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Sedation Dentistry

I Got Sick at My Sedation Dentist

I am kind of embarrassed. I think I ruined my dental appointment. I’ve been avoiding the dentist, so he called me to ask what the problem was. I told him I’ve been having some anxiety issues. He suggested sedation dentistry. I agreed and felt pretty comfortable. My appointment was scheduled for two. He told me not to eat. I thought I’d be fine, but around 10 I got super hungry.  I just had a candy bar and was sure it would be out of my tummy by my appointment. But, when I got the sedation, I vomited. I was too embarrassed to tell my dentist I ate. He rescheduled.  Do you think it was the eating or something else?

Loriee E. – Denver

Loriee,

It was likely the sedation that’s a problem. The medicine makes you a little woozy. When you add food to that, you’re just asking to vomit.  Many dentists won’t treat you if they know you’ve eaten because they worry about aspiration.

You’ll like sedation once it’s done with an empty stomach. It will completely change how you feel about dentistry.

If you have a high metabolism and it’s hard for you to go a long time without eating, you may tell them it’s important to schedule you in the morning.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Dental Emergency

Is There An Affordable Tooth Removal?

I had a cavity. I can’t afford a dentist. Now my face is swelling around my tooth with the cavity. Is there a dentist who does cheap tooth removal or a way I can do it myself?

Dan

Dan,

I know you feel you can’t afford a dentist right now, but I want you to understand how serious this is. People can, and do still, die from tooth infections. If this isn’t dealt with, you put your health in serious jeopardy. In all honesty, you can’t afford not to get this looked at.

Most dentists went into the industry to help people. If you explained your financial situation, they’d likely work out a payment plan for you. Call an emergency dentist and tell them what you’ve told me.

Don’t try to take out the tooth yourself. A piece of the root will likely get left behind, and with it the infection. Plus, there could be a way to save at least the root of the tooth, which will be much healthier for you in the long run.  A root canal could save your tooth.

There are zero interest payment plans with medical credit companies, such as Care Credit.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Dental Emergency

Can I Go to An Emergency Dentist Without My Parents?

My mother has nagged me over and over again not to board without my mouthguard. I know I should have listened, but I really didn’t think it would be a big deal.I was wrong.  I face-planted and took a small piece of a tooth out. My mom’s gonna freak.  They’re out of town right now, so I’d love to sort this out before she gets back in town. Would an emergency dentist treat me when they’re gone?

Anthony – Staten Island

Anthony,

It’s refreshing that you’re trying to take responsibility for this. Unfortunately, you can’t get medical treatment on your own until you meet what is called the “age of majority”. In most states, that is 18.

You seem really mature. I especially like that you were willing to admit you wish you’d followed your mom’s advise. I’m guessing your mom will appreciate your honesty as well.

You can still get this taken care of before she returns, but you will need her help. She can give consent to your dentist by phone/email. Given that it is an emergency dental appointment, he or she will likely understand.

If it’s just a chip, the normal treatment would be dental bonding. If the dentist suggests a different treatment, I’d talk to your parents again before moving forward. You want to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of because your parents are gone.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Should I Switch Dentists to Get A CEREC Crown?

I need to get a crown. My best friend swears by CEREC crowns, but my dentist said he prefers to use his lab. Are they worth switching dentists to get them?

Morgan H. – Mississippi

Morgan,

A lot of really good cosmetic dentists have lab preferences. That’s because they have a close working relationship with them and they know the quality of work they do.

How good a crown is depends more on the skill of the dentist and lab than the brand.

The biggest benefit to CEREC crowns is the same day service. But, if you’re getting it on a front tooth, you may prefer a beautiful crown over a quick crown.

The decision is yours, of course, but if you’re happy with your current dentist, I wouldn’t necessarily think it is worth switching dentists over. On the other hand, if you aren’t too happy with your dentist, it might be a way for you to get a fast crown and check out a new dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Will Sedation Let Me Get ALL My Dental Work Done?

I hate dentists. Hate them.  I’ve not gone in a while and as a result I need a lot of work.  Here’s the breakdown:

1 tooth pulled, 3 Dental Crowns. 1 Root Canal

Is it possible to get this all done at once?

Drew – Minnesota

Drew,

It sounds like you’ve had some really bad experiences at the dentists. I assuming you know about sedation dentistry and that is why you’re asking if it can get done in one visit.

Depending on the dentist and how much work he’s willing to do at once, it’s possible to get at least most of it done in one sitting. It may take two. Either way, you won’t feel a thing.

