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My dentures are ruining my life!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I feel like I made a horrible mistake and I’m afraid there’s no remedy for it. I tried to find affordable dental implants and I came up short. Most of my teeth were shot, and the dentist told me all of my remaining upper teeth had to go. I really wanted to go with dental implants to replace them all, or 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 or talk. I can’t even 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? — Laura

Dear Laura,
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 get back to eating, talking, and smiling 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, that will feel better, too. Adjustments can also be made to dentures at any point if the soreness is being caused by something other than the healing process. Sometimes, just smoothing out a small area can make a world of difference in how they feel. 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 is related to the fit of them, they should be able to help.

Snap on Denture

As far as affordable dental implants go, you may have one more 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 specializes in them.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Dentist says I need an Anterior Repositioning Splint… what is it?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve been seeing a dentist for jaw pain and at my last appointment he mentioned fitting me for an Anterior Repositioning Splint. He didn’t really tell me much about it or how it will help me. Is it made out of plastic and is it very big? What will it do? — Jeremiah

Jeremiah,
Dentists often prescribe an anterior repositioning splint (ARS) to re-position or realign the condyles (in basic terms, the condyles are the hinge of the jaw). It treats disc displacement by helping place your jaw joints into a more normal position. If you experience clicks or lock jaw, the ARS will allow your lower jaw and temporomandibular joints to move into a position that reduce those symptoms.

The splint is made of acrylic and typically worn all the time for several months. It can affect speech if it’s worn on your top arch, but the good news is that if you can get through the 3-4 months, your jaw should be in the correct position and you can stop wearing it. The ARS will help your muscles and ligaments relax so you should also see a reduction in grinding or clenching. This type of appliance should only be used for the amount of time recommended by your dentist as it could cause changes to your bite if worn too long.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Does my dentist really expect payment for my implants up front?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I was in an accident a few years ago and lost some teeth. At the time, all I could afford to replace them with was a partial denture, but knew I would eventually get implants. I’ve done a ton of research and recently found an implant dentist that has great patient reviews, so I went to see him. We both agree that implants are the way to go and I can’t wait to get started. I’ll be having surgery to place four implants and then I’ll go back in 6-9 months to have the crowns placed. Here’s the deal… I was totally caught off guard when they told me that I’d need to pay for the entire procedure up front. That’s a lot of money to put up in advance, considering it will take many months to complete. Do most dentists ask for the entire amount up front? Should I question him more about it? — Daniel

Daniel,
You certainly have the right to ask a few questions regarding the procedure and the finances of it, so hopefully you’ve developed a trust and feel comfortable doing so. If you have any doubt in his/her capabilities or practices, consider it a red flag and keep looking. With that said, you need to keep in mind the complexity of the dental implant procedure. It requires a lot of skill on the doctor’s part and there are extremely high fees for materials and lab work that the doctor has to pay for many months in advance to you having a finished product. That’s why asking for payment upfront is not uncommon. Today, many doctors have finance plans they can offer patients (some are even interest free) to help make it more affordable. The approval typically only takes a few minutes and you can get started on the procedure that day. Good luck!

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Could my new crown be making my TMJ pain worse?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve been battling with TMJ problems for the past couple of years. Mostly, my jaw is just sore in the morning and it fades away as I go about my day. I know I should be wearing a night guard. My dentist told me I needed one and I still haven’t gotten it. But, here’s the thing – I had a crown done about two weeks ago and it didn’t feel right from the start. I mentioned it to my dentist and he made some adjustments, but I could still feel it hitting the tooth above it first. My dentist said he’d adjusted it as much as he could and that I will get used to it. My TMJ pain is even worse than usual since getting the crown. Could the two be related? — Marcella

Marcella,
Making sure the teeth come together properly requires intricate knowledge of the jaw and anatomy. When there are bite problems, like those caused by an ill-fitting crown, it can certainly exacerbate an existing TMJ issue or even cause one to start.

Unfortunately, a lot of dentists fail to realize this and they don’t take additional training to ensure they’re getting it right. Some will just make repeated adjustments to their work until a patient stops complaining, and others will reduce the restoration down so much that it doesn’t connect with the tooth it bites against at all.

