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  • Does a child really need a filling?

    My four year old has a cavity. The dentist wants to fill it. Why, when he’s just going to lose it anyway?

    Becky K. – Texax

    Becky,

    Much of that will depend on the type of tooth. If the cavity is small and on a tooth that is already quite loose then, yes, let nature take it’s course. But, if it is a tooth that’s going to be there for a while, especially one like a molar, than your pediatric dentist is right and it does need to be filled.

    The cavity will spread and then become an abscess. IT might seem scary to give your four year old a filling, but that will be much less traumatic and painful than waiting until infection is set in and then he needs a pulpotomy.

    If it is a molar and he ends up losing it, make sure your dentist puts a space maintainer there so his teeth don’t shift.

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

  • Can I have miracles done on my teeth?

    I’m hoping for a miracle. I have to go to a reunion and my ex will be there. He’s always insulted me about my teeth. They’re chipped, misshappen and need to be whitened. Plus, there is a tiny gap between my front teeth.  IS there some miracle that will fix all of them? Fairly quickly…like within six months?

    Meg E.  – Anderson, IN

    Meg,

    Yes, I actually have a solution for you. Lumineers, a brand of porcelain veneers, can fix all the things you mentioned, in just two appointments.

    A cosmetic procedure, they can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Your chips will be gone, the shape can be made natural and beautiful, the gap will be glosed, and they can be as white as you want them.

    You’ll need to find a dentist who is skilled in placing them, but in the end you’ll have a smile you love….and your ex will be eating his heart out.

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

  • Can’t afford to fix my teeth

    I saved up to get my teeth cleaned and get some whitening done. I was disappointed when the dentist told me I needed some other work done before the whitening. I have two cavities. One of them so big I need a crown. I can’t afford this. Now, even if I find a way to pay for the work I don’t want, I can’t get my teeth whitened. I’m really disappointed. Can I get the teeth whitened, if my teeth aren’t bothering me?

    Maddie K. – Florida

    Maddie,

    It must be terribly disappointing to you. Here you thought you were finally going to get a bright, new smile and instead you’re stuck spending your money on maintenance for your teeth.

    Hopefully, you’re working with an affordable dentist who will work with you financially. There is a way to stage your treatment so you don’t have to pay for all of it at once. Your dentist could list the most important treatment first and work your way down. I suspect it would be the tooth that needs a crown.

    Some dentists even give free teeth whitening to new patients. your dentist may be willing to cut you a deal on on the whitening at the end of your treatment, because of all hte money you’ve had to spend. I can’t speak for him or her, of course, but it won’t hurt you to ask.

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

  • Why won’t my insurance cover all porcelain crowns?

    I wanted to get an all porcelain crown, especially because it is on my front tooth, but my insurance will only cover metal based ones. Do you know why?

    Sara L. – Kentucky

    Sara,

    Insurance companies generally only want to pay for the bare bones treatment. In your case, that will mean a crown with a metal foundation. That doesn’t mean you can’t get the crown you want.

    Your dentist will likely let you upgrade to the all-porcelain crown and just charge you the difference from your insurance. If he’s an affordable dentist, then he (or she) will have payment plan options for you.

    Good luck with your crown. And, you’re right, on a front tooth you’ll want an all-porcelain crown. It will be much more natural looking.

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

  • Dental Implant verses Dental Bridge

    I have a missing tooth and I’m trying to decide between a dental implant or a dental bridge. Any thoughts?

    Brooke S. – Louisiana

    Brooke,

    The better tooth replacement is a dental implant. Though it is more expensive, it’s like having your own natural tooth back.  There are times though, when a dental bridge would make more sense.

    The teeth adjacent to the false tooth have to be shaved down to make room for dental crowns. If your adjacent teeth need work, then that treatment makes sense.

    If, however, the adjacent teeth are healthy, it doesn’t make sense to shave them down thereby removing healthy tooth structure. In that case, I would recommend the implant. I’d speak with your dentist and see what he recommends in your case.

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

  • DIY Tooth repair

    I’ve been seeing some videos about DIY tooth repair. There is tooth filling material at the drug store.  Is this a legit thing?  I’ve had a toothache and have been putting off going to the dentist because…well, I’m a dental chicken.  I’m wondering if this DIY is the solution I’ve been looking for, but don’t want to waste time on something that doesn’t actually work.

