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Sedation Dentistry

Tooth pain versus dental fear

I’m in a lot of pain, but I have a horrible fear of being in a dental chair. I can’t decide which is worse. How do I find a dentist who doesn’t cause pain?

Drew B.- San Antonio

Drew,

You are not alone in your dental fear.  A large number of Americans share your feelings. There is a way you can get your tooth ache dealt with and stay out of pain in the dental chair.

What you need is a sedation dentist. There are different levels of sedation. It sounds like your fear needs something stronger than nitrous oxide. Call around and see who will do at least oral conscious sedation.

This is a pill you take shortly before your appointment. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment, because you’ll be pretty groggy. What you won’t feel, is pain.

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

CEREC crowns

CEREC verses Porcelain Crowns

Which crowns are better, cerec or porcelain crowns?

Elaina- Bayonne, NJ

Elaina,

CEREC crowns are a type of porcelain crown.  I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other. The biggest benefit to a CEREC crown is really in its convenience.  Because they are milled by a computer, you can have your CEREC crown done the same day as your initial appointment, saving you coming in a second time. You also won’t have to wear a temporary crown.

If you decided not to get a CEREC crown, you’ll want to make sure you get all porcelain crowns and not porcelain fused to metal crowns.  Because of their metal foundation, those type of crowns have to be made a little opaque.  They also develop a gray line at your gumline over time.

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

Invisalign

Protruded teeth

I have teeth that protrude and wondered what my options are for fixing them?

Amanda B.- Cincinnati

Amanda,

When it comes to dealing with protruding teeth, you have three general options:

  • Traditional Braces: These are the same wire and metal brackets that people think of when braces come to mind. They take about 2-3 years. I would go to an orthodontist for this type of treatment. If your teeth are very protruded, you might need surgical orthodontics.
  • Invisalign: These use clear aligners to straighten your teeth. They’ll work in about half the time as traditional braces, but won’t work if your teeth are protruded too far.
  • Porcelain Veneers: These won’t straighten your teeth, but will make them appear straight. Again, it would depend on how protruded they are as to whether this would be a good option.

I suggest you see a cosmetic dentist to see which of these options best suits your situation.

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

CEREC crowns

Pain with CEREC Crown

I had a cerec crown put in and since then I have had a lot of pain when biting down on this tooth. I’ve been back twice for my dentist to readjust the bite. After the second time when I told him I was still having a problem he said it was because of the way I chew. If that is the case then why didn’t it hurt before I had the crown when I chewed?

Frustrated and in pain.

I can understand your frustration. I don’t believe the pain is from your chewing. In general, there are two main reasons for you to have pain while chewing with a crown.

The first is if the crown is too high. There are a couple of things that make me think this is unlikely. First,  CEREC crowns are milled by a computer which is more precise in its construction, therefore you have less chance of a  poor fit. Secondly, your dentist has already adjusted it twice.

Another possible reason for the pain you are experiencing is you could have an infection. I’d get an x-ray done to eliminate that possibility (though it seems the more likely of the two). However, if you’re not confident in your doctor’s diagnostic ability, then I would go to a root canal specialist to have your x-ray done.

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

Dental Emergency

Emergency Preparation: A knocked out tooth

I’ve been making out a list of emergency prepardness sheets for a workshop I’ve been invited to speak. I thought it would be useful to list one of my sheets.

Dealing With A Knocked Out Tooth

1. Get to the dentist as quickly as possible. It is ideal to get there within the first 30 minutes. If you cannot reach your dentist do a quick Google search for an emergency dentist. However, seeing as we’re making a preparedness chart, it wouldn’t hurt to do a search for emergency dentists ahead of time so you have a list ready.

2. Call the dentist ahead of time so they can be prepared for you when you get there.

3. Carefully remove any dirt from your tooth by holding it by the crown (the top visible part of your tooth) and gently rinse it with water. DO NOT  scrub the tooth. DO NOT  hold the tooth by the root part.

4. Keep the tooth moist. You can do this by holding it between your cheek and gum, or by placing it in a cup of milk.

Now you know what to do with a knocked out tooth.

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

Dentures

Tired of dental problems

If I’m tired of dealing with dental problems, can I just have them all removed and get dentures?

Wally G.- Little Rock, AR

Wally,

I am of the philosophy that even difficult teeth are better than no teeth. With the best fitting dentures your chewing efficiency is lessened by 50%.

Of course they are your teeth and you can do what you want, but I would see which of your teeth are worth saving and which really need to go. Then, instead of getting dentures, or partial dentures, I recommend you get dental implants. They will look and function just like normal healthy teeth. They’ll be much more comfortable and you’ll be able to eat normally as well.

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

Sensitive Teeth, Uncategorized

Sensitivity after a filling

Several months ago I had a filling placed. It was fine at the time, but then a few weeks later the tooth became sensitive to cold. Do I need to replace the filling?

Anthony S.-Bache, OK

Anthony,

When a tooth feels fine immediately after a new filling is placed, but then becomes sensitive later, that usually means that there are bacteria from the original decay that had penetrated into the pulp of the tooth. Generally, you wait it out and hope your normal body defenses kick in and deal with it.

The key as to whether you need to do anything will depend on if the sensitivity is getting better or not. If the sensitivity is improving, then you probably don’t need to do anything. If, however, the sensitivity is getting worse, then it is possible you will need to get a root canal treatment. If so, you’ll also need a dental crown.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert dentist Dr. Brandon Schmidt.

Dental Insurance

Who checks with the insurance company

If I need a dental procedure, is the dentist’s office responsible for finding out if my insurance will cover it or am I?

Elizabeth B.- Long Island, NY

Elizabeth,

How this works will depend on the dental office you go to for your care. Some dental offices don’t accept dental insurance, because they prefer to set their own fees. In that case, the patient is responsible for all of the cost and generally it is paid upfront.

With dentists that do accept insurance, many times the office will help you in knowing how much the insurance will cover and how much you will be responsible for.  Your insurance will not cover everything, so you will have a portion to pay. The amount they estimate for you before insurance is just that–an estimate. If the amount ends up being more, because the insurance paid less than expected, that is still your responsibility.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Brandon Schmidt.

White Fillings

Sensitive composite filling

I had some composite fillings placed on my teeth. I’m not having pain or sensitivity. But, one of the fillings feels a little uncomfortable when it is pressed. My dentist has already replaced it once.  Does he need to do it again?

Sylvia- Alaska

Sylvia,

Though I couldn’t be certain without seeing your tooth myself, I really don’t think you have anything you worry about. It is not uncommon for there to be some sensitivity to your white fillings for several days.

You may also be interested in learning about porcelain crowns.

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

Dental Bonding

yellow bonding

My daughter had bonding done to cover some discoloration. Now her two front teeth are yellow. Why is that?

Richie B.- Ohio

Richie,

The dentist decides on the coloring for the dental bonding, so they’ve made the composite into a yellowish color.  Generally, you would discuss things like color ahead of time.  I’d ask your dentist to re-do the bonding, being specific about what you’re looking for in the color.

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