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Sedation Dentistry

Will insurance cover sedation dentistry?

I haven’t been to a dentist’s office in a while because of finances.  My husband had been out of work for three years.  He got a new job and they actually have dental insurance. I have some dental anxiety. I’m sure the appointment will be even worse than I remember, becuase of how long I’ve been away.  I don’t see sedation dentists listed.  Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?

Melissa H. – Ft. Worth, TX

Melissa,

Congratulations on your husband’s job!  I know that must be a relief and hopefully take some pressure off of you.  I think the confusion lies in the way you’re looking. There isn’t a sedation dentistry specialist.  In fact, most dentists practice some form of sedation dentistry.

Dental insurance will normally cover the basic procedure.  At least some of the cost for sedation will have to come out of pocket, but it is totally worth it.  Your dentist can help you navigate how to get the most out of your insurance.

You’ll find sedation will allow you to get a lot more work done in each appointment, which will save you money in the long run with fewer appointments.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Are affordable dental implants equally good?

There are several dentists in my area that do dental implants. One of them is way more affordable than the others. I mean seriously more affordable. I was about to take the plunge, but decided I should get an opinon from a dentist out of my area first.

Lisa A. – Maine

Lisa,

When you talk about affordable dentistry, there is a difference between affordable and cheap.  Some dentists find legiitimate ways to make their dental implants more affordable. Maybe they cut their profit. Maybe they use mini implants or have exceptionally affordable payment plans.

Unfortunately some dentists try a different route for “affordability”.  They don’t want to cut their profit margin, so they cheat on quality. They’ll use materials that are of a lower quality.  While it may save you money on the short term, it may also end up costing you a fortune.  Dental implant failure is real. Some result in serious infections or bone loss.

Check their implant qualifications before you move forward.

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

CEREC crowns

Can I get a CEREC crown if I ground my teeth?

I had to go to an emergency dentist when my dentist was out of town. I learned two things at that appointment.  1. He said that I need a dental crown. 2. He said I grind my teeth. My regular dentist has never mentioned that before.   I was hoping to get a CEREC crown. Is that possible if I grind my teeth?

May H. – Maryland

May,

I’m glad your emergency dentist caught the grinding, because there can be pretty serious consequences if this isn’t dealt with.  When it comes to a CEREC crown, it is a wonderful restorative. You can get a beautiful, strong crown that looks completely natural.

A CEREC crown will be about as strong as your natural teeth. You will notice, however, that your natural teeth are suffering under the affects of teeth grinding.  You need to protect both your natural and restorative teeth.

It’s likely you don’t know when you’re grinding your teeth. In fact, you probably do it in your sleep, so it’s kind of hard to stop it in that case.

There is a simple solution.  Ask your dentist to fit you for a night guard appliance when you get your crown.  It’s a simple piece that you’ll wear when you sleep. Then you can grind away without hurting your teeth.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Can children use sedation dentistry

My son had a bad experience at the dentist’s office last appointment. He’s not too thrilled about going back. Is it safe to use sedation dentistry on children?

Morgan – Las Vegas

Morgan,

Yes, it is generally safe to use sedation dentistry on children, as long as they don’t have any allergies to the medication used.  Your dentist can go over all of that with you to make sure your child is a good candidate.

It’s great you’re being proactive about your son’s experiences.  Fortunately, sedation dentistry can completely change the way people respond to going to the dentist.

A few good appointments and you’re son will start looking forward to his teeth cleanings.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Father knocked out my teeth

My dad knocked out some of my teeth.  He used to hit my mom and I would hide, but this time I tried to stop him.  When he did that, my mom had him arrested. Since then, she’s had a hard time affording stuff, so I don’t want to bother her about my teeth, but it is embarassing. The other kids at school are calling me a hill billy.  I hear her crying every night, so I can’t bring it up.  Can you tell me how much it would cost to get new teeth?

Name Withheld

You’ve been through some horrible experiences. I’m very sorry.  It can be quite expensive to have teeth replaced.  That doesn’t mean there isn’t hope.  Some dentists work hard to offer affordable dentistry, especially to people in your situation.

In fact, there is a group of dentists who volunteer their time specifically for situations like yours.  I’d contact Give Back A Smile.  They work with people who’ve suffered domestic abuse in order to help repair their smiles.

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

Dental Emergency

Is this a dental emergency?

My tooth has been hurting on and off for a while. Is this something I need to see a dentist about? It always goes away.

Dennie R. – New Mexico

Dennie,

This isn’t a dental emergency right now, but it can become one quickly. It’s possible that the nerve of your tooth is dying.  You may just have one of those diva teeth that like to drag out the problem. However, if it suddenly progresses quickly you’ll need help quickly.

I’d avoid the drama and go see your dentist as soon as you can.  He can do some tests to determine what needs to be done. This way you can stay pain free.

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

CEREC crowns

Can CEREC crowns not match?

I got a CEREC crown. It doesn’t match my other teeth at all. I told him I wanted it white, but it’s more white than my other teeth. It doesn’t look natural. I thought they could be made to match my teeth.

Nerry G. – Oklahoma

Nerry,

Yes, CEREC crowns can be made to match any teeth. So, there should have been no problem getting them the same color as your other teeth.

In your particular case, you could do teeth whitening in order to get your natural teeth the same tone as your new crown.  That’s much easier than if your crown was darker. In that case you’d have to completely re-do the crown.

It sounds to me like your dentist understands the mechanics of dental crowns, but not the artistry involved with color and translucency.

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

Sedation Dentistry

Anti-depression medication and sedation dentistry

If I’m on anti-depression medication. Is it still possible for me to use sedation dentistry?

Laura K. –  Lawrence, Kansas

Laura,

It will depend on what type of anti-depression medication you’re on. Some classes of anti-depressants can interact with the sedative agents. If yours doesn’t interfere, then you can continue taking them as normal.

If yours does have some counter indications, you can still have dental sedation, but you may need to stop taking it for a day or two.

Make sure you speak to your dentist before you schedule the procedure. Also, let your dentist know everything else you’re taking including any over-the-counter medication.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Affording dentistry with no insurance

Are there secrets to affording dentistry when you don’t have insurance?

Breck T. – Missouri

Breck,

I don’t know about secrets, but there are some things that you may not know about. Dental schools will often do cleanings at a discounted fee. Some for as little as $25 a cleaning. You could see if there is a local dental school in your area. However, they don’t always to other procedures, such as crowns and fillings (depending on the school).

Also, many dental offices offer their own “insurance” plan in order to make your dentistry more affordable.

However, the best piece of advice I can give you is to be honest with your dentist. Let him know your financial circumstances. Many dentists are willing to work with patients.

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

Dental Emergency

Can’t afford a dentist and now I have an emergency

I haven’t been able to afford a dentist in a while. Now I’ve got a loose tooth. I don’t recall getting hit, but it worries me that this tooth might fall out. What do I do?

Drew O. – Cleveland

Drew,

I’m sorry for the situation you’re in. I have a strong suspicion that your tooth is loose because of gum disease. If you don’t have tooth trauma, but have loose teeth, your gums are often the culprit.

I’m assuming you don’t have a dentist, however you need to get this looked at as soon as possible.

There are emergency dentists who will see you and understand your financial situation. Some of them have interest free payment plans. Others will just charge you what you can afford.

The key is to be honest with them. But, don’t put this off. This won’t be the only tooth you’ll lose.

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