Tag Archives: porcelain crown

Affordable Dentistry

Finding a Trustworthy Affordable Dentist

I’ve had a cavity for quite some time. I knew I needed to visit a dentist and address it, but I couldn’t afford the expense. Within a matter of a few weeks, the tooth in which the cavity had developed began to cause me pain. So I started to look for a dentist that could help me. A crown was going to cost more money than I had, so I focused my search on a dentist who was affordable.

I landed on a dentist who was going to charge over $100 less than the others I’d consulted. That is a huge savings to me, so I moved forward with the appointment.

After examining my mouth, the dentist told me that my needs were greater than the amount he’d originally quoted me and that I needed a crown.

I feel like he lured me in with his low pricing in an unethical manner. Seeking a second opinion is what I should do, I know. However, I can’t afford the extra cost I will incur with another appointment if what this dentist is suggesting I need is accurate. I have no idea if he is being honest and sincere in his diagnosis. Is there a way I can tell without incurring the costs of another dentist?

Thank you,
Julie

Dear Julie,

Your budget constraints are understandable. However, when you approach the search by looking for the cheapest dental provider, you’re bound to run into some problems. A dentist who promotes him or herself by their cheap rates is a red flag. There are certainly ways to land on a quality dentist without breaking the bank if you keep a few points in mind.

Finding an Affordable Dentist

One of the first approaches to finding a quality affordable dentist to to look for someone who will customize your treatment plan. Seek out a dentist who will listen to you and your budgetary needs, in addition to your dental needs. Many times, there are multiple solutions at different price points.

Another option is to consider a dentist who offers payment plans. Typically, you won’t find an office who will offer an in-house payment plan, but many offices accept CareCredit. CareCredit is a payment service which usually has no finance charges for a specific period of time.

A dental office that offers discounts is also an option to consider. If you aren’t working with insurance and plan to pay for your services on your own, some offices will provide discounts for patients who are paying in cash up-front.

Seek a Second Opinion From a Trustworthy Dentist

Often times, when we have a gut instinct, it is right. You will likely kick yourself if you move forward with this treatment plan, without seeking a second opinion. One option for saving on the second appointment is to ask the original dentist for a copy of the x-ray to take with you to the next dentist.

It is important to find a dentist whom you trust. Ask questions, visit the office, read reviews. If you genuinely trust the provider, you won’t question the care you are receiving. You’ll be confident that you are being given the best care, and that they dentist is doing everything they can to give you quality service and treatment, and also keeping their work within your budget.

This article is sponsored by the office of Gilbert affordable dentist, Dr. Matthew Roper.

CEREC crowns, Root Canals

What are CEREC crowns and are they best?

I haven’t visited the dentist like I should over the past ten years. Because I had a toothache,  I finally went. I knew my teeth weren’t in the best shape and the dentist told me I would need a tooth fixed with a root canal, along with some other cavities filled.  I don’t know if I was just overwhelmed by all the dentist was suggesting I needed done, but I swear he started talking another language. He started talking about getting a serk crown. I have looked on the internet and can’t find anything. Can you please translate? What is it and is it the best thing for a mouth like mine?

JB in Wyoming

Dear JB,

We are assuming, based on the work you need done, that your dentist was recommending getting a CEREC crown. There certainly are words that are dentist lingo and do require some translation and CEREC crowns fit that category as they are a newer treatment option.

What are CEREC crowns?

CEREC machineCerec crowns are porcelain crowns that a dentist can create in the office the same day as your visit for the root canal. The dentist uses computer technology and his expertise to make them. The dentist matches the shade of your teeth to the color of porcelain. Using the computer images of your tooth, a special machine cuts the porcelain to fit your tooth. It is bonded on once the root canal is finished.

As to whether it is best for your mouth, again we are just going by your brief history, but CEREC crowns created by dentists who know what they are doing can be very successful. If they are bonded well and you don’t grind your teeth, they will last as well as other crowns. The only time CEREC crowns aren’t usually preferred is when you need a crown on a front tooth. This is for esthetic reasons. They may not look as natural as other crowns created in a lab for the front teeth.

Since you have questions, it wouldn’t hurt to ask the dental office to see pictures of others who have had CEREC crowns placed or about the dentist’s experience.

This post is sponsored by Vista Dorada Dental in Gilbert, AZ.

 

Dental Crowns

I have decay underneath my crown

I think I have some tooth decay located under my dental crowns. Also, I think I may need another root canal. My question is whether or not the crowns can be reused when the decay is removed from underneath the crown? I am looking for an affordable dentist to do this because I cannot afford to have all new crowns placed.

Another issue I have is that I have a sensitive gag reflex. I’m 70 years old and I’ve been told that I will also have a difficult time dentures. This is frustrating since I thought I fixed most of my dental problems with the crowns I had done several years ago now.

Any advice would be appreciated.

– Louie from California

Louie,

The good news is that the decay around a dental crown can sometimes be fixed without having to remove them completely. That said, it all depends on how bad the tooth decay is and how deep it is. If it is deep then the crown will need to be removed to take care of the problem. When the crown is removed it may need to be cut off which will means it will not be reusable. But if the crown is removed and remains intact it is possible to have it redone with new material to build it up if you are conscious about budget.

To prevent future tooth decay, you may want to alter how frequently you are eating. Although brushing and flossing everyday is important, snacking throughout the day will not enable you to stay on top of the decay. It’s best to brush each time you eat if your general dental health is a concern.

I hope this information was helpful in answering your question.

This post is sponsored by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

Links you may be interested in: CEREC crowns, emergency dentist

Cosmetic Dentistry

My porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are ugly

Many years ago, like 20 years or so, I had porcelain fused to metal crowns placed on my front top teeth. I think they look so terrible now. You can see this dark line when I smile. It makes me feel unhappy every time I look at them. Are Lumineers an option for me?

– Sally from Virginia

Sally,

What you have described is really quite simple for an expert cosmetic dentist. Yet it is important to realize how cosmetic dentistry truly is an art form. So be sure you understand the difference between a general dentist who says that they can do cosmetic dentistry and a true cosmetic dentist.

You can have the beautiful, white smile you long for. All new ceramic crowns is the way to go. They do not have any metal in them.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist 16th Street Dental Care.

Related posts: porcelain veneers, CEREC crowns

Dental Bonding

What do you recommend for a chipped tooth?

I have a chipped front tooth and I am trying to figure out what is better, dental bonding or a porcelain crown? I have done a lot of research about tooth bonding and my general dentist has told me that the bond won’t hold over time. She has recommended a porcelain crown to fix my chip. Can my chipped front tooth actually be corrected with dental bonding if I’m diligent in caring for it?

Thanks, Viv from Massachusetts

Dear Viv,

It turns out that many dentists are uncomfortable with direct bonding techniques. They will try to discourage you from this treatment. Although, it does hold up well and in most cases would be a good choice. There are likely several reasons for your dentist to recommend a crown. She may not have much experience with bonding. It requires artistic talent to do a good job. She may not carry all of the shades, textures, and varieties of bonding materials. Many general dentists only have a limited inventory of all-purpose bonding composites and do not have specialized bonding materials in stock. A cosmetic dentist will have the highly customized materials available that can make your tooth beautiful and will be long-lasting. Another reason she may recommend the crown is due to the higher cost of the bonding. Still another reason is that you may have an unusual bite that could potentially break off the bond, in which case the porcelain crown truly is best. It’s always good to get a second opinion. I would research an expert cosmetic dentist in your area. Good luck!

More information to fix a chip, read about porcelain veneers or CEREC crowns.