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  • Is My Dentist Cutting Corners by Not Using Lumineers?

    I went to my dentist to discuss getting a smile makeover. I want a movie star smile and told him I wanted to get Lumineers. He told me he doesn’t do Lumineers, but uses something similar. He says they’re better, but I’m worried he’s just trying to cut corners to have a bigger profit.  Will these off-brands give me as good a smile?

    Rebekah S. – Albany, NY

    Rebekah,

    Did your dentist tell you they were an off-brand or are you just worried they are?  I realize that Lumineers have a lot of name recognition, but they’re only one brand of porcelain veneers. Many of the other brands are equally good.

    It may be your dentist is more experienced with working with one brand over another. Or, he may like the aesthetics of a certain brand over Lumineers.

    The important thing to remember about a smile makeover, is not what brand you use, but the skill of the dentist.  Just make sure he is willing to place them with a temporary paste first and make any changes you want before permanently bonding them on.

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

  • An Affordable Dentist With Fancy Ammenities?

    I went through the phone book and chose an office that touted itself as an “affordable dentist,” but now I’m starting to wonder if I made a mistake. The office was really nice inside. The guy had TVs in every room, nice furniture, and a bunch of other amenities. I kind of feel like I got duped. He is offering a fair price for my work, but if he is really an affordable dentist, how is it that he can install all these expensive things? And if he can do all this while undercutting the other guys, is he skimping somewhere else or is every other office ripping people off?

    -Darcy P. – Little Rock, AR

    Dear Darcy,

    This is probably one of the oldest arguments in any kind of medicine. Where’s the right balance between finding an affordable dentist and only paying for what you need, versus getting all the bells and whistles? Each dentist has his own budget and allots finances for different things. Some things are truly an investment, because when you take good care of your patients, they tend to stay. Every office has some kind of marketing budget, so it’s possible the affordable dentist you saw has taken that marketing budget and funneled it into things that will help him with patent retention instead. As the old saying goes, it’s a lot less expensive to keep a customer happy than it is to find a new one.

    If you’re receiving good care at a rate you can afford, then kudos to the office. It sounds like they’ve found the perfect balance. In the dental industry, you’ll often find professionals who are fantastic at repairing teeth, but they may not be business savvy. Unlike doctors, who often group together in one place of businesses, and can therefore afford an experienced business manager to handle budgets, marketing, purchases, and strategy, dentists often go it alone, and are totally responsible for every aspect of their business. So, you will find some that funnel their budgets into things that patients enjoy, simply because they know that it will help them retain their existing patients.

    The bottom line is whether you’re paying too much or not. Again, this comes down to whether you’re receiving good care or not. If the doctor had put that money into mailing postcards to people who aren’t his patients, you probably never would have known. Instead, he provided a better atmosphere, and you can see it. Ultimately, if his rates are fair and he treats you well, you have found the equivalent of dental gold.

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

  • The Problem with Affordable Dentistry

    I have a problem with my affordable dentistry. Each of the dentists on my insurance seem to have a conveyor belt type of clinic. I’m looking for an affordable dentist, but I’d prefer one with who I can develop a good relationship. I need communication about my dental health and treatments, but all the affordable dentists I’ve run into seem to want to just get me in and out.  Is there a way to have quality affordable care?

    Milton S. – New Mexico

    Milton,

    What disappointing experiences you’ve had. I’m sorry that has been happening to you. It’s true that some “affordable dentists” try to make up for their lower prices by volume of patients, but not all affordable dentists are like that. I promise.

    Some affordable dentists want a good relationship with their patients.

    My suggestion to finding one, would be not to just to do an internet search for affordable dentist, thought that will certainly be your first step. But, don’t stop there.

    You’re next step is to look up the reviews that people who have visited this dentist has given. When you find someone who’s affordable and has a good reviews, you’re probably at the right spot.

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

  • Is It Safe to Get a Root Canal When You’re Pregnant?

    I’m pregnant and my dentist just told me I need a root canal. I have had a toothache, but ignored it. I went in for a check up, but wouldn’t let him do x-rays. He says he can tell I need a root canal, by how bad the tooth is. Is that safe when pregnant?