    Marvin G. – Alabama

    Marvin,

    I’m glad you asked this, because it will save you serious trouble down the road.  That tooth filling material you see at the pharmacy is meant to be a temporary stop gap until you get to the dentists–at the most a few days. It’s useful if you lost a filling and are waiting for your appointment or are out of town.

    I don’t know which videos you are referring to, but wondered how did they propose you get out the infected and / or material?  That’s an important step that can’t be ignored.   Otherwise, you’re leaving the infection.  It’s like wrapping a bandage on a broken arm.

    Don’t feel bad about being a dental chicken. Around 20% of American’s are.  I don’t know if you have a dentist or not, but if you do, ask him or her to use dental sedation during your appointment. It will allow you to get your infection cared for without pain.

    If you don’t have a dentist, an emergency dentist will see you, usually the same day, even if you’re not an established patient.  I would make sure they do sedation as well.  It will give you  a much more pleasant  dental experience and will help you with the dental anxiety you’ve been experiencing.

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

  • Dentist wants to do sedation on my child

    I’m a little concerned. My daughter has very pitted molars which is causing cavities. My dentist needs to treat the cavities, I understand that, but am concerned that isn’t safe. If it were your daughter, what would you do?

    Olivia N. – Destin, FL

    Olivia,

    First, I want to put your mind at ease. If the dentist is qualified to do sedation, then it is perfectly safe.  If takes a little extra training, so make sure they have it.  The reason for using it is that if the child moves or is uncooperative, then the drill can do serious damage to her. The sedation is to protect her.

    I have another question, I’d like to have answered before you continue with this pediatric dentist. If your daughter has pitted molars, why hasn’t he suggested dental sealants. Those little molars can be a bacteria magnet and it’s important to keep them healthy for much longer than the rest of her baby teeth.  It bothers me that this seems to have been overlooked.

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

  • Why are my teeth so bulky?

    I got Lumineers. I like the color and everything, but they look really bulky. Is that normal?

    Genevieve L. – Tampa, FL

    Genevieve,

    Lumineers are advertised as being a no-prep veneer. Usually, with porcelain veneers, a miniscule amount of your teeth have to be shave (about the thickness of a fingernail) in order to make room for the veneers. Lumineers are an extra-thin veneer, so  theoretically, your teeth shouldn’t need the prep.

    Unfortunately, not everyones teeth and smiles fit the Lumineers “mold”.  Dentists should access the individual patient’s smile. Otherwise you end up with a situation like yours, where the smile is bulky.

    There’s not anything that can really be done without completely re-doing the Lumineers. I’m sorry.  I realize that is probably the last thing you wanted to hear.  I wish I could give you a different answer.

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

  • Does location determine price?

    I live in an affluent area. Recently I got a dental implant. My best friend, who lives in a poor area, also got one.  She was talking about how incredibly expensive it was.  But, it turns out hers  was several thousands dollar cheaper.  Does where she live make it cheaper? Would I be better off slumming it in her neighborhood?

    Lindsey G. – Chicago

    Lindsey,

    The geographical area that a practice is located can have an affect on price.  Most of that is the leasing costs.  For instance, Dr. Peck is only a short distance away from Scottsdale, AZ.  The cost of living is higher in Scottsdale, so by being right outside of it he saves money on his location.  That is a savings that he passes on to his patients. Making him a very affordable dental option for residents of Scottsdale.

    That being said, there could be other reasons why her implant cost so much less that yours. Maybe she went to an inexperienced dentist who lowered his prices significantly to draw people in.  Or maybe he uses parts that are lower quality in order to have low prices without affecting his profit margin.  Neither of these reasons would be good for your friend.

    Cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean affordable quality.

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

     

  • Just found out my insurance covered something I was charged for

    I recently had a dental procedure done that I paid full price for.  Than…afterward, I found out my insurance would have covered that.  Shouldn’t my dentist’s office have taken care of that?  It’s hard enough affording the dentist without having to pay extra.

    Melissa A. – Boston

    Melissa,

    Some dental offices do the filing for you and others expect you to do it yourself.  I would discuss it with your dentist’s business office.  If they want you to do the filing, it will be a little harder to get all the bang for your buck.  They know the insurance policy better than you do.

    I would look for a clinic that will work with you to get the most out of your dental insurance.  Otherwise it is a waste of money and your funds.

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

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