Baton Rouge Dentist

Whitened My Teeth Before I Knew I Was Pregnant

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Did I hurt my baby? I whitened my teeth before I even knew I was pregnant.

Terrified Almost Mom – California

Dear Terrified,

You’re not an “almost” mom, you’re a mom. And based on your question, you’re a great one.  First, take a deep breath. You haven’t hurt your baby. I realize teeth whitening hasn’t been approved by the FDA for use during pregnancy, but here’s why.

In order to get FDA clearance, trials have to be performed in which pregnant mothers have teeth whitening done and then healthy babies are born. As you can imagine, there aren’t many moms who are running to have experimentation done on their unborn child.

If you’re still worried, just remember there’s nothing you can change about something that’s already done and stress IS bad for your baby. Relax.  From here on out, just don’t do any touch-ups, eat healthy, be active, and don’t punish yourself for something which wasn’t wrong.

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

Is There An Affordable Way To Re-do Porcelain Veneers?

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I’m hoping you can help me figure out how to find an affordable dentist to re-do my porcelain veneers. I’ve been ashamed of my smile since childhood. I called around to get the best deal after I got my first real job, but to be honest, it doesn’t look natural. In fact, it looks almost wooden, which is worse than my old smile.  I need to get it redone, but I’ll need to find an affordable dentist to do it.

Mary P. – West Virginia

Mary,

You’re definitely going about this the wrong way. There are quite a few procedures where finding the most affordable dentist is feasible. Cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers, isn’t one of them. In fact, you’re almost guaranteeing yourself bad results, which is what you have now.

In all honesty, if you want a beautiful smile, you’re going to have to change the way you approach it. When you consult with the dentist, I want you to ask to see their smile gallery. That is a group of before and after pictures of cosmetic work.  Ideally, you’ll want to see full face and close-ups.

Be certain that they’re showing you actual photos of their work.  Some less scrupulous cosmetic dentists will just show stock photos and pass them off as their own.

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

Made A Huge Mistake Not Getting Dental Implants

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I feel like I made a horrible mistake and I’m afraid there’s no remedy for it. I wanted to get dental implants to replace if not all the missing teeth, at least the ones that show when I smile, but I wound up getting a denture to save on costs. I knew I wouldn’t be overly thrilled with the aesthetics, but I had no idea this thing would ruin my life. It hurts. I can’t eat. I can’t talk. I can’t smile. The dentist says I’ll get used to it. No. I won’t. Now the time has passed and I’m afraid I’m stuck with this thing for life. I really wish I would have gotten another opinion or tried to save my remaining teeth. Any advice?

-Lauren

Dear Lauren,

It’s a shame you went through this ordeal. Try not to beat yourself up about your lost teeth. They may not have been savable, so try to focus on what you can do now to make things right so you can eat, talk, and smile again.

In some cases, people do adapt to their dentures over time. Equally, your gums may be sore for a while after extractions, and as time passes, you’ll feel better, too. Adjustments can also be made to dentures at any point if the soreness isn’t being caused by healing. Sometimes, just smoothing out a small area can make a world of difference in making dentures feel better to wear. If your dentist didn’t check them and try, he probably should have. Give the office another call and let them know exactly what’s happening. If it really s related to the fit of them, they should be able to help.

As far as affordable dental implants go, you may still have an option. You can get something called a “snap-on denture,”  which relies on dental implants to hold the denture in place. This gives you a firmer hold than traditional dentures, but without the expense of a full set of implants. It often only takes two for it to work. Depending on your preferences, you can also have more placed, and have a partial denture designed to fit around them. Either method is less expensive than a full set, and will provide a better hold.

It’s also worth noting that dentures can look beautiful and natural. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your dentures, it may be worth having them remade by someone who does a better job with aesthetics.

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

Will the Dentist Turn Me In For Marijuana Use?

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I just cracked a tooth falling down the stairs. I need to go to an emergency dentist and try to get the tooth fixed, but I’m worried he’ll turn me in if he smells the pot on my clothes.

Name Withheld

Dear Anonymous,

It’s unlikely a dentist will turn you in for coming during a dental emergency. Most dentists went into their profession because they want to help people. They’re not out to get you. They want to help. I’d recommend you go. There could be other damage to the tooth you’re not aware of and the dentist can take precautions to help save the tooth.

I will say there is one scenario in which a dentist might be more likely to turn you in. That would be if you’re driving while high. As long as you have someone driving you to and from your appointment, you should be okay.

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

Are Affordable Dentists A Safe Choice?

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You often hear you get what you pay for. I know I need to find a dentist, but I really don’t have a lot of money. Would I be foolish to seek out an “affordable dentist”? Are they affordable for a reason?

Jason B. – Florida

Jason,

It all depends on how you go about it. If you’re simply looking for the lowest price, that could end up biting you in the end. There is a difference between a cheap dentist and an affordable dentist.

A cheap dentist cuts corners with materials or tries to run patients through quickly. Both “techniques” are designed to help them make up the income from their bottom of the barrel pricing.

An affordable dentist finds ways to keeps costs down, without compromising patient care. So, how do you tell the difference between the two?

It’s fine to do a search for an affordable dentist. But, the next step would be to read their patient reviews. What do people who’ve already been to their practice say about them? Did they feel rushed? Did they have problems with the work done after a few weeks? Were they thrilled?

