All posts by alliotte

sedation dentist

Is Sedation Dentistry Necessary For My Child?

My daughter is eight. She is a sweet, cooperative little girl, and generally healthy. We have maintained consistent dental habits, which include flossing and using mouthwash daily. She was recently diagnosed with a cavity at her last dental checkup.

When we returned to the dentist office for the cavity to be filled, she seemed a bit fidgety. It was as if she couldn’t get comfortable, and was nervous. This wasn’t surprising, as this was the first dental procedure she’d undergone. Therefore, I decided to leave the room, thinking my presence was causing her to be additionally worried, as sometimes has happened with her.

After some time had passed, I assumed everything was going smoothly, until I heard her screaming. When I rushed into the exam room, I found her curled into a ball on the table, unable to be consoled by the dentist or his assistant.

The dentist exited the room, to give me an opportunity to calm her down. When I asked the assistant to tell me what happened, she informed me that my daughter had clamped down on the dentist’s hand when he was trying to numb her, biting him, then began flailing and flinging her arms and legs. This also caused her to bite down on the drill, which cracked his tooth.

The dentist returned to check in on my daughter, but mentioned to me that a pediatric dentist may be a better fit.

I am concerned about the trauma this caused her, and what to do going forward. She is now in need of a crown, and I want to be sure this situation does not repeat itself. Should I consider sedation prior to her next procedure? I know very little about it, or its possible side effects, but know that my daughter cannot have another experience like this one.

Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Janice

Dear Janice,

It is unfortunate that your daughter went through this experience, especially considering she had several positive dental visits prior to this one.

It is good that your dentist suggested you find see a pediatric dentist, especially since she now has further damage, and has experienced such trauma. Perhaps you could schedule a routine checkup for your daughter with a pediatric dentist first. This way, she can learn about the dentist, become familiar with the office, and understanding what goes into a child’s first visit to a dentist.

Once she has a positive experience with the dentist, you could schedule a follow-up appointment for the crown procedure. And, you are correct, sedation dentistry may be the best option for her. But, dental anxiety is best addressed by communicating with your dentist. Perhaps you can privately share about her previous dental experience. This way, the pediatric dentist can help you determine if sedation dentistry is the route you should go, or, if there are other ways to address her nervousness and anxiety.

The right choice will ultimately depend on what types of sedation the dentist offers, as well as what you feel is the best fit for your daughter.

This blog post is brought to you by the office of Dr. Matt Roper, a Gilbert sedation dentist.

Pediatric Dentistry

How do pediatric dentists treat children who won’t cooperate?

Many dentists enjoy treating children, even children who are somewhat difficult to treat. They enjoy them, have fun with them, and find fulfillment in focusing on the children and helping them receive the care they need and deserve. However, even if a parent does all he or she can to prepare a child for their appointment, one of the biggest obstacles in treating children is their movement. Some children will not lay still.

Methods for Controlling Child Movement During Dental Procedures

One way a dentist could attempt to control movement is with the use of a mouth prop, called a molt mouth gag to prevent the young patients from biting down during a procedure, and causing further pain and damage.

photo of a mouth molt gag
Mouth molt gag

However, some children are more difficult to control and need more restraint, in order to treat them effectively and safely. Even with multiple attempts to calm them down, some children still throw their arms and legs, risking their safety and preventing treatment. For these children, parents will be asked for permission to physically restrain their child. When permission is granted, the dentist may wrap the child in a papoose, and then complete the treatment.

Child in dental office wrapped in papoose
Papoose

The papoose technique is not meant to be harmful, traumatic, or mean. It is only used on incredibly strong-willed children who refuse to lay still, thus making it impossible to treat them safely. It ultimately allows the child to calm down.

When the successful treatment is complete, the child will be congratulated, often given a chance to pick a toy or treat from the prize box or treasure chest, and walk away feeling good.

This article was provided by the office of Phoenix pediatric dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.

 

Affordable Dentist

Is an Affordable Dentist Possible Without Dental Insurance?

