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writeradmin writes blog posts on behalf of Dr. Kevin Peck
Emergency Dentist

My Face is Swelling Near My Dental Implant

My dental implant has been feeling odd lately. It started hurting and now the surrounding gum feels bouncy. Now my jaw is hurting and it’s painful to eat. The dentist who did my implant is out of town. Do you have a recommendation on how I can take care of this?

Lucy D. – Montana

Lucy,

I’m a bit concerned about the situation you’re in. You’ve got an infection at your dental implant site. If this isn’t dealt with immediately two very bad things can happen.

1. You could die. I know it sounds ridiculous in the twenty-first century, but it still happens that people die from tooth infections. In fact, just this past February a 40-year-old man in California died when his tooth infection spread to his lungs. An equally great risk is your heart or brain, because of their proximity to your teeth.

Don’t think this can be treated just by taking antibiotics. Many people make that mistake and end up in quite the dental emergency pickle. Antibiotics will forestall the infection, but the only way to truly get rid of it is for the dentist to get in there and remove the infected portion.

2. Your implant can fail. If the infection really gets hold, you could lose the implant. If that happens, you can’t just get a new implant. You’ll need to have bone grafting done, then start all over with surgery and healing time, then finally get your implant crown again.

This needs to be dealt with right away. I do realize your dentist is out of town, but I”m sure he has some procedures in place for dental emergencies. If not, then you can just do a Google search for an emergency dentist.

If you get the care you need soon, you’ll have a much better chance of saving your implant.

Now that I”ve likely completely depressed you (sorry about that), let me cheer you up. Once your implant site is healthy, you’re going to love having it as a tooth replacement. Nothing comes closer to having a healthy, natural tooth back. I’m sure your dentist has told you this as well, but you’ll be able to eat, brush, and floss normally. No restrictions.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Pediatric Dentistry

What the Real Reason My Toddler Can’t Get a Dental Flipper?

My son lost a tooth prematurely. He’s only three and it’s a front tooth. I’ve been told children’s teeth shift if the spaces are left open. I asked my pediatric dentist to provide him with a dental flipper. Instead, the dentist started shouting. He said it was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard. No child can sit still for a flipper. I’m not only offended, I’m sure with sedation it could be done. Unless you give me a better reason, I’m going to a different dentist.

Marilyn H. – Michigan

Marilyn,

I’m sorry your dentist was rude. That’s not a great way to build trust with patients, especially when you’re talking about their child’s dental health. While I’m sure you could work with sedation, the pediatric dentist is right, a dental flipper is a bad idea. Here’s why.

1. A child’s mouth is constantly growing. The flipper won’t fit for long. You’d have to keep making a new one.
2. It’s a choking hazard. Flippers are removable appliances. Even if he didn’t pull at it, which is highly unlikely, it could just slip out and he’ll partially swallow it.

I have some great news for you, though. The only teeth where you have to worry about shifting are the back teeth. In those cases, we’d place a space maintainer to prevent the shifting. Also, your child’s age means he won’t be self-conscious about the tooth loss. In fact, he might be proud he’s the first among his friends to lose a baby teeth.

You didn’t mention how he lost his tooth. If it was due to trauma, it might be a good idea to have the adult tooth checked for damage. In the unlikely event the adult tooth is damaged, don’t panic. There are plenty of options for his adult tooth. Dentistry has developed tremendously. Even if he completely lost the adult tooth (and again, unlikely, so don’t panic), we now have dental implants that mimic having a natural tooth exactly, even down to the tooth root.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Lumineers

Lumineers or Crowns for a Tooth Gap?

I have a gap between two of my teeth. I’d done some research. Before you roll your eyes I did go to my dentist with an open mind. My research said that Lumineers were the best solution. The teeth are healthy, so I figured something that didn’t require removing tooth structure was best. My dentist felt that Lumineers are flawed. I told him I was married to the brand. He could use any brand he wanted. He said all veneers have t he same problem. He suggested we do crowns and we do it right away. I’m hesitating because it means grinding down healthy teeth. What would you do?

Macy L. – Colorado

Macy,

There’s nothing wrong with doing research. In your case, you had a good idea. Why remove healthy tooth structure? Your dentist was being honest too. If he says Lumineers or other brands of porcelain veneers will be problematic, it’s likely true— in his case. Not all dentists are skilled in cosmetic work. When that’s the case, they tend to go directly to porcelain crowns.

You have a couple of choices. 1. You can go along and do the procedure your dentist is comfortable with. Don’t press him to do the Lumineers. He won’t know what he’s doing and it won’t turn out the way you want. 2. You can go to a different, more skilled, cosmetic dentist. Then you can get the procedure you want. There’s another option that hasn’t been mentioned. Dental bonding is a good solution to a tooth gap. It doesn’t last as long as Lumineers, but dental bonding is significantly less expensive.

