Monthly Archives: January 2018

Teeth whitening

Have I done too many free teeth whitening treatments?

I got free teeth whitening from my dentist. I have been using it every night for 4 months. My dentist wanted me to give it a break but I can’t stop. Today and lunch, I felt this horrible electric shock through my bottom teeth. I thought immediately that it must be from the whitening. I am scared that I overdid it. Now every 15 minutes or so the shock comes back. It won’t stop. Could this really have come from the bleaching gel? I just took an Advil. Is this going to go away? I’m too embarrassed to call my dentist because she told me to stop whitening a long time ago. Thanks. Shellie

Shellie – It is likely that the sensation you are feeling in your teeth is from the free teeth-whitening gel. Hopefully, the Advil will give you some relief. We recommend that you stop using the bleaching gel. Give your teeth a break.

If the pain becomes more frequent, or if it increases over the next day or two, call your dentist to have your teeth examined. If you have time today, you can try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, to see if you get some relief.

Risks of Using Too Much Free Teeth-Whitening Gel

Many people over-bleach their teeth. It’s important to follow your dentist’s direction on the frequency for doing touch-ups.

  • Teeth can weaken
  • Nerve irritation that results in hypersensitivity
  • Teeth can darken

It’s good that you started your whitening process with your dentist. Some people choose to use professional-strength bleaching gel without the supervision of a dentist, and problems can result from it. Based on the characteristics of your teeth and your sensitivity, your dentist can recommend a bleaching gel of the appropriate strength for your case.

Don’t wait too long to contact your dentist if you don’t feel any relief, or if the situation gets worse.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

What could an affordable dentist do with my too small teeth if I can’t afford veneers?

I’m wondering what an affordable dentist would do for my small teeth if I can’t afford porcelain veneers. I know that porcelain veneers can work wonders for my teeth. They are too small and look like baby teeth. The thing is that there is no way that I can afford veneers even with a payment plan. I just have a gummy smile and my gums are dark so they just make my little teeth even more noticeable. Is there something other veneers a cosmetic dentist can do? Ismeralda

Ismeralda – An affordable dentist who is also a skilled cosmetic dentist can improve the appearance of your teeth without porcelain veneers.

Affordable Dentist Options for Small Teeth

  • Dental bonding – Dental bonding can be used to lengthen your teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools and shades of dental composite needed to provide seamless results. Your dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth, apply and shape the bonding, and harden and polish it. Bonding needs to be replaced about every five years.
  • Gum contouring – Since you have a gummy smile, your gumline can be trimmed to decrease the amount of gum tissue and lengthen the amount of tooth structure that shows when you smile. This is a painless, brief procedure that is done with a laser. After gum contouring, you can expect a little swelling as the gum tissue heals, but it’s a minor procedure that can be completed in a single visit.
  • Porcelain crowns– Crowns (often called “caps”) require reduction of your natural tooth structure because they are placed over your teeth. Crowns are customized to match the characteristics of your natural teeth, including shape and color. An artistic cosmetic dentist can design crowns that look completely natural.

Don’t insist on finding the most affordable dentist. Schedule consultations with two or three cosmetic dentists to ask questions and discuss your treatment options. Choose a trained cosmetic dentist who can produce good results and who provides payment options.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sensitive Teeth

Sedation dentist did work without my consent

About two months ago, I began seeing a new sedation dentist because I have dental anxiety and need a lot of dental work. On my first visit, the doctor did the exam and discussed all the treatment. We settled on oral conscious sedation for all my work, with the exception of the days I was only getting crowns cemented. I sat down with the front office person and we mapped out a schedule, with a certain amount of work to do at each visit. The sedation visits were scheduled two months apart to allow me time to budget between them. I already had enough money set aside for the first one, so I scheduled that right away. They insisted that I sign forms in advance and prepay it, saying that I couldn’t legally agree to anything while I was medicated. That actually gave me some comfort. I felt like I was in control and felt like I could trust what they were doing.

Nothing remarkable happened the day of my appointment. I took my medication. I mostly slept through the appointment. My sister took me home after and I slept the rest of the day. But the next day, the office manager called me and told me the “good news.” The doctor had been able to work in three more fillings for me, so they were calling for payment. First, I didn’t agree to fillings. I didn’t even know they were doing them. I don’t think that teeth were filled without my consent, especially since they insisted that prior to sedation I would agree to all dental treatment for that visit. Secondly, I don’t have the money to pay for the fillings. We structured the appointments according to my budget. I talked to the office rep about my concerns. She told me they wouldn’t be able to cement my crown until my bill is paid in full, and that, by signing my full treatment plan, I was agreeing to the work. She also belittled me and told me I shouldn’t have scheduled the appointment if I couldn’t pay for the work. I am so upset I don’t know what to do. Can they do this?!?

Marla

Marla,

No dentist, whether a sedation dentist or general dentist, should do any work without consent from the patient or guardian. Assuming you’re a legal adult, the consent would need to come from you. As far as having you sign the treatment plan as consent for fillings, it really depends on the wording of the document you signed.  Most of the time, the agreement is related to finances, not for specific treatment.

Resolving the Issue with Your Sedation Dentist

  • Your best option is to speak directly to the sedation dentist who treated you. Let him or her know what happened.
  • If this is a reputable doctor, he or she will try to correct the situation.
  •  Ideally, that means not billing you for the fillings and cementing your crown without any additional costs. If not, this may be something you’ll have to report to your local dental board and/or a lawyer.
  • We recommend that you find a new sedation dentist. This should not have happened to you, and it’s an incredibly rare occurrence. Please don’t let your experience prevent you from completing your treatment. You’ll likely have a much better experience if you get referrals from family and friends or read online reviews before selecting a new dentist.
  • You can schedule consultations with at least two dentists before choosing a new provider.

This post is sponsored by Plano female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.