I’m in my late thirties and have never been the best at taking care of my teeth. I have been without dental insurance for the last couple of years, and, therefore, haven’t had a checkup in well over that amount of time.

I am a contract employee, which means I don’t have dental insurance, and, recently, found myself without any work. The nature of my unemployment status has me under more stress than ever before and I’m discovering that I am grinding my teeth when I sleep. In fact, I think I may have a cracked tooth because of the grinding.

I am certain I have a myriad of other dental issues which need addressed, since I haven’t been seen for quite some time. I know that I can’t put dental care off any longer, but am concerned about the cost, since I don’t have dental insurance.

Is it even possible to find a cheap dentist who does quality work?

Thank you,
Erica

Dear Erica,

It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a run of bad luck. Unfortunately, searching for a cheap dentist will likely yield cheap care. If you seek dentists that are promoting the fact that they offer cheaper rates than their competitors, you will more than likely get what you pay for. Your treatment could be quick and rushed, the quality of care could be less, or you could be one of several patients being seen at the same time.

The best route to take is to try to focus your search on finding a quality dentist, who does a great job, yet is within your budget parameters. There are several considerations when doing this.

What to Consider When Looking for an Affordable Dentist

You mentioned not having dental insurance. One option to consider is getting dental insurance of your own. Many of the major insurance providers offer policies similar to what you would have through an employer. It just isn’t subsidized, as it would be with an employer. You would likely pay something in the range of $50 per month, maybe more, maybe less. If this is something to consider, don’t wait, as many policies require a specific waiting period.

Another consideration is looking into a practices that offers financial arrangements. Some offices offer discounts for cash paying customers who pay in full. Many offices offer financing options through programs such as CareCredit. CareCredit is a program which offers no interest payment plans for a specified period of time.

A third option to consider is arranging your dental procedures in an order which allows you to budget for them. Ask the dentist which procedures are priority and should be addressed soon, then stager the remaining procedures.

Finally, you are right to want to take care of the teeth grinding, before any major problems begin to occur. Grinding teeth can wear your teeth down greatly, causing a need for crowns and fillings. It can also cause teeth to break, or loosen, and can ultimately cause jaw issues. All of which will become worse if left untreated. If your grinding your teeth at night, be sure to address this with a dentist, as you could be fitted for a night guard.

If you are grinding your teeth during the day, due to stress-inducing clenching or grinding, this is different. Because it is impractical to leave a night guard in all day and night, there are other techniques that can help to prevent daytime grinding. Many people have good luck learning to practice techniques of mindfulness and relaxation. Therefore, if you find yourself beginning to clench your jaw, or grind your teeth during the waking hours, you could try to think of something that relaxes you, or meditate briefly.

Many of these considerations will allow you to address your dental needs with a quality, affordable dentist, which staying within your budget.

Good luck!

This blog article is provided by the office of Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

 

 

Lumineers

Difference between lumineers and veneers

My two front teeth are badly messed up. One is too thin and misshapen, and the other is badly chipped. I know I have to do something.

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are both options I am considering. I visited a cosmetic dentist who suggested veneers, since my teeth are so badly damaged. However, I’m wondering which is the most durable option.

The procedure will take almost every penny I have to my name, so I want to be very confident in the choice I go with.

Can you advise me on the two options, and let me know which is the best route to go?

Thank you,
Emily

Emily,
It’s important to understand the relationship between Lumineers and porcelain veneers. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers, just like Ford and Honda are brands of cars.

The brand of veneers used by a dentist varies, as does the skill level of dentists who are veneer providers. There are dentists who are incredibly talented when it comes to procedures like this and attract a clientele including models, actors and actresses, and patients will fly across the country for their artistry. While there are other dentists who pay no attention to the appearance or beauty of a new smile, and focus only on the technicality of the procedures.

Considerations When Looking for a Lumineer Provider

Many dentists selected this profession because of their interest in fixing things, improving things, operating. Not all dentists further their education beyond these aspects. Therefore, not all dentists who perform cosmetic dentistry are cosmetic dentists.

