Tooth pain versus dental fear

I’m in a lot of pain, but I have a horrible fear of being in a dental chair. I can’t decide which is worse. How do I find a dentist who doesn’t cause pain?

Drew B.- San Antonio

Drew,

You are not alone in your dental fear.  A large number of Americans share your feelings. There is a way you can get your tooth ache dealt with and stay out of pain in the dental chair.

What you need is a sedation dentist. There are different levels of sedation. It sounds like your fear needs something stronger than nitrous oxide. Call around and see who will do at least oral conscious sedation.

This is a pill you take shortly before your appointment. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment, because you’ll be pretty groggy. What you won’t feel, is pain.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

CEREC verses Porcelain Crowns

Which crowns are better, cerec or porcelain crowns?

Elaina- Bayonne, NJ

Elaina,

CEREC crowns are a type of porcelain crown.  I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other. The biggest benefit to a CEREC crown is really in its convenience.  Because they are milled by a computer, you can have your CEREC crown done the same day as your initial appointment, saving you coming in a second time. You also won’t have to wear a temporary crown.

If you decided not to get a CEREC crown, you’ll want to make sure you get all porcelain crowns and not porcelain fused to metal crowns.  Because of their metal foundation, those type of crowns have to be made a little opaque.  They also develop a gray line at your gumline over time.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.