Baton Rouge Dentist

How do I keep dentures from flapping?

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I have a problem with my dentures. They keep flapping. The denture adhesive doesn’t work. Do you have any recommendations?

Jeff B. – Ft. Worth, TX

Jeff,

Dentures are naturally problematic, especially the bottom arch which just rests on your jawbone. Dental implants are a much better option, but I realize that not everyone can afford them. There are affordable dental implants.

These are “mini implants” that will enable you to anchor your dentures. You’ll find that it increases your chewing capacity. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about them slipping any more. They’ll stay secure in your mouth.

I hope this ehlps your situation.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Another victim of the new Star Wars movie

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Ever since the new Star Wars movie, it’s been all lightsabers, all the time. My sons are having light saber fights almost 24/7. I was rounding the kitchen when a lightsaber struck me directly in the mouth. One of my front teeth are a little loose. Do I need to see an emergency dentist?

Elaine F. – Birmingham, AL

Elaine,

I guess that’s better than a blaster, unless a storm trooper was behind the gun, because they rarely hit their targets anyway.  You’ll want to go in to have a dentist look at the tooth fairly soon. It’s likely just the ligament was stretched, but you want to make sure there’s not too much trauma.

They can stabilize the tooth while it heals. Most dentists make room in their schedule for last minute emergency appointments for cases like yours.

If your dentist doesn’t accomodate you and you’re concerned, there are dentists who will take non-established patients the same day in the case of emergeny.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

A dentist for chickens–not the animal?

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Is there a dentist for people who are afraid of the dentist?

Margie H. – Little Rock, AR

Margie,

You’re not alone in your fear of the dentist. A large number of Americans have some form of dental anxiety.

There are dentists who work with fearful patients. Most of them do some form of sedation dentistry, which will give you a pain free experience.

Don’t just look for a dentist who does sedation, though. You want to be sure that they enjoy working with fearful patients. They’re more compassionate. Which means you’ll not only have a pain free experience, but also a judgment and lecture free appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

 

Need too much work done

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I just switched dentists because I moved out of state. The new dentist said I need a ton of work done. Way more work than I have the money for. Are there more affordable ways of getting a bunch of work done, like a bulk discount I can ask for?  Give me the inside scoop and deals.

Benj. – Milwaukee, WI

Benj,

There isn’t some inside passcode to get significant secret discounts, if that’s what you mean, but there are ways to do this treatment affordably. My suggestion would be phased treatment.

What I would do first is ask your dentist to list what you need in order of priority. Then do one or two treatments at a time, as you can afford it. Combine that with some low (or no) interest payment plans from a medical card, like care credit and you’ll be able to get all the work done in now time.

Also, be sure to talk to your dentist and let him or her know your financial situation. They may have some specific specials or plans unique to that practice which could be helpul.

This blog is brought to you Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

I’m in despair. Can’t afford implants. I’m going to lose my jaw.

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I’m in complete despair. I’m losing a lot of my teeth because of an accident. I can’t afford dental implant, which means dentures. Now my dentist tells me if I don’t get implants, I will lose my jawbone.  Is there some way I can use supplements to keep my jawbone?

Lola V. – Pittsburgh

Lola,

There isn’t a supplement that will keep your jawbone. The reason for that is the cause of the bone loss. When your teeth are removed, your body begins reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. The only way to keep that jawbone is to trick your body into thinking there is still a tooth root there.  Dental implants do that.

I know you said there is no way you could afford them, but I wondered if you looked into affordable dental implant options, such as mini implants?  I would discuss it with your dentist. It will still require a denture, but it will help retain your jawbone.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Terrible toothache with terrible fear of the dentist

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I have a horrible toothache. I know there’s a problem, but I don’t have a dentist. Even if I did, I wouldn’t likely go.  I haven’t gone in ages.  Mostly because they terrify me.  Even if I could get past the fear, I definitely wouldn’t want a lecture. Is there something I can do about it at home?

Audrey L. – Kentucky

Audrey,

You’re definitely not the first person to avoid the dentist.  Many people feel the way you do.  If you have a toothache, you likely have a tooth infection.  You’ll want to deal with this as soon as possible, because it will do nothing but spread.

Unfortunately, there is no way to treat this at home.  You will have to bite the bullet and see and actual dentist.  I do realize you don’t have one, but there are emergency dentists who will see you quickly. Many will see you the same day you call.

I have more good news for you too.  If you go to an emergency dentist who uses sedation, they’re likely to be accostomed to fearful patients.  You won’t be judged or lectured. In fact, you’ll also be treated to a pain free appointment.

Don’t put this off.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

 

 

Can’t afford veneers for both arches

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I really wanted to get porcelain veneers, but am not sure it will do any good if I can only get it on the top arch.  My dentist quoted me for both arches, but I can’t afford that.  I figure that the top arch is the most obvious, but they’ll look fake if my bottom teeth are all dark and crooked.

Hilliary P. – Missouri

Hilliary,

Unless your bottom teeth are in very bad shape, most dentists will only put porcelain veneers on your top arch. Then they’ll use teeth whitening to match the bottom arch’s color to your new veneers.

If your teeth are really bad on the bottom, the whitening will mask the problem until you can afford another arch. Believe me, the whitening to match the veneers will make them look a lot better than you realize.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Dentist says extract my teeth and get implants

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I have severe gum disease. My dentist is recommending I remove my teeth and get dental implants instead. I can’t afford that.  I can barely afford a dentist, which is why I have gum disease. Are there any alternatives?

BreeAnne W. – Detriot, MI

BreeAnne,

I want you to get away from this dentist as fast as you can.  Don’t waste another penny or second of your life with this hack.  Thinking about this logically, if your peridontist is so advanced that he can’t save your teeth, what makes you think dental implants will be retained?  You’ll spend tens of thousands of dollars and then lose the implants.

Even if the implants would be fine, I would want to do everything possible to save your natural teeth first.

Your first step is to get to an affordable dentist. Call around. Most dentists aren’t like the fraud you’re currently with.  They care about patients. It’s why they got into their field. Tell them your situation. They’ll work out a way for you to afford treatment.

You’ll want to get this gum disease dealth with as quickly as possible, in order to try to save your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Domestic Abuse Survivor–Can’t Afford Teeth

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I recently left a domestic abuse situation. The last time he knocked out all my front teeth.  I have no money, because I had to leave with just the clothes on my back. I need to get a job, but nobody is going to hire me without teeth. I know I need dental implants, but right now I’m living in a shelter and can’t even afford an apartment.  Is there an affordable way to get dental implants?

Miranda K. – Missouri

Miranda,

I’m very sorry for what you’ve been through. At the same time, I’m releived you found the fortitude to leave. You can click on my affordable dental implants page to learn about the ways you can get dental implants more affordably.

However, you’re a unique case. I’d like for you to look into the Give Back a Smile program. It is a charity, specifically designed for domestic abuse patients.  Cosmetic dentists donate the time and materials to help people in your situation get back their smile. Let me know if you have trouble locating the information.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.

Are store bought fillings legit?

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I have a filling that is coming loose.  I noticed when waiting on a prescription that my pharmacy has dental filling material. Is that legitimate.  Can I just pu tthat in place of my old filling?

Brooklyn D. – Conway, AR

Brooklyn,

Those store bought dental fillings are meant to be temporary. They’ll only last a few days.  But, even if they were meant to be permanent, the fact that your filling is coming loose means that something is wrong.

You need to have a dentist look at this.  If you don’t have a dentist, I suggest you go to an emergency dentist. They can look at your tooth and see if there is an underlying infection.

Don’t put this off. If there is an infection. It will spread and can cause a great deal of problems.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.