Peck Family Dentistry Blog

Categories

Archives

  • Are off-brands of Lumineers causing bad breath?

    I worked hard to get my body and teeth in shape.  I went through a gazillion deep cleanings to try and get rid of my gum disease. I finally got to the point that my dentist would let me get lumineers. Now, though, a couple of months later and I have horrible bad breath. I know my dentist used an off-brand of veneers. Could that be the problem?

    Chloe S. – Arkansas

    Chloe,

    I can’t be definitive with you because diagnosing bad breath over a computer isn’t actually a great idea. But, I have a couple of thoughts.

    Porcelain veneers don’t really cause bad breath. Bacteria does. That bacteria can be from poor hygiene or from an illness you have.

    Has your doctor checked you for something like strep? Normally you have a high fever and a sore throat with it, but not always.

    More likely, though, it’s your gum disease raising its ugly head again.  You may not have noticed before, because you’d been living with it a long time. Now, that you had it gone, you would notice a difference if it returned.  You were doing lots of deep cleanings to help with the bacteria. However, you’re in your normal routine again now.

    You many need to go back and deal with the potential gum disease and find out where your oral hygiene issue is.  It may be your not brushing or flossing correctly. Let your dentist see how you’re doing it and he or she may have some advice for you.

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

  • Why can’t I find an emergency dentist for my mother?

    My mom is disabled and on Social Security/ disability. Right now, she has no dental coverage what so ever, but I am told she might get some in the future when she gets fully approved for disability. I guess there’s some kind of limbo period where the state plan doesn’t cover it but the federal plan will? I really don’t understand all this. At any rate, I just took over managing her care and she needs a lot of work done. I think it’s going to come down to pulling her teeth and getting dentures, but I’m not totally sure. I have been trying to find an affordable dentist, but nobody seems to be willing to help. They all want thousands of dollars up front. I don’t know if it’s these offices or the healthcare system, but she needs help. Any ideas on how I can find an affordable dentist?

    Sincerely,

    Jessica

    Dear Jessica,

    Kudos to you for stepping up to the plate and helping your mom out. The programs are so confusing, you practically need a PhD to understand what covers what and what’s actually available.

    Unfortunately, you are correct, in that government programs do not typically see to the dental needs of disabled and elderly adults. Every plan is different, and when you’re still battling it at a state level, each state has different rules, too. There’s a very good chance your mom only has emergency coverage, or coverage for work that needs to be done in the hospital right now, but please contact the company that provides her coverage to be sure.

    With disability, there tends to be a 24-month waiting period while you wait for the transition from state to federal coverage, but when the higher coverage kicks in there should be some dental coverage. Again, you must talk to your mom’s case worker, social worker, or plan provider to find out what the process is and what’s available to her. If coverage will increase soon, it may be worth waiting a couple months before you start anything.

    If she needs to find an affordable dentist now, you could try asking offices whether they do payment plans or financing. Many of them do. You may also have luck signing up for an inexpensive insurance plan. There are some PPO plans for as little as $35 from reputable companies that provide instant coverage. If you’re getting into an extensive treatment plan, like extractions and dentures, it’s worthwhile to research some of these to reduce your costs. Best of luck to you.

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

  • Should I get All-on-Four implants to make it more affordable?

    I wanted to get dental implants, but they were out of my budget. I got dentures, but they’re horrible ugly. I’ve been reading that all-on-four dental implants are more affordable. Will that be a better option than the dentures?

    Marissa M. – San Antonio, TX

    Marissa,

    I have several thoughts on this.

    First, if your dentures are ugly, it’s because of the dentist, not because you got dentures. Well done dentures can be made to look just like natural teeth. In fact, with a great cosmetic dentist, you could end up with a prettier smile than you had when you went in.  If you’re happy with your dentures, other than their appearance, you could just have them re-done by a more artistic dentist.

    There are reasons for choosing dental implants over dentures, though I know affording them is an issue. First, is protection of your jawbone. When you remove your teeth, your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. In a few years, you have a shrunken jawbone. Other reasons for implants are comfort, security, and chewing effeciency. Dental implants don’t move around in your mouth the way dentures do.

    As far as getting all-on-four, I wouldn’t recommend it. This procedure has a higher than normal failure rate. Plus, if one implant has a problem, the entire unit has to be re-done, which can get expensive.

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

  • Will insurance cover dental implants?

    I’m going to lose three teeth due to a car accident. I’m really devastated about it because they’re in the front. I really want to get dental implants so I can feel confident smiling again, but am worried about the expense. Will insurance cover it?

    Laura O. – Texas

    Laura,

    Just a few years ago I would have had to tell you ‘No’. Dental implants were considered an experimental treatment and insurance companies flat out refused to cover it. That made it almost unaffordable for most patients.

    But, a lot has happened in the last few years. Because more dentists have made the effort to get significant training in the procedure, the success rates have skyrocketed. Now, about half of all insurance companies are willing to cover the procedure.

    You’ll want to go to a dentist with the right training AND is willing to work with you to get the most out of your insurance policy. Even if yours is not one that covers the procedure, there are ways your dentist can work with you to make it happen. Be open with your dentist. They’ll help.