One of the first steps is selecting an experienced cosmetic dentist. Because cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a specialty endorsed by the American Dental Association, any dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. Expert cosmetic dentists have education which extends beyond that taught in a dental program. They participate in continuing education hours which provide further training, and they have in-depth experience in many cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Also pay attention to the reviews left by other dental patients, as well as the dentist’s smile gallery. A dentist’s gallery displays photos of before and after shots. Pay particular attention to those which have Lumineers or porcelain veneers. Look for traits in the smiles that you are hopeful to eventually see in yourself.

Also consider talking with the dentist. Many dentists offer a complimentary consultation, during which the patient is given a brief amount of time to ask questions. This will give you an opportunity to determine the dentist’s opinion on Lumineers, and porcelain veneers in general.

It’s important to put more emphasis on selecting the right dentist. Then, he or she will help you determine what the right fit is for your veneers.

Good luck!

This article was brought to you by the office of Phoenix Lumineer provider, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Elderly Parent Losing Teeth

My elderly father recently had some teeth filled. He also has one partial tooth. All of which are in the same general area, in the lower part of his jaw. However, in the last couple of days, two of his front teeth fell out. Because his gums and remaining teeth are not in the best health, we are in need of affordable dental options to remedy the issue.

Thank you,
Mindi

Dear Mindi,

If your father’s teeth fell out, completely on their own, that is a case of advanced periodontal disease. If this is in fact the case, there are likely few to no solid teeth left. Therefore, you have a few options.

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

The most ideal solution would be dental implants. However, your father would need a full-mouth reconstruction, which would likely cost over $20,000.

Another option to consider is removable dentures. One problem with removable dentures is they cause bone resorption. However, since your father is in his elderly years, this would not be an issue.

A third option is a partial denture. A partial is built like a complete denture, but has holes in it, allowing the existing teeth to poke through. This is a more stable option that allows holes to be closed up with artificial teeth should additional teeth fall out.

If you have not already done so, you should consult with your dentist, and let him know your father’s budget constraints up front. His dentist will likely share financial options with you, that will make the dental treatments more affordable.

This blog post was brought to you by Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

Is my child too young for a flipper?

My three year old daughter lost her two front teeth after she experienced a nasty fall on our front sidewalk. We recently moved to a new community and were testing the waters with a new dentist. When we visited with him about her losing her front teeth, I asked about flippers, or some form of cosmetic teeth. The dentist rudely informed me that she was too young for a flipper and and will not cooperate for that sort of procedure. Do you agree? I assume a procedure like this wouldn’t be covered by our medical coverage, and the kits which can be purchased online are all made for adults. I am just concerned about future repercussions of this and taking any more time than we already have to address the issue. Thank you for your input!
Mary


Dear Mary,
How awful that your young daughter experienced such a fall! It is also unfortunate that the dentist you visited gave you such a response. Nonetheless, he is correct. It would be nearly impossible for a child the age of your daughter to understand the importance of complying with a procedure for a flipper. In addition, there are other issues to consider for a child of this age.

Issues With Young Child Receiving a Flipper

Safety is a major concern. Just as it is hazardous to allow young children to play with small toys, or toys with small parts that have the potential to come loose and cause them to choke, something like a flipper has the potential to also come loose and is also a choking hazard.

Functionality is also a consideration. Metal clips or plastic parts clip or press against the other teeth in order to hold a flipper in place. Because a child’s mouth and teeth are constantly developing and changing at this age, it would be impossible for an appliance such as this to stay in place for any lengthy period of time.

Positive Points to Consider with Premature Loss of Front Teeth

Fortunately, there are some positive points to consider in this situation. To start with, your daughter’s baby teeth won’t move because of missing front teeth. When baby teeth change position, it is a result of missing back teeth lost too early. When this is the case, a space maintainer is often a necessity. A second consideration is that, at this age, children are not self-conscious about missing teeth. Children of all ages are missing teeth, either because they haven’t grown in yet, or because they have lost their baby teeth and their permanents have yet to grow in. Therefore, it is quite common to see a child without all of his or her teeth.

