Peck Family Dentistry Blog

Categories

Archives

  • Two of My Lumineers are Changing Color

    I got six Lumineers. I was happy with them, but two of them seemed a little darker than the others. The dentist assured me they were fine  and the difference in their appearance was just a matter of the lighting in his office. However, even at home they look darker and seem to be getting darker every day. There is a bluish tint to them. What do I do?

    Elisabeth T. – Missouri

    Elisabeth,

    Based on what you’ve said, and bear in mind that I haven’t examined you, it sounds like there is not a good seal on two of the Lumineers. That would allow food and drink to seep underneath which is not only causing the stained appearance, but will lead to decay.

    Talk to your dentist and give him a chance to make it right. If he seems unwilling, you can always get a second opinion. Pressure from a peer’s opinion saying that it is improperly sealed may persuade him to make it right.

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

  • What If I Can’t Afford to Fix My Wisdom Teeth?

    I need some help. I have a rotting and decaying wisdom tooth, that is causing severe throbbing and pain. Now the surrounding teeth are starting to decay; some already have holes in them. I’ve started to get pressure just to the side and below of my eyebrow, right along my left cheek bone closer to my ear. Should I rush to the ER or just get antibiotics and have it handled by a dentist when I can afford it?

    Eric – Tennessee

    Eric,
    A very bad idea to try to get by or to try to just take some antibiotics. In fact, it won’t work.  An infected tooth is different than an infection in your body. The antibiotics only get to your blood stream, which won’t reach the inside of your tooth. The infection will just blow up again.

    Believe it or not, people still die from tooth infections. I wouldn’t trifle with an infected wisdom tooth. It’s swelling around your eye now. What if this infection spreads to your brain? What will you do then?

    There are affordable dentists that would be willing to work with you. Do an internet search then tell them your circumstances., I’m willing to bet more than one of them will be willing to work with you.

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

  • Is there an Affordable Way to Fix My Mouth?

    I have neglected my teeth just a bit, then had a car accident that caused some mouth damage. I went to a dentist just to get an idea of what all needs to be done. Wow! Was I in for some sticker shock. I have three cavities, two chipped teeth, one cracked tooth, and two teeth knocked out. Apparently, medical insurance doesn’t cover dental issues, even after an accident. Is there an affordable way to get all this done?

    Jeanna – San Diego

    Jeanna,

    You’re right. Medical insurance will not generally cover any dental work. It’s a shame too, because dental problems have a negative impact on your overall health.

    The first thing I would do is talk to your dentist about your financial situation.  He can help you prioritize your treatments from most urgent down.

    Then, ask what kind of affordable options he has for you. Most dentists have payment plans, or even a discount program that they run in-office.

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

  • Will Emergency Bonding Last?

    I had some trauma to my front tooth. I made a trip to an emergency dentist. He did an x-ray, said the tooth looked good and then used some kind of emergency bonding to repair a chip that happened as a result of the trauma.  How long will that bonding last? I’d want an idea of when it will have to be replaced with permanent bonding.

    Andrew P. – Oklahoma

    Andrew,

    I’m glad you were able to get this taken care of quickly. Emergency dental bonding is permanent bonding. So, if it was done properly, it should last for at least a couple of years.

    Dental Trauma can be tricky, so even though you’ve seen an emergency dentist, I’d be more at peace if you followed up with your regular dentist in a few days. I’m not implying the emergency dentist missed something.

    Trauma to a tooth can cause the blood flow to be cut off from the tooth, causing the tooth to die. That doesn’t show up on an x-ray. The first signs could be bruising under the tooth or an abscess. So, follow up is important.

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

  • How Many X-Rays Are Really Necessary?

    Can you give me an unbiased perspective? Our pediatric dentist insists on x-rays every. single. visit. I think that’s a little excessive, both for the cost and the radiation. Is that really necessary?

    Emily S. – Oregon

    Emily,

    Well, truthfully, the standard is x-rays once a year. Twice a year is not completely necessary, unless there is a special reason. For instance, if you have a family history of cavities or the dentist noticed something about your children’s teeth.

    Talk to your dentist about it. If there’s nothing specific, then tell your pediatric dentist you prefer to only do the x-rays once a year.

    Regarding the radiation, that’s perfectly safe. Most dentist use digital x-rays which have much less radiation than traditional x-rays.  Your children aren’t getting very much radiation.

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

  • Are Lumineers Visible?

    I have teeth in need of a smile makeover. I suggested Lumineers, but my dentist is against it. He says Lumineers or any brand of porcelain veneers aren’t good enough. He told me that people can tell when you’re wearing them. Instead he suggested cosmetic crowns. I’m not crazy about that, because even though my teeth are ugly, they are healthy. I don’t want to get rid of healthy tooth structure.