I would get Lumineers if you were interested in fixing more than just the gap. It can change the shape, size, and color of the teeth, completely remaking your smile. To me, that would make the expense of Lumineers worth it. Other than that, I’d likely go with the bonding procedure. Though, it’s up to you. Maybe you’d just rather have a procedure that won’t have to be re-done every few years.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Affordable Dental Care for Domestic Violence Victims

I don’t know if there is a program available to help me, but I’m just hoping. I was in a difficult relationship where there was physical abuse. Most of my teeth have been broken or damaged, so my smile is ugly. I’ve left the abuser, but that puts me in the predicament of having to provide for myself. I’m having trouble getting a job because of my appearance. I can’t even get an entry level job such as working in a fast food place or a mall shop. I’m sure it’s my appearance keeping me from being hired, but I have no money to do anything about it. Are there any affordable ways to help people in my predicament?

Eileen K. – Washington

Eileen,

I’m sorry for what you’ve had to live through. Let me say, however, that you’re brave and strong for getting out of that situation. You’re likely right that the damage to your smile is keeping you from being hired. Though it is unfair, we’re an appearance driven society. I have a few things I want you to try out.

1. Do an internet search for an “affordable dentist” in your area. Dentists often go into the field because they want to help people. Dentists who advertise as affordable tend to be even more compassionate. They charge less because they want to help people without resources. If you explain your situation, you’ll likely find a dentist willing to work with you.

2. Another option is a longshot, but it’s worth trying. The Give Back a Smile Program is designed to help victims of domestic violence. Dentists donate their time to repair the smiles of victims who’ve suffered domestic violence. Obviously, they don’t have unlimited resources, but it’s worth applying.

3. Dental schools will treat patients at discounted prices. Bear in mind that those treating you are still learning, but they are well supervised by their instructors.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Is There Affordable Dentistry for the Unemployed?

My dad was laid off, after 30+ years with the same company. Can you believe that? It’s so annoying. Now he has a toothache he’s hiding, but I’ve noticed. He’s a proud man and won’t accept help from me. I know him enough to know that he’s trying to wait it out until he finds employment again. I’m worried whatever the problem is will grow and spread. Is there a way to get him affordable dentistry?

Abigail L. – Delaware

Abigail,

I love that you’re looking out for your father. I also like he’s a man who likes to stand on his own two feet. However, you’re right. He needs to get this treated. It can blow up into an infection and infections spread. Even in the 21st century, people die from tooth infections. He has a couple of options, though.

First, he could just go to his normal dentist. Even if he’s not what you’d normally consider an “affordable dentist“, if your father’s been a long time patient, he’ll almost certainly work with him on payments.

If your father’s dentist is inflexible and doesn’t do payment plans, it’s perfectly acceptable for him to see another dentist in emergency situations. This definitely qualifies as a dental emergency. Many emergency dentists also have payment plans. They do that because they realize people end up with tooth infections when they avoid the dentist because of cost. They’ll either have in-office payment plans or use Care Credit.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Can I Self-Medicate Before Going to the Dentist’s Office?

I’m not a fan of the dentist. But, I’ve got a toothache and need to go. I have a valium prescription. Can I just take one of those before I go in? Also, I don’t have a dentist. Is there a secret passcode to get in quickly?

Stina L. – Georgia

Stina,

We’ll start with the secret passcode. Generally, if you tell a dentist you have a dental emergency they’ll try hard to fit you in. Most dentists are compassionate and got into the field because they want to help people.

Now, if you get that appointment we need to help you with your anxiety. While you can take valium, it will affect what your dentist is able to do. Some medications he’ll need to give you could be contraindicative for valium. I have a solution for you, though.

When you google for emergency dentists, look for one who also does sedation dentistry. This is actually better than valium. Depending on the type of sedation used, it can give you a completely relaxed, pain-free experience.

If, for some reason, you decide to just take the valium instead be sure you let the dentist know you took some, along with any other medication in your system. Even tell him about over-the-counter medication. It’s important you do that. It could save your life.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Phoenix Dentist

Think I’m Being Ripped Off By Pediatric Dentist

I’m so frustrated with my pediatric dentist. I’m about to take my daughter to a general dentist if they’ll take her, just to leave this clinic. First, they insisted that my daughter get dental sealants. I didn’t mind that because I see the benefit of getting sealants. What I did mind was them insisting I have her use nitrous oxide to get the procedure. In fact, they refused to do the procedure without it without giving an explanation. Then, after I forked out all that money out of pocket, several sealants fell out sometime between her getting them on and her next check-up six months later. Now they’re insisting I pay to have them done again. Can I just go to a different dentist? Will they make her use nitrous?

Deanna L. – Colorado

Deanna,

Yes, sealants are important for young kids. They have a hard time getting down into those crevices of their molars. Sealants help protect them from decay. I’m not sure about the insistence of nitrous. That sounds like an unnecessary expense. Placing sealants is fast and painless. The dentist just paints them on. I’m also not sure why they fell off so quickly, unless your daughter eats a lot of sticky or hard candy. Ideally, they should have offered to replace them.