    Clara M. – Missouri

    Clara,

    I know when you’re pregnant, most medical procedures seem like a big, bad wolf just waiting to hurt your baby, but in this case NOT doing the procedure is what could unleash the wolf. An infection is a dental emergency, and left untreated is dangerous for both you and your baby.

    The root canal procedure is safe. There are local anesthetics and antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy. Plus, your dentist knows your concerns and will take extra precautions.

    Ideally, the second trimester is the easiest to do this type of procedure, but that has more to do with what is more comfortable for you than safety issues.

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

  • My pediatric dentist refuses to make a dental flipper

    I need some advice. My pediatric dentist absolutely refuses to make a dental flipper for my son.  He’s three years old and lost a front baby tooth in an accident. I keep hearing how important it is to replace missing teeth in children because of shifting, but my dentist absolutely refuses. She says toddlers can’t do the procedure. I think she just can’t be bothered working with him because he’s so young. But, why did she go into pediatric dentistry then?

    Brooklyn L. – Minn.

    Brooklyn,

    I wish your dentist had a better chairside manner and took the time to explain things for you. It is only a child’s molars that require some form of replacement. Otherwise it could cause shifting as you mentioned. That is because molars aren’t replaced until around twelve years old. Permanent front teeth come in much sooner.

    However, even with molars a pediatric dentist wouldn’t make a flipper for the missing tooth. Instead, they’d place a space maintainer. That just holds the space so things come in properly when it’s time.

    Despite her poor manners toward you, she’s right that a toddler wouldn’t easily tolerate the procedure for a flipper. Plus, because they’re so easily removable, they’re a choking hazard.

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

     

  • My Lumineers need to be whitened

    I had Lumineers done a few years ago. I think they’re Lumineers. He called them no-prep veneers and direct bonding. I paid a small fortune for them and didn’t expect them to need whitening this quickly. He indicated they would last for many years.  How do I take care of them getting whitened? I’ve since moved and can’t drive four hours to his office, so I’d like to know what procedure I need and have it done locally.

    Louisa – Seattle

    Louisa,

    There’s something that bothers me about your question. You said he called them Lumineers (which can sometimes be no-prep veneers) and direct bonding. Those are two very different things.  Your dentist indicated they would last for many years, which would indicate some type of porcelain veneer (such as Lumineers), but you’re saying they’ve only lasted a few years, which indicates dental bonding.

    The first step is to figure out which procedure you actually received. Go to a good cosmetic dentist in your new area. Let them look at your teeth, they’ll be able to tell right away what procedure you received. Also, tell them how much you paid, so he or she can determine if there’s a chance you were scammed.

    Whichever procedure it was, whitening doesn’t work on any type of cosmetic work. Your only solution is to have the procedure re-done.

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

  • Do You Have To Go To A Rude Dishonest Clinic To Get An Affordable Dentist?

    I needed a dental crown, but was unemployed and didn’t have much money. I called around and went with the dentist who quoted me the lowest price. I had no idea what I was getting into. The entire staff was rude and acted like I wasn’t up to their standards. The work was done in a hurried, and I might add, not so gentle manner. Then my bill was twice what they quoted me on the phone. Is there a way to get quality, honest affordable dental care?

    Alice M.  – New Jersey

    Alice,

    What an unpleasant experience.  First, I will assure you that not all affordable dentists behave in such a way. Many, like Dr. Peck, strive to be affordable because they want everyone to have access to quality dental care no matter what their budget.

    Their rudeness is inexcusable, but the problem with the quote may have been on the level. Some dentists refuse to give quotes because it is almost impossible to give an exact quote, because so much of a crown depends upon the condition of the tooth. There are several different fee levels for the same overarching procedure.

    The best way to get quality, affordable care is to research the reviews a dentist gets for their care of the patient, then call that office to see how they work with patients.

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

  • My Dentist Won’t Listen to Me

    My dentist has in mind the type of treatment I need for a tooth that I would prefer to save, but he wants to replace with a dental implant. The tooth starting hurting me last week.  I went in to see my dentist.  He said the tooth is unsavable and wants me to get a dental implant.  I can’t afford a dental implant and he won’t listen to me.  I can’t believe that a tooth that JUST started hurting could be unsavable.  What do I do?