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

  • Implant Dentist or Emergency Dentist

    My dental implant has been in for about 9 months. Everything was fine until a few weeks ago, when my jaw started hurting. I went to see my dentist who did my implants. He said everything is fine. The pain got worse and I went back. He still said everything was fine. I believed him, though was beginning to have my doubts. Today, I was eating and I realized there is puss in my mouth. the implant tooth feels loose. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t reach my dentist. Do I wait for him or see an emergency dentist? Help me, please.

    • Misty – Nevada

    Dear Misty,

     

    I’m sorry for this experience you’re having. Your dentist should have been more in tune with your concerns. It sounds like you’ve got a pretty massive infection and it needs to be dealt with. I’m surprised you can’t reach your dentist at all. Usually, there is a protocol in place for emergency situations.

    Because your dentist doesn’t seem to have a procedure for situations then you need to see an emergency dentist. There is likely only two things he can do. First, he’ll give you some antibiotics to stave off the infection until your implant dentist can get in there and deal with the issue. Secondly, he may need to splint the implant tooth. Hopefully, this can be resolved in a way that allows you to save the implant.

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

  • Questions from a child

    Hi my name is Neil and I’m going to the dentist for the first time. I had some questions and my mom said the best thing to do would be to ask a dentist. So, she’s typing my questions to you.

    1. Will it hurt?
    2. What happens if my teeth ever get twisted?
    3. What happens if my teeth look like a cows? (My mom doesn’t want to ask this one, but I made her promise).

    Thanks, Neil

    Hi Neil,

    Great questions! (Even the one about the cow).

    1. Usually children’s dentist appointments don’t hurt, especially first ones. The dentist just checks out that your teeth are growing in healthy. A special helper called a hygienist will give your teeth a gentle cleaning and take off any bacteria. Most children like going to the dentist.  (Some even give treats at the end of the appointment)
    2. If your teeth come in twisted, your dentist will suggest that when you’re old enough you get braces. Those gently fix your teeth into their proper position.
    3. Hmmm….that’s a new question for me.  I think if you had cow’s teeth (and didn’t like them), when you were old enough you could get them to look different with porcelain veneers.

    I hope you really enjoy your first dental appointment. I bet it will be awesome!!!

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

  • Can I get Lumineers if I have two crowns?

    I was thinking of getting lumineers. Is that possible to do if I have two dental crowns?

    Monica C. – Alabama

    Monica,

    Yes and No.  You can get Lumineers on the teeth that don’t have crowns, but not on the teeth that do.  That won’t negatively impact your smile makeover if you have the crowns re-done at the same time.

    When you have the dental crowns re-done, make sure your dentist gives you all-porcelain crowns. These are much more natural looking.

    You’ll want to go to a dentist who has experience with Lumineers and has created beautiful smiles.  It is perfectly within your rights to ask to see photos of smiles he or she has done.

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

  • What if you can’t afford a toothache?

    I’m being honest with you when I tell you that I just cannot afford a dentist. But. I also have a horrible toothache. What do I do?

    Lance Q. – California

    Lance,

    What you need to do is find a dentis who is willing to work with you.  It’s not as hard as it sounds.  Most dentists get into the field because they like to help people. There are a lot of dentists who will be willing to work with you.

    It’s easier if you look at dentists who advertise as affordable dentists. They’re usually more willing to work with patients. Not only do they have affordable fees, but they also have payment plans.

    Explain your circumstances and they may have other ways of helping as well. What you don’t want to do is to put off being seen. If this is a tooth infection, it will spread and only get worse.

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

  • Dentist insists on full payment up front

    I have a toothache. A massive toothache. I called my dentist to schedule an appointment. When I did, they informed me that I’d have to have full payment that day.  I asked them for a range of possible cost. I can’t even afford the lowest amount. Am I doomed to be in pain until I have enough money?

    Wesley  C. – Minnesota

    Wesley,

    You’re in quite a pickle. If you’ve explained your financial situation to your dentist and he is still unmoving in his financial policy, you likely need to find another dentist.

    There are affordable dentists that are willing to work with patients, especially those in situations like yours.  They will all have payment plans of some sort.

    I would call around and explain your circumstances. There will be a dentist willing to work with you.

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

  • Afraid of the dentist and have emergency

    I’ve been afraid of the dentist for quite some time. I probably haven’t been in about five years. Now, I’ve got quite a toothache and I don’t know what to do about it.  Well, I know go to the dentist, but I get a knot in my stomach like you wouldn’t believe. Is there anything I can take for that?

    Muriel H. – Delaware

    Muriel,

    I’m sorry for the fear you’ve been experiencing. As you’ve probably guessed, avoiding the dentist causes more problems. Anything you take at home is likely to interfere with anything your dentist will want to give you.

    There is medication your dentist can give you to help relax you.  IT will make the appointment go much easier for you. I realize that because you haven’t been to the dentist in about five years, that it may mean you don’t have a regular dentist.

    If that is the case, you still need to get in quickly before the infection spreads. There are emergency dentists that will see you quite soon, some even the same day. Make sure you go to an emergency dentist that is also equipped to give you some form of sedation as well, so you won’t have to deal with the anxiety as well.

    This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hilary Peck.

Blog