The bottom line is that yes, you need to get your night guard made. Your TMJ problems are going to progress until you get the nighttime grinding under control. However, the crown is probably contributing to the problem right now and it needs to be corrected. It’s not a matter of getting used to it. Although you may become accustomed to biting incorrectly or moving your mouth differently so that it doesn’t bother you so much, it will still put undue stress on your joints. Keep working with your dentist to get it corrected. If you hit a point where it’s not getting resolved and he’s unwilling to help, get a consultation with another dentist who specializes in TMJ issues and understands occlusion.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Why have dental insurance if it doesn’t make implants more affordable?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve recently been exploring my options to replace a couple of missing teeth and I think implants are my best option. I have dental insurance, so I figured they would pay for at least half the cost, which was going to make it much more affordable for me. My dentist just called with the estimate and my insurance is hardly covering anything. What’s the deal? Should I call them and see if I can get more? — Marissa

Marissa,
Unfortunately, that is pretty much the norm for most dental insurance companies. There are some plans that will pay for 50 percent of the cost of the crown, if you meet the deductible and then there are some that won’t cover anything.

Insurance companies typically don’t pay for the best possible treatment. You can try and find a plan that might cover more, but be careful and pay close attention to the fine print because there are often waiting periods or a “missing tooth clause.” This could mean that the new insurance might not pick up treatment right away, or they could refuse to pay for missing teeth altogether.

Have your dentist office submit a pre-authorization to the insurance company. That way, you and the office will know exactly what insurance will pay for each service. If it’s still not enough, talk to your dentist about the possibility of making payments for each part of the procedure or a monthly payment plan. They may also be able to find some programs that will help you finance the total amount. Also, ask your dentist about other treatments (i.e. snap-on dentures) that might fit your budget better.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Does pregnancy make TMJ worse?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I’ve been a TMJ sufferer for many years. After numerous doctors and treatments I felt I had the pain management under control. Now, I am pregnant and I’m having constant TMJ pain. Does pregnancy make TMJ worse? — Amy in Texas

Amy,
Dealing with TMJ is tough, especially during pregnancy. Women with preexisting pain conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder often report experiencing more pain flare-ups during pregnancy. While a specific link between pregnancy and TMJ hasn’t been found there are some possible causes of increased pain during pregnancy. Pregnancy is usually a happy time, however, anyone who has been pregnant knows that pregnancy automatically comes with increased stress — which leads to clenching and grinding of teeth, and that can cause headaches, jaw pain, and tooth damage. In addition, your body drains resources to nourish the baby. A large amount of vitamins and minerals go to the baby’s development, which could make mom deficient. Certain mineral deficiencies such as calcium and magnesium can cause TMJ flare ups. That’s why its even more important to eat right and take your prenatal vitamins. Another reason you may experience extra TMJ pain during pregnancy is the ever changing center of gravity. As your body grows and expands, your body may adapt by changing your posture. Posture changes can definitely be related to increased TMJ pain.

You may find your TMJ pain decreases after the baby is born, or even as your pregnancy progresses and your body adapts. Both ice and heat work well at home. Massages can be useful for temporary and transitory TMJ. If home care doesn’t help alleviate some discomfort, make sure you make an appointment with your dentist.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Is my cavity really too deep for a white filling?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have cavities on two of my back bottom teeth and I requested that my dentist do white fillings. He insists that I need amalgam fillings because the cavities are too big and deep for the white ones. I’m wondering if that’s really the case or if my insurance is the problem and he’s just not telling me. I have Denti-Cal. — Rob

Rob,
For starters, if your dentist is giving you the excuse that your fillings are too deep for white fillings, that’s totally wrong. The deeper the filling is, all the more reason to use white composite. Amalgam fillings can cause sensitivity to hot and cold, and when a filling is very deep, that sensitivity is even worse because the hot and cold is conducted directly into the tooth. Also, when a filling is very deep, the walls of the cavity can be very thin, thus making them susceptible to breaking when amalgam is used. A white filling actually strengthens the tooth structure.