Sedation is designed to give you a completely pain free dental experience. You may not even remember the procedures.  You may even find a way to, if not enjoy, at least no longer hate going to the dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Affordable Dentistry

Affording a Dentist When Escaping Domestic Violence

I’ve left an abusive relationship. I need to get a job, but I have an ugly smile. I’ve been punched so many times that I have nothing attractive left about me. I am going to be hard pressed to get a job with zero work experience and no attractiveness to help me. I know I need to get my teeth worked on, but I have no way of affording it. Please tell me there are compassionate dentists who will help me.

Maggie D.  – Mississippi

Maggie,

I’m very proud of how brave you are. Leaving an abusive relationship is quite a difficult thing you’ve done. I hope you recognize the significance of that.

You’re in a tough spot, but I have some good news for you. There is an organization specifically designed for people in your position. The Give Back A Smile organization is a group of dentists who donate their services to women who’ve been in abusive relationships.

That will help you get your smile in shape in order to get a job, but it doesn’t solve your long term problem of needing quality, affordable dental care afterwards.

It takes a while to get on your feet financially and you’re starting from the beginning. You won’t want to neglect your oral health care in the meantime. I’d do a Google search for an affordable dentist. But, don’t stop there. You don’t just want cheap. You want affordable AND good. After you make a list of “affordable dentists”, check out the reviews they’ve gotten from patients. That should give you an idea of the kind of service you’ll get from that particular dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Dental Emergency

Tell My Husband His Sore Gum Needs An Emergency Dentist

My husband said he cut his gum when he hit it with his fork. He says it’s fine and just sore, but I’m not so sure. It’s oozing. That doesn’t sound sore. That sounds infected.  Does he need an emergency dentist, as I think he does?

Amy F. – California

Amy,

You’re right. Your husband needs to be seen by his own dentist right away, or an emergency dentist if that’s not possible. It sounds like he has an abscess, which as you noted, means an infection.

If he’s not seen soon, he’ll wake up with a swollen face. I know it’s hard to believe, but even in the United States people still die from tooth infections.  These infections can quickly spread to the brain or heart.

He’ll need to have the infected part of the tooth cleaned out, which has to be done manually by a dentist. It won’t be fixed by simply taking an antibiotic.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC crowns

Gums Not Healing After CEREC Crown

I’m not sure what to do. I had a CEREC crown done about two months ago. The hygienist warned me my gums would be tender for a couple of weeks. She recommended salt water rinses and ibuprofen.  It’s been much longer than that and my gums aren’t healing. Should I go back?

Elisabeth D. – Mississippi

Elisabeth,

Your gums should have healed from your CEREC crowns by now. If you’re in pain, it’s a sign there is an infection and you should definitely go back and have an x-ray done.

If you’re not in pain, I would see if the problem is getting between your crown during flossing. Sometimes it’s a little harder to do our dental hygiene and that can cause tenderness.

Try getting one of those flossers that have a handle. It will make it easier to get down in there and really clean it out.  If you do that for another week and it is still not healing to your satisfaction, then I would go back even if you’re not in pain.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

I Need to Find a Dentist Who Is Nice to Anxious Patients

I used to have a great dentist. He was so patient and kind. He knew I am a little anxious about dental work and would slow down when I needed him to and always explained what he was doing.  Well,…he retired. The young fella’ that took over his practice isn’t nearly as patient. In fact, he gets short with me sometimes. He’s made me dread coming.  Is there a way to finding a kind dentist without having to go to a bunch of duds first?

Elizabeth – Denver

Elizabeth.

We’ve always heard that we have to kiss a few frogs before we find our prince. Fortunately, in the dental world, there are some “code words” that can help you narrow down which frogs to try.

Dentists who value and understand anxious patients generally put something on their website to help patients recognize they’ll feel safe in their office.

When you do a web search, use key words such as “Sedation Dentist” “Sedation Dentistry”, “Gentle Dentist”, and “Cater to Cowards Dentist”.

Any one of these dentists are willing to work with anxious patients.  It doesn’t mean all of them will be a great fit for you personally, but you’ll have a much better chance with them.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Affordable Dentistry

Is there a “poor man’s” smile makeover?

I looked into getting a smile makeover, but the price was through the roof.  Is there  a “poor man’s” smile makeover. Something that can really improve my smile, but won’t require me to sell my SUV to pay for it?

Mark A. – Philadelphia

Mark,

Hah! Well there are a couple of options.

  1. You can get the smile makeover you want with a qualified cosmetic dentist that will allow you to pay it out. Some dentists have low or even no interest payment plans.  Find the dentist you want and then talk to them about financing options. There are dentists that don’t advertise more affordable options, but are willing to work with you if you ask.
  2. There is a more affodable procedure that will make a huge difference on your smile. Teeth whitening can make your teeth look years younger.

Though it doesn’t sound like much, you’ll be amazed at the brilliance and youthful appearance you’ll take on from that one simple procedure.

This blgo is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.