    Kelli M. – South Dakota

    Kelli,

    You’re certainly thinking more clearly than your dentist. There is no reason to grind down healthy tooth structure, especially since he’s wrong about Lumineers.

    When porcelain veneers are done properly, they are indistinguishable from natural teeth. They are the ideal treatment for a smile makeover. But, it has to be done right.

    Don’t pressure your dentist to do this though.  You won’t get the smile you were hoping for.  My suggestion is you look for someone else to do your smile makeover. Ask to see their smile gallery to make sure they do beautiful work.

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

  • Finding an Affordable Way to Repair My Porcelain Veneers

    I’m trying to find an affordable dentist to redo my veneers. I always wanted to make my smile better. Both of my front teeth have been chipped since I was a kid and I probably should have had ortho, but I was one of seven kids, so that never happened. I have one tooth near the front that’s twisted quite a bit. I did quite a bit of research to find an affordable dentist the first time around, but I’m just not happy with the results. I don’t know how to describe it. They don’t look natural at all. It really looks like I have fake teeth glued over the tops of my real teeth and the one that’s twisted still looks twisted. How can I find an affordable dentist who is skilled enough to correct this?

    Thanks,

    Kyle

    Dear Kyle,

    I’m sorry. I know it is disheartening to look forward to a beautiful smile only to be disappointed with the results. I know you’ve likely already spent a pretty penny. Unfortunately, cosmetic work is the last thing you want to seek out an affordable dentist for.

    Yes, the costs will vary quite a bit based on the office, and you can find lower rates for sure. Just don’t focus specifically on the cost as your deciding factor.

    Ask what kind of training he or she has had in cosmetic procedures. Ask to see before and after images of smile makeovers he’s done. Anyone who does cosmetic work should have a smile gallery of sorts.

    Also, you could try financing it through a medical source, such as Care Credit. They’ll let you pick the terms of the financing (unlike regular credit cards). This can allow you to have your smile re-done and pay in out in little bits.

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

     

  • Why Don’t Affordable Dentists Seem to Care?

    I’m self-employed and don’t have dental insurance. I keep looking for affordable dentists. I find them, but end up hating the care. They always seem to rush me through and have little time or patience for any questions or concerns I have. Am I doomed to this type of care?

    Annie W. – Alabama

    Annie,

    I’m very sorry you have had such negative experiences with dentists. It is true that many dentists who advertise has having lower fees will often try to make up for the low fees by volume. That ends up with a conveyor belt type of care for patients.

    It doesn’t have to be that way. There is a difference between affordable care and cheap care. You want affordable care. I would start by searching not by fees, but by patient satisfaction. Find dentists people are happy with. Make a list.

    Then go down the list and call them. Ask about their fees. Then ask about payment plans and other options they have for patients without insurance. You will be much more likely to find a dentist you will be happy with that way.

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

  • Should I Use Super Glue With a Porcelain Veneers Emergency?

    I’m in a pickle!  I have a job interview the day after tomorrow and one of my porcelain veneers (on a front tooth!!) has fallen off. I called my dentist and he doesn’t consider it an emergency. He can’t see me for a week. I can’t go to my interview like this.  Is it okay to use Superglue to get it back on?

    Amber A. – Nevada

    Amber,

    STOP!  Put down the Superglue. Now slowly back away.  Whew! That was close.

    I know you’re likely freaking out right now, but don’t worry, this can be fixed in time. I’d call around to some cosmetic dentists in your area first thing in the morning. I’m certain at least one of them will be willing to help you if you explain your situation. Most dentists are caring and want to help patients. That’s why they chose dentistry to begin with.

    If you use Superglue and get it wrong, not only will your smile look a bit off, but your veneer will likely have to be completely re-done That will put you in an even bigger pickle.

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

  • Should My Preschooler See A Pediatric Dentist for Teeth Grinding?

    I planned on waiting until my daughter was in elementary school to bring her to the dentist. She is a little (lot) on the hyperactive side and I didn’t want to drive a dentist batty. However, I’m worried I need a change of plans. I went into her bedroom the other night to put some of her clothes away. She was sound asleep, but was grinding her teeth like crazy. Is this normal?

    Adrianne L – Oregon

    Adrianne,

    I have a mixed message for you. First, this is perfectly normal. Many children grind their teeth and many children outgrow it. But, here’s the mixed message. I still think you need to change your plan and take your daughter to a dentist.

    I realize she’s an active child, but dentists who enjoy working with children are perfectly comfortable with that. They have means of helping children with their wiggles.

    You want your daughter’s first experience with the dentist to be a pleasant one. If you wait until her elementary years (and here you’re assuming/wishing her hyperactive side will just fade away), she’s likely to develop a cavity and her first experience with the dentist will be much more scary than it needs to be.

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

Blog