Overall, this is not an issue to worry about.

This post was brought to you by Phoenix pediatric dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

What should i do to find a good affordable dentist?

It seems there is a bit of irony in the phrase “affordable dentist.” As someone who is in need of several dental procedures, I have not been able to secure dental insurance until the last few months. The first dental provider I visited recommended treatment to the tune of almost $12,000. That is completely unrealistic for my budget, so I set out to find a dentist would could provide the services I need for a lesser cost. However, in my research, I’m concluding that the dental offices who showcase their low costs come with poor reviews. And, those which I have visited, feel like the dentist is running an assembly line, quickly moving through as many procedures as possible.

Because I am in need of a great deal of dental work, it is crucial that I find a dentist with whom I can connect with and feel comfortable around.

Is it possible to find a dentist who will provide quality work for a reasonable cost?

Thank you,
Will

Dear Will,
You ask wonderful questions. Rest assured, this situation is quite common. However, the remedy will require a different way of thinking.

Thought it may appear that, when comparing the services from various dentists, that they are the same, regardless of the procedures, the individual dentists have their own unique approaches. Try to consider the dentists’ perspective, as there are only so many ways costs can be reduced. A dentist could:

  1. Monitor and limit the time they are with patients (this sounds similar to the tactics you mentioned above).
  2. Select materials which are cheaper.
  3. Reduce the amenities they offer and/or the size of their team, or have team members with less experience.

Unfortunately, doing any of the above would reduce the quality of your experience and services you receive and you would want to steer clear of offices that do them. However, these are characteristics of cheap dentistry.

The solution is more about finding a good dentist who is affordable. There are several considerations when doing this.

  1. Look for an office who will separate your treatment plan into smaller sections. This will allow you to pay for the services as you receive them and your budget allows.
  2. Consider offices who offer financing options. Many offer this in-house through their office, or use services such as CareCredit.
  3. If you don’t currently have dental insurance, get it. Or, if you do have it, look into getting a secondary plan. You can get on a good PPO for under $50 a month, but be cognisant of wait periods, as some companies require waiting over a year for services.
  4. Prioritize and address the most pressing needs first, and as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the longer you go without fixing dental problems, the more expensive they become.
  5. Be sure you are getting the most out of your insurance benefits. Ask questions and find out as much about your benefits as you can. Determine if there are other options that will allow the insurance company to cover more, or be sure you use every dime of the amount they pay.

If you find an office that you connect with, be sure to let them know your budget. Ideally, the best practices will offer to find ways to help ensure you get the treatment you need, even if you have to start slow and go at the pace which your budget allows.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix affordable dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Is a cracked porcelain crown an emergency?

My front teeth have had porcelain crowns for many years. The left one has had a small imperfection on it all this time, but is was not visible to the eye. However, I am now beginning to see it and am able to feel it. I worry that the crown will soon break and I will lose it. If replacing the crown is necessary, I’ll go that route, but want to be sure this is not something for which I should see an emergency dentist.

Thank you,
Eric

Dear Eric,

While this is not an emergency, it would be a good idea to find an experienced cosmetic dentist and have the crown replaced. If not, you are correct, you will chance it completely breaking.

You mentioned that, while your crown has always had a slight imperfection, you were unable to see it or feel it. This is called a craze line. Teeth and porcelain have these and they are typically no reason for concern. However, you mentioned that you are now able to see the defect, as well as feel it. This indicates there has been movement which has resulted in the now visible difference in the surface of the crown.

Once a cosmetic dentist has the opportunity to assess the crowns, he or she may suggest replacing all of them, due to their age, or just the one. If just the one crown is replaced, the color-matching skill of the dentist will need to be excellent, in order to ensure the new crown matches the original ones. Do be cautious if you are told that the only way to ensure a perfect color match is to replace all of the crowns. That is a clear sign that the dentist does not have the skill-set to match the new crown to the original one.