To answer your other question, no your daughter doesn’t have to go to a pediatric dentist. General dentists are qualified to treat young children. The trick will be finding one who enjoys it. You want them to be pleasant and fun with your child. One way to know how they really feel about children is to ask when they first want to see children. If they say two or three years old, then you can be sure they enjoy children. If they say 8-10, I’d move on to another dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Lumineers

Can I Get a Refund for Broken and Discolored Lumineers?

I had lumineers placed on my top six teeth. Five went on fine, but the sixth one broke as he tried to place it. Then, when the replacement Lumineer came in, it didn’t match the others. Can I just get a refund?

Jenna L. – MIssouri

Jenna,

IF you are otherwise happy with how the rest of the Lumineers look, I might give your dentist a chance to make it right first. If you don’t like the way they look overall, then, yes, I’d ask for a refund and go to a different cosmetic dentist for your smile makeover.

With Lumineers, especially, you often end up with an inexperienced cosmetic dentist doing the work. They’re advertised to general dentists as being an easy cosmetic procedure to place. While they may be easy to place, getting them beautiful is something completely different. That requires more skill.

If you decide to go for a refund and get a different cosmetic dentist. Let me suggest you look at some of their before and after photos. Also, many good cosmetic dentists offer a beautiful smile guarantee. In Dr. Peck’s case, he doesn’t permanently bond on your veneers until you’re completely happy with them.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Affordable Root Canal Now

I fear I’m developing an emergency situation and need a root canal right away. I’ve had a cavity that I haven’t dealt with simply because of finances. I predicted I’d have enough money in two more paychecks. But, this morning I woke up with a swollen face. I fear it’s worse than I thought. Is there any way to deal with this in an affordable way quickly or am I stuck waiting for another month?

Laura O. – Illinois

Laura,

You’re in a bit of a pickle. I don’t want you to think I’m insensitive to your situation because I’m not. Before discussing your options, I wanted to make sure you understood how serious this is. It seems like you have some idea based on what you’ve written above. I just want to make sure you know that people still die from tooth infections. The good news is they rarely die from it when they get timely treatment. There is hope.

There are dentists who, not only strive to be affordable dentists, but will work with you on payments. Most dentists have payment plan uptions either in-office or through Care Credit. Let them know what’s going on and I’m sure you’ll find a dentist willing to work you.

Worst case scenario, you can go to your primary care physician and get some antibiotics. IT will not cure your infection. but it will buy you some time. Just don’t take too much time.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Errors and Overcharges From an “Affordable Dentist”

I recently visited a doctor who advertised as an “affordable dentist.” One of my premolars became a problem suddenly. I was in agony and my whole face was swollen. I knew I couldn’t wait until I had more money and see my regular office, so I looked up the name of an affordable dentist online and scheduled right away. I thought I was lucky because he was charging hundreds less for the root canal, but my experience was horrific. He went through the process of doing the root canal and spent nearly two hours doing it. I was almost in tears because he kept jerking my head around and my mouth was open for practically the whole time. Then, he tells me that he wants to prepare the tooth for a crown then and there. He said that the decay was bad and he wanted to get at least that much squared away. I agreed to it, thinking the guy was looking out for me. When he was removing the cavity, I felt it give way and he muttered something and left the room. A few minutes later, another assistant came in and told me my tooth would need to be extracted.

I thought I was lucky because he was charging hundreds less for the root canal, but my experience was horrific. He was rough, made me keep my mouth open for two straight hours while he yanked and grabbed violently.  I was almost in tears.  Then, he tells me that he wants to prepare the tooth for a crown then and there. He said that the decay was bad and he wanted to get at least that much squared away. I agreed to it, thinking the guy was looking out for me. When he was removing the cavity, I felt it give way and he muttered something and left the room. A few minutes later, another assistant came in and told me my tooth would need to be extracted.

I agreed to the extraction and the doctor came back and did it. I wasn’t thinking and just left afterward, only to get a bill about a week later for the root canal and the extraction. I called the office and the lady said the doctor deserved to be paid for his time. Clearly, he was no affordable dentist, but can they actually do this? Is there a law or a rule that protects me here? This wasn’t my fault and I shouldn’t pay for both. I don’t think I should pay at all after facing such horrendous treatment. What now?

Scarlett – Washington

Scarlett,

It sounds like he was a little sketchy on the ethics in billing –. Certainly inconsiderate. I understand your frustration. You went to an affordable dentist because you needed the affordable part. This seems like a stab in the back.

My advice would be to first get a copy of your x-ray, so if you need a second opinion on whether he missed something you can get it. Then, talk with their office manager. Tell her it is fair for you to pay for the extraction. .

If that’s not enough, try talking to the dentist directly. Show your x-rays to your current dentist. He should be able to tell you if the other dentist ignored something obvious.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.