Baton Rouge Dentist

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.

Can’t afford to fix my chipped tooth

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I fell. I survived—my tooth didn’t. At least, it’s not the same anymore. It was chipped. I went in to see my dentist and he said there was an easy solution. He told me to get two porcelain veneers. He said two because he said it’s hard to match just one tooth. I was excited that I would not have this ugly chipped tooth anymore. Than I saw the price. My jaw almost fell open. Is there no more affordable treatment?

Micah B. – South Dakota

Micah,

Well, your dentist was right about one thing, but wrong about a couple others.

First, yes, it is hard to match just one porcelain veneer. So two would be easier. Actually, the standard is six. However, you don’t even need porcelain veneers.

If you just have a chipped tooth, the standard solution is dental bonding. This is a much more affordable procedure than porcelain veneers.

Your dentist is also ethically obligated to give you all your treatment options. I’m supcicious that he didn’t do this.  Unless there is something about your case I’m not aware of, it sounds like he was just trying to get you to do the most expensive solution.

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

What should I do if I have a small budget and a chipped tooth?

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Recently, I fell down some stairs, smashed my face and chipped my front right tooth. The tooth suffered damage on the corner innermost to the front left tooth in approximately 1/8 of an inch. I need to get this repaired but finances are an issue and I don’t want to spend a lot of money on porcelain veneers but I also want to repair the tooth properly. What is the best solution for my chipped right tooth?
– Steven from Louisiana

Steven,
A small chip like this doesn’t require a porcelain veneer. Instead, the best procedure would be a simple direct bonding repair.
Be sure to do your homework and get the best dentist for this procedure. You don’t need to be “upgraded” to porcelain veneers and at the same time, you want a dentist who has the artistic skills to effectively do a beautiful job with direct bonding.

This blog brought to you by Baton Rouge family dentist, Dr. Ryan P. Perry.