This post is sponsored by Phoenix emergency dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Lumineers

Are lumineers a good option for your teeth?

Many dental professionals have differing opinions regarding Lumineers. Below is a breakdown of information to aid you in determining if they are the best dental option for you.

How do Lumineers work?

Just like Nike is a brand of shoes and Pepsi is a brand of soda, Lumineers is a brand of veneers. And, just like Pepsi and Nike, there are other brands of incredibly thin veneers, as well as unbranded options.

Ultra-thin veneers improve smiles in many ways

  • More vivid and uniform tooth coloring
  • Repair chips
  • Close gaps
  • Creates a celebrity-like smile

No-prep or low-prep option
Porcelain veneers are traditionally used to create a celebrity-like smile. In these veneers, a porcelain layer is applied to the front of the tooth, and around the sides and biting surface. A small portion of the tooth’s structure will need to be removed anywhere where the porcelain is, in order for the shell to fit naturally and create a uniform look. If a tooth is unstraight, or sticks out further than its neighbor teeth, more of the tooth’s structure may be taken off, in order for it to look straight once the veneer is on. Not all patients need such changes though, and for these cases, the ultrathin option is ideal. The are approximately as thick as a fingernail, and some of the brands claim that no prepping or removing of the tooth’s structure is necessary with the veneer be placed on top. However, this is rarely the case, as additional bulk is created, as well as an unnatural look, resulting in unhappy patients. Therefore, dentists tend to use the ultra-thin veneers as a low-prep alternative.

Do Lumineers harm your teeth?

Whether it be traditional, low-prep, or no-prep option, placing veneers will permanently alter the structure of a tooth. Even the no-prep alternative roughens the surface of the tooth to allow the veneer shell to adhere. Because the change to the tooth is permanent with any of these options, there will always need to be a covering on that tooth.

Ultra-thin veneers are a safe option

The ultra-thin veneers are an approach that is minimally invasive, yet can yield significant results. They are the effective choice when a smile makeover is desired, but teeth are not in need of extensive alterations. However, they are not always the most appropriate option for every scenario. For some people that are not a candidate for the ultra-thin option, the traditional porcelain veneers are a good alternative. A small amount of enamel is removed in both situations.

This article is brought to you by Phoenix Lumineer dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Should my son see an emergency dentist for his wisdom teeth?

I am concerned that my son needs to visit an emergency dentist. His wisdom teeth have been causing him a great deal of pain for the last several days. They are even preventing him from eating. I encouraged him to make an appointment with an emergency dentist, but he didn’t see the need, stating that it happens sometimes. He did let me take a quick glance. While I couldn’t see the tooth, I did notice the gums are swollen up around the tooth. He is convinced this is completely normal and the tooth just hasn’t pushed all the way through yet. Is this something you see often? Or, should I continue to encourage him to see an emergency dentist?

Thank you,
Kristi

Dear Kristi,
Everyone is different. Some people have wisdom teeth break through later in life, while others never get them, or need them to be extracted. The most important piece to this is how the wisdom teeth come in and the amount of space around them. These teeth can cause problems because there is little room for them. They force other teeth out of the way and move everything. It is difficult to clean these teeth, not only because of the cramped space, but because the gums are still covering some of the wisdom teeth. Infections and tooth decay can occur when the gums lift up enough for food and bacteria to enter and become trapped.

Wisdom teeth can also cause pain in other, more typical, ways. Sometimes, when they push the surrounding teeth out of the way, that can cause those teeth to hurt, though sometimes the pain is just in one area. Yet other times, the pain stays in one area. They can also cause sinus, jaw, and ear pain. A general dentist would probably suggest the teeth be taken out. However, because you are noticing swollen gums, it could be a symptom of an infection. In addition, if the pain is so intense that it is preventing eating, there is certainly a problem. Both of these symptoms yield a reason to see an emergency dentist if he doesn’t have a general dentist who can see him very soon. If there is, in fact, an infection, it is crucial he be seen today.

This article is sponsored by Phoenix emergency dentist, Dr. Hillary Peck.