Tag Archives: Phoenix Dentist

Pediatric Dentistry

Do I have to see a pediatric dentist for a thumb sucking device?

I am considering switching from a pediatric dentist to a dentist that can see our whole family.  It’s just so inconvenient going to two different clinics and time is a precious commodity in our household.  My only hesitation is that my five year old sucks her thumb.  Her pediatric detist feels she needs to have a thumb sucking device made.  Can a general dentist do that or should I stick with the pediatric one?

Amanda A. – Kansas City

Amanda,

A lot of patients find dthat having their family go to the same dentist is not only convenient, but helps with treatment in the long run. This helps the dentist to see patterns in your family’s dental health that will benefit your children.

You’ll want to make sure it is a general dentist who enjoys treating children.  You can generally tell by when they like to first see them.  If they suggest waiting until they are 8 or 9, you can extrapolate that children aren’t their favorite.  If they’re happy to see them by three years old, you’ve found someone who’ll enjoy treating your darlings.

Any dentist can help fit your five year old with a thumb sucking device, so you’re good to go there.

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

Lumineers

Will Lumineers fix cigarette teeth?

I have smoked cigarettes for years.  Now my teeth look really ugly and stained.  Will Lumineers cover that?

Jeremy – Missouri

Jeremy,

Yes, Lumineers will adequately cover the stains on your teeth from cigarette smoking. In fact, they can do more than that. If you wnat to reshape your teeth, they can do that as well.

If, all you’re looking for, though, is to get rid of the stains, you might be happier by simply having professional teeth whitening done.  It will get rid of the cigarette stains and is a significantly less expensive procedure.

Lumineers, will do more than just whiten them, so there is that to consider as well.

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

Affordable Dentist

Affordable dentistry in Scottsdale?

When you work hard to give your family everything they deserve, sometimes you have to make sacrifices.  Between a mortgage, healthy food, great schools, and extra curricular activities, there may be little left for anything else.  We don’t want you to have to give up quality dental care too.

We’re located just outside of Scottsdale. We do that intentionally.  Our cost is a little lower out here and that allows us to pass on the savings to you.

If you’re looking for a quality, affordable dentist, click here to learn the four ways we save you money on your dental care.

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

Affordable Dentist

Dentist or Death?

I recently read a story about another young person who died because his mother felt she couldn’t afford the dentist.  He had six infected teeth, but his mother had no money, so she ignored it thinking it wouldn’t do any harm.  Unfortunately, it led to a brain infection that killed her son.

Tooth infections ARE a big deal. If you have trouble coming up with the funds for dental care, there are ways to get affordable dental care.

The key is be honest and upfront with your dentist.  If you don’t have a family dentist, there are likely dentists in your area who advertise as being affordable dentists.  A quick google search can lead you to them.

Be careful though, there is a difference between affordable dentistry and cheap dentistry.

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

Emergency Dentist

What if I can’t reach my dentist?

I have a massive toothache, but can’t seem to reach my dentist. There is an answering machine, but I haven’t gotten a return call. If I weren’t in so much pain, I’d be OK waiting until Monday. What do you do if you can’t reach your dentist?

Neal P. – Connecticut

Neal,

Most dentists have a number on their voice mail for you to call in case of emergency. Or, they’ll have an answering service for the same purpose.  If your dentist has neither, then he likely doesn’t do emergency visits.  That doesn’t help when you’re in pain, but there is a solution.

There are emergency dentists that will see non-established patients in cases like yours. You can google emergency dentist and see what pops up.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentist insists my children have separate appointments

I have twin three year old boys.  They’re not naughty, but they do have a lot of energy can have trouble sititng through an entire appointment. My dentist said I have to bring them seperately so I can give my full attention to the child he’s treating.  He expects them to sit there and not ask questions or talk.  I feel not only is this unrealistic, but it is not feasible for me. I can’t spent twice the time with dental appointments and pay for a sitter every time.  Is this really what is to be expected with dental appointments? These are my first children and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.

Orianna K. – New Mexico

Orianna,

Three year olds generally can’t sit for a complete appointment like adults can, but every dentist has different ideas as to how they want to run things. My initial thought is that this is not the best pediatric dentist for your family.

You’ll want one who is comfortable working with young, wiggly patients. It doesn’t just have to be a pediatric specialist. It could also be a general dentist who loves working with children.  They’re completely qualified to meet the dental needs of your children.

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

Lumineers

Fixing stained, crooked teeth without braces…and fast?

I have teeth that overlap a little in the front. That looks bad enough, but they’re also pretty stained.  I mean ugly stained. Is there anyway I can fix these really fast and without braces?  I know I’m asking a lot.

Marisa – El Paso

Marisa,

Well, consider me Santa Claus, because I have some good news for you.  There is a way to do all of that and more…fast.

Talk to a cosmetic dentist about Lumineers. Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. They can even make your crooked teeth look straight.

Make sure you go to a cosmetic dentist who offers a beautiful smile guarantee, like Dr. Peck does.

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

Affordable Dentist

What do you do if you want dental implants, but can’t afford them?

I have lost a tooth and feel humiliated every time I smile.  What do i do if I can’t afford a dental implant, but am desperate to get one?

Alexa- L.A.

Alexa,

It’s good that you’re looking at getting a dental implant.  It’s the tooth replacement procedures that will actually help you retain your jawbone.  With other procedures, such as dentures, your jaw bone begins to degrade.

I know they can be expensive, but an affordable dentist, like Dr. Peck, there are ways to get affordable dental care, even for dental implant procedures.

There are payment plans available from most dentists, through care credit. They have low and even no-interest payment plans.  Another option is to get mini implants.  These are more affordable and can help you jaw bone stay in place while you save up for there stronger counterparts.

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

Affordable Dentist

This woman can’t afford NOT to go to the dentist

I can’t really afford a dentist, but lately some of my teeth seem to be a little loose. I brush regularly. Is there anything I can do to ensure they stay?

Melissa – New Hampshire

Melissa,

I know it is difficult when you’re on a tight budget, but this is one of those situations where you can’t afford not to get dental treatment.  I suspect you have gingivitis–likely in the advanced stages.  If you don’t get some sort of treatment soon, you’re very likely to lose your teeth.

There are ways to get treatment within your budget. Dr. Peck has some excellent examples of how to get affordable dentistry on his website.

Call around to some dentists in your area.  Explain your situation and see who is willing to work with you. You’re bound to find a few who are wiling to work with you.

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Does a child’s molar HAVE to be removed?

My son has an infected molar.  The dentist is recommending it be extracted. Is that necessary before they even try a treatment?

Olivia M. – Massachusetts

Olivia,

Adult tooth infections can often be treated with a root canal.  children’s teeth can sometimes be treated with a similar procedure called a pulpotomoy. However, with molars this never works.  If the tooth is infected it will have to be extracted.

Make sure your pediatric dentist also places a space maintainer where the tooth was.  It will be many years until his adult molar comes in.  You don’t want his teeth tipping or shifting into that place.  It will cause crowding and other orthodonitic problems later on.

You also don’t want to leave the infection.  It will spread and cause other serious problems.

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