If a dentist has slightly higher prices, but great reviews, it will be worth it. Most dentists are willing to work with you on payments anyway.

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

Is Care Credit a Legitimate Way to Afford Dental Implants?

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After years of having a bridge, and other unsuccessful treatments, I’m in need of four dental implants on my top arch. My insurance won’t cover them at all, and I don’t have the funds to pay at once. The dental office is offering me financing through a third party (Care Credit) to assist with paying the costs. I’m on the fence about applying as I don’t have the best credit, and already have a credit card that is maxed out. Is this a realistic option for me to pursue, in order to obtain affordable dental implants?

Andrew L. – Boston

Andrew,

There are few worse feelings than needing health care and not being able to afford it. Dental Implants are by far the better treatment for missing teeth, but their cost is sometimes a hindrance for patients. Care Credit is one way of getting affordable dental implants and it sounds like the path your dentist prefers.

Care Credit is specifically a healthcare credit card, used exclusively for healthcare services, though not all providers participate.

Unlike commercial credit cards, a Care Credit account allows you to select the terms of what you finance. You can get no interest financing every time you use it. If you need more time to pay for your procedure, you can take advantage of extended payment plans with low, fixed interest rates. While they offer many different plans to make your monthly payoff affordable check with your dental office as providers get to choose which specific promotions their office participates with.

Your dentist is a participating provider, so you should be able to apply in your dental office, and get an immediate response if you’ve been approved of not. Approval is based on past credit history, but even if your credit has blemishes, it does not mean you won’t be approved. There is an option for a co-applicant as well.

Once approved, your dental office will “run” the charges for treatment on your Care Credit card, and you should receive your first billing statement within 30 days of that transaction. Another benefit is no pre-payment penalties if your finances change and you want to pay it off early.

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

My Tooth Crumbled. What Do I Do?

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I had a root canal and temporary filling done. I’m supposed to go in for the crown on Wednesday, but it seems my tooth has crumbled. I was eating and suddenly I felt bits of tooth in my food.  My dentist warned me I wouldn’t be able to put off getting the crown, but this is sooner than expected. Do I need to see an emergency dentist?

Barth – New Mexico

Barth,

Of course, I can’t tell you with certainty without seeing you, but I suspect it isn’t your tooth crumbling, but the temporary filling coming out. Look in the tooth. Is there a hole in the center? That’s where your filling should be.

If that is the case, you won’t need an . Instead, you can just get some store bought tooth filling to tide you over until your appointment on Wednesday. It’s meant for situations specifically like yours.

However, if you look back there and the tooth is gone, then yes, you’ve got a problem. Call your dentist. They likely have a protocol for situations like these and may have you come in early.

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

Why Won’t My Gray Tooth Whiten?

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I have a tooth that turned gray. It’s been so frustrating, because I just can’t get it to whiten. I’ve been using whitestrips. Every other tooth whitens except that one. Why can’t I get it to whiten?

Sam W. – Kansas

Sam,

It sounds like that tooth has suffered some trauma. Nothing will whiten it. Not white strips. Not even professional teeth whitening.  Your stain has occurred from the inside out. The bruise on the inside of the tooth is what gives the tooth its gray appearance. Teeth whitening only works on stains that occur from the outside in.

What you’ll need is to see a dentist and have him or her do a root canal treatment on your tooth. If you’re already happy with the color of the remainder of your teeth, then you can get the crown to match the rest of your teeth.

IF you’re not happy yet, get professional teeth whitening done, so it can go quickly and then get the crown.

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

Finding Affordable Dental Care for My Mother

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My mother is on disability. She really needs some dental care or I’m afraid she’s going to lose her teeth. Unfortunately, her disability doesn’t seem to cover any dental care. Is there an affordable way to get her taken care of?

Sara L. – Idaho

Sara,

It’s lovely to see children stepping up to care for their parents.  Sometimes medicare will cover dental issues, but if she’s new to diability she might be in that limbo period.  Though, sometimes they only cover emergencies, even after they kick in.

Your best bet in finding your mother affordable dental care, is to first do a Google search for the term “affordable dentist“. Then, you can narrow down your choices by checking out their reviews.

Many dentists are cognizant of and compassionate toward the hardships faced by seniors in making ends meet. They often have low and no interest payment plans, so they can get their work done and then pay it off gradually.

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

When does a dental crown require an emergency visit?

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I’ve had several dental crowns done over the years. Most of them are fine and look good. One has always had a slight defect. It’s nothing major, just a small divot in the crown. However, lately, it’s gotten rougher feeling and has started picking up stains.  Is this an emergency? What do I do? I’m about to go an overseas trip and don’t want something to happen while I’m gone.

Braydon L.

Braydon,

While this isn’t a dental emergency, it does sound like your crown is having some issues. It’s possible it’s even cracked. If I were in your place, I’d have it looked at before leaving the country, in case it needs to be replaced.

You didn’t say how old your crowns are, but it may just be time for them to be re-done.  That happens. Things wear out, including our bodies.

Talk to your dentist regarding your upcoming trip so he or she can schedule you in with plenty of time to spare.

If your dentist tries to tell you that all of them need to be replaced to get the crowns to match, that is a warning sign. It means he’s not a skilled cosmetic dentist. One crown can be made to match the others.

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