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CEREC crowns

Cleaning CEREC crowns

I had a lot of damaged amalgam fillings nad my teeth degraded further. As a result I needed crowns.  I opted for CEREC ones to save on appointment time. My two rear molars continually trap food. Sometimes floss helps, but not always.  Is there a different method with crowns for getting food out?

Jen H. – Little Rock

Jen,

Dental floss holders can sometimes help you reach places that are tougher to without them, but that is not really your problem.  Go back to your dentist and let him or her know what is going on.  The margins to your CEREC crowns were left open on your crown.

If that’s not repaired your going to end up getting decay under there. If that happens, your crowns will have to be re-done at your expense.

If you go back now and your dentist fixes the mistake (at his own expense), you’ll be much happier.

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

 

Sedation Dentistry

Special needs child needs a dentist

I have a son who is special needs-severely special needs.  He will let me touch him and no one else.  Even with me it’s not a guarantee that he’s not going to fly into a panic and disappear into his private world.  I try to help him clean his teeth as best I can, but you can imagine that isn’t easy.  Now I’ve noticed what I think is a cavity starting on one of his teeth. I don’t know what to do and  I don’t think he’ll respond well to a dentist.  I’m desperate. Any advice?

Melissa B. – Conway, AR

Melissa,

You’re in an incredibly difficult situation.  I’m sure you feel stressed all the time, not to mention the pain when you can’t hold your son.  I want to take one worry off your shoulders. There is a way you can get your son the treatment he needs.

I would get a pediatric dentist who is also a sedation dentist. Your son can be given a pill to take before his appointment that will make him oblivious to what is going on around him.  It will completely relax him and they your dentist will be able to do whatever procedure is necessary.

There are other types of sedation too, such as I.V., but a needle might be harder for your son that a pill.  I would schedule an apppointment with the dentist and give him a full picture of what your son is like. Pediatric dentists are generally good with these kinds of situations.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Are there good affordable dentists?

I went to a new dentist who had much cheaper prices than some of the others in my area. I found out quickly why his prices were so much less. He had terrible hygiene and equally terrible personality.  I didn’t know if his odor or his breath. Is there a way to get an affordable dentist that doesn’t smell like bathing is optional?

Kelly K. – California

Kelly,

Wow.  I’m hoping his clinical cleanliness isn’t as bad as his personal hygiene.  Don’t despair.  There are plenty of affordable dentists around that know how to regularly brush their teeth.

You want to distinguish between an affordable dentist and a cheap dentist.  An affordable dentist does quality work and finds ways to make the procedures do-able on a budget.

A cheap dentist is generally either unskilled and needs to lower his prices to draw people in, or he has low prices because he uses poor quality materials in order to lower his bottom line.  Either way, you won’t like it.

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

CEREC crowns

CEREC crown or lab made crown

Is it better to get a CEREC crown or a traditional crown made in a lab? By better I mean natural looking.

James H. – Alabama

James,

The biggest advantage to CEREC crowns is convenience. You can have  your permanent crown done the same day as your appointment. There will be no need for a temporary crown and return appointment.

The question as to which one is more natural looking, while a good question is asking the wrong thing.  Either crown, traditional and CEREC, can look natural in the hands of a skilled dentist.

An artistic dentist can make just about any crown match your teeth and look stunning.  In the hands of a lesser skilled dentist, it wouldn’t matter what type of materials and / or lab you used. It will look terrible.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Will insurance cover sedation dentistry?

I haven’t been to a dentist’s office in a while because of finances.  My husband had been out of work for three years.  He got a new job and they actually have dental insurance. I have some dental anxiety. I’m sure the appointment will be even worse than I remember, becuase of how long I’ve been away.  I don’t see sedation dentists listed.  Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Melissa H. – Ft. Worth, TX

Melissa,

Congratulations on your husband’s job!  I know that must be a relief and hopefully take some pressure off of you.  I think the confusion lies in the way you’re looking. There isn’t a sedation dentistry specialist.  In fact, most dentists practice some form of sedation dentistry.

Dental insurance will normally cover the basic procedure.  At least some of the cost for sedation will have to come out of pocket, but it is totally worth it.  Your dentist can help you navigate how to get the most out of your insurance.

