It is good that you recognize your sedation needs. Even patients without dental anxiety have better dental experiences with sedation when they need extensive dental work.

You stated that seeing four dentists might have confused your decision. If you want to return to each of the first two dentists you saw, hearing them confirm treatment recommendations might give you more confidence.

We wish you continued success in your recovery from bulimia and a smile makeover that will further improve your quality of life.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Sedation Dentistry

Will Dental Insurance Pay for IV Sedation?

I had two consultations with dentists, who agreed I needed two dental implants and three crowns. I am terrified of the dentist and will need sedation for the dental work. One dentist only uses nitrous oxide in the office but would refer me to a specialist for implant surgery. The other dentist uses nitrous oxide and sedation pills. I know more than nitrous oxide is needed regardless of the procedure. I read about IV sedation and that it is stronger than other options. I am willing to switch dentists for more sedation, but I need to schedule consultations after finding dentists who use IV sedation. – Thanks. Paul from Lakeland, FL

Paul,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Lacy’s office. Many anxious patients require sedation to get dental work. We commend you for caring for your oral health and researching your options.

Will Dental Insurance Pay for IV Sedation?

Whether dental insurance provides coverage for IV sedation depends on the plan level and your needs as a patient. Some insurance companies offer benefits toward IV sedation when it is medically necessary based on several factors, including:

  • Dental procedure type
  • Patient’s physical, intellectual, and medical needs
  • Patients for whom alternatives are ineffective
  • Extraordinarily fearful or anxious patients
  • Patients who have experienced dental trauma and require potent sedation options

We recommend contacting your insurance company to find out how much if any, sedation dentistry procedures they cover. Some insurance companies that provide coverage limit the number of hours of IV sedation dentistry for which they will provide benefits. For example, dental insurance may provide benefits for up to one or two hours of sedation, and you would be responsible for the remaining cost.

Your insurance company may ask you to provide a pre-treatment estimate from your dentist to estimate your out-of-pocket costs.

Plano, Texas, female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy sponsors this post.

Sedation Dentistry

How Long Can a Cracked Crown Last?

My crown cracked this week, and I want to know how long it can last. The crack is on a lower molar tooth, and I can feel it if I glide my tongue along the side of the crown. I can barely see the crack when I look at the crown in the mirror. I haven’t been to the dentist since pre-Covid, and I cannot relax enough to go before my vacation next week. I prefer to wait until I return in February to look for a dentist and let them know that I can only get work done if I get oral sedation first. How much time do I have before the crown breaks? Thanks. Ella from Austin

Ella,

Dr. Lacy would need to examine your cracked crown to determine the extent of the damage. Although the crack may not be an emergency yet, pressure on your teeth as you bite and chew weakens the crown. It will eventually break.

How Long Can You Delay Fixing a Cracked Dental Crown?

A hairline crack in a dental crown may not be an immediate concern, but how long you can wait depends on the overall condition of the crown. Eventually, you will see the crack and need prompt care.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist this week to assess the damage. Depending on the condition of the crown, the dentist may recommend a temporary crown to prevent a dental emergency while you are on vacation.

Talk to the dentist about your travel plans and dental anxiety. It is better to get a well-made and bonded temporary crown than a weak one that may fall off and leave the tooth unprotected.

Look for a dentist with cosmetic dentistry training who can provide a temporary crown to match your natural teeth and ensure it is comfortable.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.