Tag Archives: CEREC crowns

Sedation Dentistry

Can I Have Dental Sedation If I’m on Medication for PTSD?

I’ve served in the military for 12 years. I loved my service and the military dentists did the best job they could, but they’re designed to do patch jobs and get us back into service as quickly as possible. A lot needs to be fixed with my mouth, functionally and cosmetically. Unfortunately, I’m being treated for PTSD. If there are people over me, I lash out. I’m going to need sedation dentistry, but don’t know if I can with the PTSD meds I’m on. Any advice?

Allen H.

Allen,

Up front, I want to thank you for your service. You’re keeping our family’s safe. I am beyond grateful. Our country owes you a debt. Don’t think for one second you’re not appreciated. Secondly, the fact that you’re getting treatment for PTSD shows you’re not just brave, but intelligent and wise.

Sedation dentistry will be a great option for you in this situation and can be used with many medications. I recommend getting with the dentist ahead of time and discussing your medications. That way he or she can plan to use medications which have no contraindications with the medications you’re on.

Make sure you tell the dentist that you’re interested in cosmetic work, too. This will enable them to make the best decisions and give you all the options. There are some treatments which if you plan on doing teeth whitening at any point, you’ll want to have it done first. Things like porcelain crowns and fillings cannot be whitened after they’re bonded.

This blog is brought to you by 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.

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.

White Fillings

Pain with white fillings

I had a white filling placed almost five months ago. A month ago I went back in to have it smoothed out because my floss kept getting caught on it. Since then I’ve been getting this horrible pain whenever I take a bite. I went back in to have it x-rayed. My dentist didn’t see anything and thinks it is just post-operative pain. The problem is I can’t eat anything. What do I do? The pain is getting worse.

Anthony S.- New Mexico

Anthony,

I would go see an endodontist. If this were just post-operative soreness, your pain would be getting better–not worse. When pain progresses instead of lessening, that is generally a sign there is an infection somewhere and a root canal treatment is in order. Take the x-rays your dentist already took. An endodontist might be able to see an infection that your dentist didn’t see.

You may also be interested in learning about CEREC Crowns.

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

Dental Emergency

Gum bump with puss

Below my gum there is a pimple kind of bump with puss in it. What should I do?

Kevin J. from Philadelphia

Kevin,

It sounds like you have a fistula. You may have an abscessed tooth. It is common for people to have a tooth infection without realizing it because the infection is draining in the mouth and there is little or no pain coming from the tooth. Sometimes you’ll have pain upon chewing, a mild ache, or sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures, but not always. I advise you go see your dentist. He can evaluate whether your tooth is infected. If it is, you’ll need antibiotics, a root canal, and a dental crown. At our office we can do one appointment CEREC crowns.

Sometimes you can have an infected tooth that causes a lot of pain. If that happens to you, it is perfectly acceptable to get a same day appointment with an emergency dentist. They’ll be able to get you out of pain right then, but may need to schedule the permanent fix for a later date.

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