You’ll find sedation will allow you to get a lot more work done in each appointment, which will save you money in the long run with fewer appointments.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Are affordable dental implants equally good?

There are several dentists in my area that do dental implants. One of them is way more affordable than the others. I mean seriously more affordable. I was about to take the plunge, but decided I should get an opinon from a dentist out of my area first.

Lisa A. – Maine

Lisa,

When you talk about affordable dentistry, there is a difference between affordable and cheap.  Some dentists find legiitimate ways to make their dental implants more affordable. Maybe they cut their profit. Maybe they use mini implants or have exceptionally affordable payment plans.

Unfortunately some dentists try a different route for “affordability”.  They don’t want to cut their profit margin, so they cheat on quality. They’ll use materials that are of a lower quality.  While it may save you money on the short term, it may also end up costing you a fortune.  Dental implant failure is real. Some result in serious infections or bone loss.

Check their implant qualifications before you move forward.

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

CEREC crowns

Can I get a CEREC crown if I ground my teeth?

I had to go to an emergency dentist when my dentist was out of town. I learned two things at that appointment.  1. He said that I need a dental crown. 2. He said I grind my teeth. My regular dentist has never mentioned that before.   I was hoping to get a CEREC crown. Is that possible if I grind my teeth?

May H. – Maryland

May,

I’m glad your emergency dentist caught the grinding, because there can be pretty serious consequences if this isn’t dealt with.  When it comes to a CEREC crown, it is a wonderful restorative. You can get a beautiful, strong crown that looks completely natural.

A CEREC crown will be about as strong as your natural teeth. You will notice, however, that your natural teeth are suffering under the affects of teeth grinding.  You need to protect both your natural and restorative teeth.

It’s likely you don’t know when you’re grinding your teeth. In fact, you probably do it in your sleep, so it’s kind of hard to stop it in that case.

There is a simple solution.  Ask your dentist to fit you for a night guard appliance when you get your crown.  It’s a simple piece that you’ll wear when you sleep. Then you can grind away without hurting your teeth.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Can children use sedation dentistry

My son had a bad experience at the dentist’s office last appointment. He’s not too thrilled about going back. Is it safe to use sedation dentistry on children?

Morgan – Las Vegas

Morgan,

Yes, it is generally safe to use sedation dentistry on children, as long as they don’t have any allergies to the medication used.  Your dentist can go over all of that with you to make sure your child is a good candidate.

It’s great you’re being proactive about your son’s experiences.  Fortunately, sedation dentistry can completely change the way people respond to going to the dentist.

A few good appointments and you’re son will start looking forward to his teeth cleanings.

This blog is brought to you Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Affordable Dentistry

Father knocked out my teeth

My dad knocked out some of my teeth.  He used to hit my mom and I would hide, but this time I tried to stop him.  When he did that, my mom had him arrested. Since then, she’s had a hard time affording stuff, so I don’t want to bother her about my teeth, but it is embarassing. The other kids at school are calling me a hill billy.  I hear her crying every night, so I can’t bring it up.  Can you tell me how much it would cost to get new teeth?

Name Withheld

You’ve been through some horrible experiences. I’m very sorry.  It can be quite expensive to have teeth replaced.  That doesn’t mean there isn’t hope.  Some dentists work hard to offer affordable dentistry, especially to people in your situation.

In fact, there is a group of dentists who volunteer their time specifically for situations like yours.  I’d contact Give Back A Smile.  They work with people who’ve suffered domestic abuse in order to help repair their smiles.

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

Dental Emergency

Is this a dental emergency?

My tooth has been hurting on and off for a while. Is this something I need to see a dentist about? It always goes away.

Dennie R. – New Mexico

Dennie,

This isn’t a dental emergency right now, but it can become one quickly. It’s possible that the nerve of your tooth is dying.  You may just have one of those diva teeth that like to drag out the problem. However, if it suddenly progresses quickly you’ll need help quickly.

I’d avoid the drama and go see your dentist as soon as you can.  He can do some tests to determine what needs to be done. This way you can stay pain free.

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