Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for March 2017

Are Veneers Truly Necessary with Dental Implants?

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I went to a dentist to get dental implants. I needed two on my front most teeth because of an accident I had in my teens. I’ve been wearing a flipper. My family dentist when I was younger told me as soon as I reached my mid-twenties to get implants placed. Well, the time has come. I specifically looked for a dentist who advertised affordable dental implants and was known for doing good work.  He also promotes himself as an expert cosmetic dentist, which I felt would bode well for me getting natural looking implant crowns. However, when I went in for my consult he said I’d also need porcelain veneers (two on either side of the front teeth) in order to get my smile to match.  I don’t have that kind of money. Is this an actual necessity?

Steve O.  – Michigan

Steve,

This dentist sounds dubious to me. Let’s start with his status as an “expert” cosmetic dentist. A truly expert cosmetic dentist can match a single implant or porcelain veneer to the rest of your smile. He (or she) wouldn’t need you to get a full set of veneers in order to match the smile. If he does, he’s no expert.

Next, we’ll discuss the affordable dental implants. Veneers aren’t a necessity for dental implants. In fact, they’re not done with the treatment unless the patient specifically has cosmetic work they wanted done. In other words, if there are things you’re unhappy with about the adjacent teeth which you want changed, then get the porcelain veneers. Otherwise, just get the dental implants.

It sounds like this dentist is drawing patients in with his affordable prices and then makes up the profit margin by pressuring you to add other services. If I were in your place, I’d ask to see before and after pictures of cosmetic work he’s done. Don’t let him show you stock photos. Make sure you’re happy with the type of results he provides. These are your front teeth and will be very visible. I’d also be interested to know how many successful dental implant cases he’s completed before proceeding. This is an advanced procedure with serious complications if done incorrectly. I’m concerned with his perceived dishonesty. It might be in your benefit to check into other dentists before making a final decision.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.

Should the Emergency Dentist Have Given Me a Root Canal?

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My husband had a toothache. He nursed it along for a bit then it blew up. He went to the emergency dentist who gave him a root canal. A few months later, I get a toothache. I nurse it along figuring I’d need a root canal anyway so why waste time now. It blew up on me. I went to the emergency dentist. He did a crown, but no root canal. Which one of us got the wrong treatment?

Abby N. – Indiana

Abby,

It is not a necessity that the emergency dentist gave either of you the wrong treatment. Each tooth infection is a little different. A root canal isn’t necessary unless the decay reaches the center of the tooth or is so close to the nerve that it causes the nerve to send distress signals, which comes in the form of pain or discomfort. They may also be done if the tooth is infected or dead.

It’s possible that in your husband’s case it was necessary, but in yours it wasn’t. Bear in mind, it’s not a good idea to let a toothache limp along. They blow up quickly. Even in 2017, people die from tooth infections that were left too long.

Another reason to not avoid treatment is cost and comfort. The sooner something is dealt with, the easier the treatment, which in turn also means a lower cost. I noticed that both you and your husband only go to an emergency dentist. If you’re fond of this dentist, you could make him your official dentist. With regular check-ups and cleanings, you’re likely to avoid emergency situations.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Perry.