    Samantha J. – Washington

    Samantha,

    It sounds to me that you need a second opinion. I agree that it would be unlikely a tooth couldn’t be saved if it had just started decay. Of course, there may to decay you never noticed. Another dentist might look at the tooth and have other ideas.

    However, even if the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants aren’t your only choice. There are more affordable options for a tooth replacement.

    A dentist has an ethical responsibility to tell you all of your treatment options.  For a tooth replacement, you can get a dental bridge, or even a removable partial denture. .

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

  • Do I Need To See An Emergency Dentist For A Defective Crown

    When I was just starting out my career, I had porcelain crowns done across all my front teeth. They look great overall, and I’m actually still very happy with the aesthetics. One of them has always had a rough spot or a divot, though. I can feel it with my tongue, but I have never been able to see anything wrong with it. I did mention it to the dentist who did the crowns and she smoothed it out some, but I’ve still noticed over the years. It was close, but not quite perfect. Lately, it has been feeling different- much more rough,  and I can actually see a dark mark. I don’t know if it’s just attracting stains or what, but I don’t think I’ve changed my habits and I get regular cleanings. I’m a little concerned that that it is failing and that I’m going to be out on a business trip and the whole thing will crumble. Is this urgent enough to warrant a trip to the emergency dentist? Should I have the crown redone now or am I worrying about nothing?

    Sincerely,

    Hank

    Dear Hank,

    This may not necessitate a trip to the emergency dentist and it isn’t exactly “urgent,” in that you need to get in as soon as possible, but it is something you should get checked out in the near future. It’s common for crowns (and natural teeth) to have some defects, but it sounds like yours is changing, and that could mean it’s actually cracked now, not just a defect. In this case, it would also pick up stains more readily and there’s a chance it will break sometime soon. It’s impossible to guess when it will happen, though.

    Rather than letting it turn into a trip to the emergency dentist, especially if you’re an avid traveler, you should find a dentist who is skilled at cosmetic work and have him examine it. Due to the age of the crowns, it might be time to start thinking about replacing them all. Don’t be surprised if the dentist mentions this.

    However, the only reason to update the others is age or wear and tear. If the dentist suggests switching them all out so he can make them all match, that’s a sign that you’re not working with a skilled cosmetic dentist. You should be able to have just that one replaced and have it blend naturally, without having the others redone, too. Best of luck to you.

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

  • What Happened to my son’s tooth?

    When my son was three, he took a tumble and bumped his face. He was upset and cut his lip, but his teeth looked fine, so I didn’t even consider taking him to the pediatric dentist back then. Here we are six months later and his tooth is turning an ugly gray color. At first, I thought it was just come kind of staining, but I have scrubbed at it to no avail and it looks like the whole thing is colored. I know in an adult this means the tooth is dead, but my son doesn’t seem bothered by it at all unless I’m messing with it. I think this must be connected to the fall, but I don’t understand why it would take so long to develop- he’s four now. I’m kicking myself for not taking him to the pediatric dentist back then. Could this have been prevented? Going forward, do I need to book him with a pediatric dentist, a root canal specialist, or should I just monitor for more symptoms?

    Thanks,

    Delilah

    Dear Delilah,

    It does sound like that tooth has died. When a tooth is injured, it can start to look like a bruise is developing from the inside. This may be from the fall he experienced earlier or from an unrelated incident. It’s not always easy to tell with small kids. Moreover, a dead or dying tooth doesn’t always cause pain. It just depends on what happened with the nerve. Taking him to the pediatric dentist right after the fall would not have prevented this from happening. The damage was instantaneous and even if it wasn’t killed right away, nothing could have stopped the progression.

    At a certain point, baby teeth begin the process of resorption, in which the body starts diminishing the roots in order for the tooth to fall out. The pulp fades away naturally at this point anyway, and your son could be getting to that stage. With an adult, there’s concern over bacteria entering the chamber and creating an infection, which is why a root canal is necessary. The dentist cleans out the canal, and then fills the space so bacteria can’t seep in and cause a problem.

    Given that your son will probably lose the tooth naturally in the next couple of years, you may not need to treat the tooth at all. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on it and if you’re worried about anything, you can have it checked out by the pediatric dentist.

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

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