Tag Archives: Phoenix Dentist

Emergency Dentist

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.

Pediatric Dentistry

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.

Lumineers

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.

Affordable Dentist

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.

 

Affordable Dentist

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.

Emergency Dentist

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.

Pediatric Dentistry

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.

Lumineers

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.

Affordable Dentist

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.

Affordable Dentist

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.