Tag Archives: gilbert dentist

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.

CEREC crowns

Can CEREC crowns not match?

I got a CEREC crown. It doesn’t match my other teeth at all. I told him I wanted it white, but it’s more white than my other teeth. It doesn’t look natural. I thought they could be made to match my teeth.

Nerry G. – Oklahoma

Nerry,

Yes, CEREC crowns can be made to match any teeth. So, there should have been no problem getting them the same color as your other teeth.

In your particular case, you could do teeth whitening in order to get your natural teeth the same tone as your new crown.  That’s much easier than if your crown was darker. In that case you’d have to completely re-do the crown.

It sounds to me like your dentist understands the mechanics of dental crowns, but not the artistry involved with color and translucency.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Anti-depression medication and sedation dentistry

If I’m on anti-depression medication. Is it still possible for me to use sedation dentistry?

Laura K. –  Lawrence, Kansas

Laura,

It will depend on what type of anti-depression medication you’re on. Some classes of anti-depressants can interact with the sedative agents. If yours doesn’t interfere, then you can continue taking them as normal.

If yours does have some counter indications, you can still have dental sedation, but you may need to stop taking it for a day or two.

Make sure you speak to your dentist before you schedule the procedure. Also, let your dentist know everything else you’re taking including any over-the-counter medication.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Affording dentistry with no insurance

Are there secrets to affording dentistry when you don’t have insurance?

Breck T. – Missouri

Breck,

I don’t know about secrets, but there are some things that you may not know about. Dental schools will often do cleanings at a discounted fee. Some for as little as $25 a cleaning. You could see if there is a local dental school in your area. However, they don’t always to other procedures, such as crowns and fillings (depending on the school).

Also, many dental offices offer their own “insurance” plan in order to make your dentistry more affordable.

However, the best piece of advice I can give you is to be honest with your dentist. Let him know your financial circumstances. Many dentists are willing to work with patients.

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

Dental Emergency

Can’t afford a dentist and now I have an emergency

I haven’t been able to afford a dentist in a while. Now I’ve got a loose tooth. I don’t recall getting hit, but it worries me that this tooth might fall out. What do I do?

Drew O. – Cleveland

Drew,

I’m sorry for the situation you’re in. I have a strong suspicion that your tooth is loose because of gum disease. If you don’t have tooth trauma, but have loose teeth, your gums are often the culprit.

I’m assuming you don’t have a dentist, however you need to get this looked at as soon as possible.

There are emergency dentists who will see you and understand your financial situation. Some of them have interest free payment plans. Others will just charge you what you can afford.

The key is to be honest with them. But, don’t put this off. This won’t be the only tooth you’ll lose.

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

CEREC crowns

Can CEREC crowns be made to look like vampire teeth?

My girlfriend is a huge fan of Twilight.  I’m going to propose to her despite this one very obvious fault.  As a sign of my undying (get it?) devotion, I want to get crowns put on my teeth that look like vampire teeth. Will CEREC crowns do this? I want to spend as little time as possible on this.

Cedric B. – Cape Cod

Cedric,

That is devotion. While CEREC crowns can do this, you want to think about whether you want to permanently change the shape of your natural tooth. In order to have a a crown put on, your natural tooth has to be ground down in order to fit the crown.

If you’ve already got a crown on that tooth and are wanting another one placed instead, that should be fine. I will tell you most dentists are not comfortable placing permanent vampire teeth. You might get them to give you a temporary crown, but that is it.

If you don’t have a crown on that tooth, there are other ways to get the vampire shape, such as bonding, that won’t require such a drastic change to your teeth.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Bulimic who’s scared of the dentist

I’m bulimic and I need to go to the dentist. Something is wrong with my teeth. I think it is because of how much I purge. I know it’s important, but I am terrified of the dentist.  What I really want to do is not go, but my mouth is hurting. Is there a way to home treat this?

Brittney – Alabama

Brittney,

I’m sorry you’re hurting. You’re probably right that the purging is causing problems in your teeth.  The acid from the vomit will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. That leaves you susceptible to decay, gum disease, and infection.

I realize that you are scared of the dentist, but to protect your teeth, you’ll likely need some dental crowns.  However, there is a way you can get the treatment you need without having to worry about pain.

See if your dentist is a sedation dentist. If not, then you can do an internet search for a dentist who uses sedation. They can give you a pill that will make you sleepy and you can have all your work done without feeling a thing.

Be sure to let your dentist know about the bulimia. It will help him no how to help you.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Need an affordable option for dentistry

I have a large family with a lot of dental problems. In fact, I don’t think more than two weeks has gone by this year without one child or another needing something done. Honestly, we must have the worst teeth in history. I have a kind dentist. He’s been letting me come in on Fridays, when the office is closed, and clean in exchange for dental care.  This has been great, but I’m pregnant with our 7th child (yes, we’re catholic) and my dentist has told me I need to be on bedrest.  I don’t know what to do. Not only will I need to figure out a way to care for my family from bed, but three of my children need fillings right now. I don’t think I’ll be able to come in and clean.  Do you know of programs that help make dentistry cheaper?

Marissa P. – New Mexico

Marissa,

You’re obviously a good mother. I love that you’ve been so creative in finding ways to deal with expensive dental care for your children.  You must feel a great deal of stress in thinking about how to continue your care of your home and family while on bedrest. Though doctors are trying hard to care for you, their instructions aren’t always practical in the real world.

Each dentist is different in their financial policies.  If you’re looking for affordable options in dentistry, I’d start by telling your dentist exactly what you told me.  He’s worked with you in the past, he’ll probably be willing to work with you now as well.

Some offices, like Dr. Roper’s office, have in-office dental insurance programs that keep your costs down. Others give discounts on certain procedures, like a sale of sorts.

The best practice is open and honest communication.

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