Archives for July 2019

Can I Trust this Implant Periodontist?

Posted on July 31, 2019 by writeradmin.

I talked to my dentist about getting dental implants. He told me about what they’d cost and then sent me to a periodontist. After my visit with the periodontist, the price he quoted me was almost double. When I questioned him about it, he said his price included bone grafting and that could be the difference but he couldn’t be sure why my other dentist quoted such a low price. Does this seem legitimate or am I being taken?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

Dental implants require bone for retention.

In ideal situations, dental implants are placed in two phases. The first phase entails the surgical process of implanting the prosthetic tooth root. After the surgical site has had time to heal and the bone has had time to form around the implant, then it is time for the second phase, which is the implant crown.

Notice that I said the bone needs to form around the implant. This is called osseointegration and is absolutely essential for the success of the implant. It is what secures it in your jaw. Sometimes, there isn’t enough jaw bone there for that to take place.

It used to be when that was the case it just meant you were not going to be able to get a dental implant and would have to get another, less ideal, procedure such as a dental bridge or removable partial dentures. Advancements no longer make that true. Now you can have bone grafted into your jawbone enabling you to have implants.

This is likely what is going on with you. When the periodontist did the x-rays, he realized you lacked sufficient bone. By recognizing that and planning the grafting he’s giving you the best chance at a successful procedure.

Getting a Second Opinion

You should know it is always okay to get a second opinion, especially in invasive medical procedures. When getting a second opinion it is very important you don’t tell them what the first dentist/periodontist said. You want their opinion without the influence of someone else’s diagnosis.

If they’re both saying you will need grafting done, you can be sure you do. As for the cost factor, you should know this procedure is usually paid for in two stages—the surgical stage and the crown stage. With you needing bone grafting, that will probably be three stages. That may help with the payments because you can divide them up.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Dr. Drake and Wallace.

Am I Allergic to My Dental Crowns?

Posted on July 25, 2019 by writeradmin.

I recently had two dental crowns placed. Ever since, I’ve had severe dry mouth and a swollen and itchy cheek. I’m worried I’m allergic to something in the crowns, but my dentist said it’s unlikely because there are no other allergy symptoms. How many do I need for this to be from the crowns? If that’s not it, what could it be?

Penny

Dear Penny,

I’m a little annoyed your dentist hinted it couldn’t be the crowns. You already have some symptoms. You don’t have to have all of them because there are varying levels of sensitivity to materials. My guess is he doesn’t want to have to replace them if you are allergic.

Here’s what I’m going to recommend you do. Ask your dentist for the IdentAlloy certificate. This is provided to your dentist by the laboratory which lists the exact composition of any metallic alloys used in any dental restoration. Three common culprits for sensitivity reactions are nickel, beryllium, and chromium.

If your dentist is uncooperative, you may have to have your medical doctor run some allergy tests to validate the allergy in order to get him to replace them.

The good news is you have options, even if you are allergic to metals.

See a Metal-Free Dentist

Materials have significantly advanced in recent years. It used to be that back teeth had to have a metal-based crown because the all-porcelain crowns are not strong enough to hold up against the chewing forces of back teeth. Now, we have zirconia. This is so strong it has been dubbed ceramic steel.

It’s completely metal-free and strong enough for back teeth. Not every dentist works with the newer materials yet. You may have to do an internet search for a metal-free dentist. They are more willing to work around a patient’s allergies to find creative solutions. They’ll all offer zirconia crowns.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.

Can’t Afford Dentist with an Infected Tooth

Posted on July 13, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve been avoiding the dentist because he expects payment for everything up front. I had a cavity I didn’t have the money to get it filled because he wanted full payment, so I put it off. Now I’m pretty sure the tooth is infected. It hurts like mad and that part of my face is starting to swell. Will going to the ER to get antibiotics help?

Perry

Dear Perry,

Antibiotics alone won’t solve this problem. Tooth infections are different. A dentist has to physically go in and remove the infected pulp with a procedure known as a root canal treatment. You’re in a tough spot, but this is considered a dental emergency and I don’t want you to ignore it. There are ways to get the treatment you need but I want you to understand how serious this is.

Your face is already starting to swell which means your infection has already started spreading. Think about how close your jaw is to your heart and brain. If it manages to reach those areas, it can become life-threatening quickly. This is important.

Ways of Affording Dental Care

Though your dentist expects full payment up front, not every dentist is the same way. Some, especially in the case of an emergency like yours, will allow you to get the treatment you need and then pay it out. I would do an internet search using the term “affordable dentist“. These are the dentists most likely to be willing to work with you on payment.

Either they’ll have in house payment plans and let you pay them directly or they’ll work through Care Credit. This is a health credit card, with low and even no-interest payments depending on your credit.

This will allow you to get the treatment you need and hopefully save your tooth. The sooner you get seen the better chance you have of that. If you end up with a tooth extraction, that will also mean an expensive tooth replacement. Early intervention costs significantly less.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.