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writeradmin writes blog posts on behalf of Dr. Kevin Peck
Lumineers

My Dentist Is Trying to Force Lumineers on Me

I am feeling really pressured by my dentist. I told him I wanted to deal with my tooth gap, but don’t want braces. I’m too old for a mouth full of metal. He keeps insisting I get Lumineers. Six of them! That’s incredibly expensive. The tooth gap is only between my two front teeth. Is that really my only solution?

Lisa W. – Indiana

Lisa,

Wow! Dr. Peck does Lumineers, but just for smile makeovers. There are much less invasive and less costly solutions for something as simple as a tooth gap. First, though, let’s address braces. I certainly understand you not wanting a mouth full of metal, especially as an adult. I don’t know if you’re aware, but dental technology has improved significantly. We now have much better options available for orthodontics. Invisalign, for instance, can straighten your teeth with aligners people can’t see, even at a conversational distance. They can also do it in half the time of traditional braces.

But, if you’ve got your heart set against any form of orthodontics you still have another option. In fact, the typical solution for a tooth gap is to use dental bonding. Bonding uses the composite resin, like what you’d get in a white filling. This will not close the gap, like orthodontics, but it will fill it in so it looks closed. You’ll need to be certain to go to a cosmetic dentist, so you’re sure they know how to match the material to your tooth. You want it to be seamless.

While Lumineers are a massive overtreatment for what you’re trying to do, there is an exception. If there are other things about your smile you want to change, Lumineers can do anything you want. They can make your teeth longer or wider. They can change the color of your teeth. They can even change the shape. It truly can re-make the entire character of your smile.

If you get either of the last two options, their color is permanent, so if you’re not happy with the current brightness and color of your smile, now is the time to change that. Get your teeth whitened, then your dentist can match your bonding or Lumineers to the new spectacular color of your teeth.

Never let a dentist pressure you into a procedure, especially a cosmetic procedure. Lumineers are pricey. They can be worth it for what they’re designed to do, but using them for a simple tooth gap is an overtreatment. It sounds to me like your dentist is just try to make a quick buck at your expense.

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Affordable Dentist

Am I Being Ripped Off By My Affordable Dentist?

I intentionally chose an affordable dentist out of a directory because I do not have dental insurance. I’m a little behind on my regular checkups, so I expected to run into some snags, but I was totally unprepared for the total bill. First off, they charged me for a more expensive “deep” cleaning and for some kind or rinse or medication that was applied during it. On top of this, they hit me for two different kinds of x-rays, and then they recommended I get a fluoride treatment and come back in a few weeks for a follow-up visit with the hygienist, which also has a charge. I’m already out a few hundred bucks, and this doesn’t even include the fillings I need to have done. Does this sound right coming from an “affordable dentist?”

Celia

Dear Celia,

Affordable dentist can mean a different thing from one dentist to another. There isn’t an objective, standard fee for anything where someone who’s below that is considered more affordable. He could just mean he finds the most affordable solutions to your case. Or maybe he’s slightly lower than other dentists in the area.

However, you’re more concerned with the specific procedures. Most of these are fairly common if it’s been a while since you’ve gone to the dentist. The two types of x-rays are standard care. One is a panoramic, only done every few years. The other, the bitewings, are annual. These help the dentist detect decay between your teeth.

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, a deep cleaning may have been necessary. If your gums were inflamed and you had a lot of build-up, the hygienist probably did what’s known as a full mouth debridement. IF a patient has gum disease, they also often do scaling and root planing. In either case, a follow-up appointment is fairly typical. The reason for that is to be certain your situation is improving. They’re trying to forestall anything serious happening and keep you out of an emergency dentistry situation.

The cleaning solution and the fluoride aren’t always necessary. But, with gum disease, killing all the bacteria with a medicated rinse is helpful. Some offices charge for this service and some do not. The fluoride was likely recommended to help prevent decay, though it’s sometimes offered to adults with sensitive teeth, too.

Many offices that advertise as affordable will almost always have some form of payment plan available. I’d talk to the office and see what they had to offer. Ask them also to give some details on your prognosis and what to expect for future care.

This blog is brought to you by 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.