Hit in the mouth

My youngest was hit in the mouth at school. One of his teeth is loose as a result. Do I need to take him in to see the dentist or will this work itself out?

DeAnne G. – Idaho

DeAnne,

That depends on a few things. First, if it is an adult tooth, then yes, you definitely need to take your child in. Call your pediatric dentist right away. The tooth needs to be stabalized and your dentist needs to make sure there is not damage to the root.

If it is a baby tooth, you’re probably fine as long as you don’t see any trauma and as long as it isn’t a molar.

If you see trauma or if it is a molar you’ll also need to get in.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Teeth like headlights

My bff got some lumineers. There shape is good, which was a positive change. My only critisism is that they are too bright. It’s like looking at car headlights straight on. If I wanted to get Lumineers too, is there a way to keep that from happening?

Andrea K. –  Alabama

Andrea,

Color, like shape, is the patient’s choice. If your friend’s teeth were extremely bright, it is because that is the color she chose.

You’ll be free to choose something less bright, if you choose. I’d just be very clear with your dentist about what you’re looking for in your new smile when you go in for your Lumineers.

Be sure to speak up and try them on with a temporary paste before they are bonded on permanently. That way if you aren’t happy with them, changes can be made before it is too late.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Can’t afford the treatment I want

I lost a tooth due to an accident. I really want a dental implant to replace it, but became very depressed when I realized I couldn’t afford it.  I don’t want to be stuck with a removable denture for the rest of my life. I want something that stays in my mouth. I know this sounds like not a big deal, but to me it is everything. I’ve been crying for days.

Annalisa M. – Portland, OR

Annalisa,

There are times in our life when our heart’s desires and our pocket books do not match.  I know it is disappointing. Fortunately, there is an affordable dental solution that I think you’ll like better than a removable partial denture.

Under ethical standards, your dentist is supposed to give you all of your options. We aren’t always able to afford the ideal treatment. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have a suitable treatment anyway.

Has your dentist mentioned getting a dental bridge. It will use a false tooth suspended between two crowns. It’s not as ideal as a dental implant, but it is not a removable applicance like a partial denture.

You could use either of those two procedures as a permanent or temporary solution. Your heart is set on implants. You can have them, it just might take a little longer than you’d hoped. Get the solution you can afford now and save for the one you really want.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.