Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for December 2021

Can I Get Affordable Wisdom Teeth Removal With No Dental Insurance?

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Young African American man portraying the need for wisdom teeth removalBoth my bottom wisdom teeth have been hurting on and off for the past year. Last month, the pain increased, and three weeks ago, it was not intense and throbbing that I was nauseous. I do not have a regular dentist, so I found one online that takes emergency patients 24/7. The dentist examined my teeth, took an x-ray, and said both teeth were infected and needed to come out.

The dentist referred me to an oral surgeon who quoted a price that I could not afford, and they wanted the money upfront. But the dentist prescribed antibiotics, so I am happy about that because the infection won’t worsen. How can I get affordable wisdom tooth removal without dental insurance? Thank you.  Ryland from TN

Ryland,

Thank you for your question.

It is good to realize that antibiotics are not enough to resolve the infection. The antibiotics cannot remove the source of the infection in your wisdom teeth.

Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed Without Dental Insurance

If you do not have dental insurance, you should still get your infected wisdom teeth removed. Without removal, the infection and pain will get worse.

Some tips for getting the care you need:

  • Take antibiotics as prescribed – Keep taking the antibiotic from the dentist who gave you a same-day appointment, but still get the teeth removed promptlt. Otherwise, your body can develop antibiotic resistance, and it will become more challenging to get rid of the infection.
  • Get dental care right away – You can get wisdom teeth removed affordably without dental insurance by finding a dentist with advanced training in oral surgery. You can call the office to ask if the dentist accepts patients who do not have dental insurance. Many dentists offer payment plans or financing to help you pay for care over time.
  • Consider a university dental school or dental clinic – For our readers experiencing extreme financial hardship, find a nearby university with a dental school clinic. Or look for a local dental clinic.

Ryan Perry, DD, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Perry makes treatment affordable by offering financing options like CareCredit®. And he offers a free initial exam for new patients.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

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Surveys show that when asked what they want to improve most about their smile, most people say they want whiter teeth. In the United States, the average cost of professional teeth whitening is $300 to $600. But is it worth it? Is teeth whitening permanent?

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Woman putting on teeth whitening traysTeeth whitening permanently lightens the natural pigmentation of your teeth. But how bright your smile remains depends on several factors:

  • Limiting exposure to things that stain them – Smoking, heavy coffee drinking, eating berries, and other staining foods can cause teeth stains.
  • Touching up your teeth – If you want to keep your teeth as white as when your dentist bleached them, you must do periodic touch-ups to remove stains.
  • Practice good oral hygiene – Brushing twice daily and flossing daily help control plaque and tartar buildup that can cause yellow teeth.

Peroxide, Charcoal, or Teeth Whitening from a Dentist?

What results can you expect with using peroxide or charcoal to whiten your teeth versus teeth whitening from a dentist?

Peroxide

Peroxide-based bleaching gels can whiten teeth. But if the gel does not stay in contact with your teeth long enough, it will not break down stains. Dentists provide custom whitening trays to keep the gel on your teeth and away from gums and oral tissue. Avoid habitually rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth. It can kill good bacteria and cause an oral yeast infection.

Charcoal

There are few studies on the effectiveness of charcoal for teeth whitening. But the American Dental Association reveals that a mixture of salt and charcoal makes teeth yellow because it removes tooth enamel and exposes dentin—the layer beneath the enamel.

Teeth Whitening from a Dentist

Although teeth whitening from a dentist costs more than over-the-counter kits, professional teeth whitening lasts longer. And you will get reliable results. A dentist will do the following to give you the best results:

  • Determine if teeth whitening is the solution for your stained teeth
  • Choose a brand and bleaching gel strength that will work for you
  • Monitor the progress and adjust treatment as needed
  • Anticipate sensitivity and help you minimize or avoid it
  • Achieve long-lasting, reliable results that you can maintain with touch-ups

Schedule an appointment with a dentist experienced with teeth whitening to discuss your options. If you have a budget, ask how the dentist can make teeth whitening affordable for you.

Baton Rouge family dentist Ryan Perry, DDS, sponsors this post.