I think the main issue here (and what your dentist is not telling you) is your insurance. Government dental insurance plans like Denti-Cal do not cover white fillings because they are more expensive than amalgam. Most of these plans won’t even allow participants to pay the difference, so you if you want white fillings you’ll have to pay for them out of your own pocket.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

67% off implants… deal or no deal?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am a sucker for great deals! I recently got a 67% off dental implants deal in my eamil and it totally caught my eye.  I’ve been consulting with my dentist regarding implants and his quote was several thousand dollars, so saving 67% sounds right up my alley! But there’s another part of me that thinks this may be too good to be true. Could a dentist really cut his rate by that much? My dentist is great, but if I can if I can get more affordable dental implants from someone else, I would consider switching just to get the implants. — Marla

Marla,
Who doesn’t love to save money? Daily deals can be great for things like jewelry, household items and clothing, but when it comes to dental procedures like implants, your best advice would be to say, “no deal!” Most of the companies that distribute these deals are taking at least half of the the profits, so if this dentist is offering 67% off, he is making a very small profit.  Think about it this way… if an implant normally costs $2000, the affordable price they are charging you is $660, and the dentist will only receive half of that amount.

High-quality dental implant materials that have been approved by the ADA and FDA can cost anywhere from $300-$500. When you factor in the cost of the crown that goes on the implant any other materials he uses as well as his time and his office staff time, it’s impossible to understand how or why he would make such an affordable offer, unless he’s:

  • Using lesser quality materials
  • Offering mini implants when you think you’re getting traditional
  • Inflating the rates for the special to make it look like you’re getting a good deal when in reality, the discount is much lower
  • Taking a loss on the procedure in hopes that he’s gaining a new patient and can recoup his costs in the long run

Read the fine print carefully. Before committing to anything, be sure you understand exactly what you are getting for the price and ask for the dentist to spell out any additional costs you will incur. Unexpected expenses or even a failed implant are definitely not something to smile about.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Pain after white filling – will it go away?

Posted on by smiles4u.

My friend recently had a couple of white fillings done by her dentist and I really like the way they look. At my recent appointment to have a filling, I told my dentist I wanted a white filling and he didn’t seem too excited about doing it. He was more interested in telling me about the risks associated with them – like the possibility of infection from saliva. I acknowledged the risks, but still wanted the white filling and he reluctantly did the procedure. It was a lot more painful than I thought it would be, and now, two weeks later, I still have a consistent ache on that side of my mouth. Will it go away? I’m  taking a pain reliever to help, but don’t know if I should call my dentist back. Any advice? — Cecelia

Cecelia,
Unfortunately, you probably pushed your dentist out of his comfort zone. There’s no doubt that when a dentist knows how and is completely comfortable doing white fillings, they will choose them over the old silver/mercury amalgam fillings. There should be no problems with contamination from saliva when a dentist does it right. Your dentist was likely not comfortable with the procedure and that is why he was reluctant, and based on the pain your are experiencing it would probably have been best to back off.

You need to find a dentist who knows how to do white fillings right and that can replace it.  When there’s contamination during the bonding process, bacteria gets in the little tubules of the dentin of your teeth, and it is not sealed against continual contamination. This should be fixed so that you don’t have any further harm to your tooth.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Do I see a general dentist or oral surgeon first for dentures?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have had a fear of the dentist all my life. It all stems from one bad experience as a kid. I just turned 52 and most of my teeth are broken or missing and it really affects my quality of life because I am so embarrassed by them. I want a confident smile back so I think I want to get dentures. Do I need to see a dentist or an oral surgeon to remove the rest of my teeth? — Michael

Michael,
Find a dentist who can do the extractions, surgery and dentures. There are typically dentists out there who do all three so it’s just a matter of calling and asking a particular dentist what he or she usually does. You’ll also want to address your dental fear and find a dentist who also offers sedation. You’ll take a pill that will enable you to have “amnesia” or a state of sleep during the entire procedure.

There is a certain amount of coordination that is needed between the surgery and the denture – particularly if you choose to get an immediate denture which is placed the same day. If you go the traditional denture route, there are still certain things a dentist can do during surgery that will help your dentures fit better and an oral surgeon would not be as familiar with that.

If you do decide to have an oral surgeon take out the teeth, go to your dentist first so that he can coordinate the procedures.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.