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Lumineers over crowns

April 29, 2015

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 6:51 pm

I had some old, dingy crowns that embarrassed me.  My dentist told me that he could place lumineers over the old crowns to “restore” them, but they don’t look much better. There is still the gray line at my gumline. To me they look a little opaque.  Now three of them have fallen off.  My dentist has offered to put them back on, but I’m wondering if I should just ask for my money back on the ones that fell off.  They were pretty expensive to place.

Amelia L. – Little Rock, AR

Amelia,

What a bad experience you’ve been through.  I think I know why your dentist thought this would be a good idea.  The Lumineers company has advertised this as an alternative to replacing old crowns.  First, I’ll have to say this is a very advanced procedure that also requires specialized equipment. Second, even when pulled off, it doesn’t look beautiful. As you’ve noticed, you still have the metalic base to deal with, which is why you’ve still got the gray line at your gumline.

The best thing for your dentist to do, would be to replace your crowns with all-porcelain crowns, if he’s artistically able to do that.  The results would be much more beautiful.  I would go back and ask him to replace them with crowns, or give you a full refund and send you to someone who can.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Meth is ruining my teeth, but I’m afraid the dentist will turn me in

April 15, 2015

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , , , — okcitydentist @ 7:24 pm

I’ve been a meth user for a while.  My teeth are starting to rot and I think it’s because of the meth. I should probably go to the dentist, but I’m a little afraid he’ll turn me in. Is there some other excuse I can give him for my teeth?

Name Withheld

Dear Meth User,

It’s much more likely your dentist will focus on your treatment than your meth use. Dentists get into the field because they want to help people.  I think the only time you’d have to be concerned about a dentist turning you in is if he or she thought you were putting anyone in danger. For instance, if you were driving while high on meth.  So long as you come to the dental office without being high you don’t have anything to worry about.

Your teeth are a different story. Meth use is absolutely horrible for your teeth. Meth mouth is what dentists call it. You need to be seen right away.  If you don’t have a dentist, I would see an emergency dentist. They’ll see non-established patients more quickly.  Just explain what is going on.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen

Is it OK to drink wine before going to the dentist?

March 31, 2015

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , — okcitydentist @ 5:25 pm

I’m a total coward when it comes to the dentist. It’s been a while since I’ve been and now I’ve got a pretty severe toothache. I know I need to go and get it taken care of, but dentists make me seriously nervous. Is it okay if I drink a glass of wine before I go in? Wine relaxes me.

Stacey A. – Little Rock, AR

Stacey,

You’re not the only one who is uncomfortable with dentists, so don’t feel bad.  While it would be perfectly fine to have a glass of wine before you go to the dentist to shore up your courage, it could interfere with some of the things the dentist needs to do so make sure you let him know.

There is another option. There are other options. There are dentists who enjoy working with fearful patients. Some including Dr. Swearingen advertise that they “cater to cowards“.  They have methods or ways of making your dental appointment less fearful. If you’re worried about pain, most dentists work with nitrous oxide. That will help relax you and enable  the dentist to do any work he needs to do.  That will probably be more effective than wine.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

 

Pediatric dentist banned us from the clinic

March 14, 2015

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 9:22 pm

I have an autistic child. She sometimes has an issue where something sets her off and she sits down and screams.  If you try to touch her during these episodes it just makes her worse.  You just need to let her alone and she gets past it.  Unfortunately, my pediatric clinic doesn’t agree and he’s asked us never to come back again.  I am beside myself because it is the only pediatric clinic in our small town.  Do you have any recommendations for how I can change his mind?

Stacy L.- Minnesotta

Stacy,

I’m sorry for the trauma your daughter is going through and for the stress you must feel in her caregiving.  Some practitioners are still unfamiliar with autistic children and their needs.  Many people aren’t aware that children don’t have to see a pediatric dentist. There are general dentists who love treating children.  That should put your mind at ease regarding not having another pediatric clinic in your area.

I suggest you call around in your area. Explain the situation. I’m sure you’ll find a dentist who is sympathetic to your situation and is willing to work with you.  I might even see if  a dentist is willing to schedule your appointments first thing, so your daughter can be brought straight back to the operatory without having to wait. It will help alleviate some of the pressure on you.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Graying gumline

February 25, 2015

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 6:30 pm

My sister has Lumineers. I like how her smile looks and was thinking of getting them myself. However, lately I’ve noticed that her gumline is starting to have a grayish tint. Is this a result of the Lumineers? Is there anyway to avoid it?

Nina W. – Texas

Nina,

You have an eye for detail. That graying at the gumline is a sign there is something wrong with your sister’s gums. It’s likely been caused by overcontouring of her Lumineers in that area. That’s a little more likely to happen with Lumineers than other brands of porcelain veneers, because of the way they’re made, but if your dentist is skilled enough he or she can avoid over-contouring them.

Make sure you get a dentist that has a lot of skill AND experience with cosmetic dentistry. Also, be open to what your dentist has to say about other brands of porcelain veneers. Don’t lock yourself into one brand. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Your dentist may realize one brand is better than another for the type of smile you want.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Why are there no dental ERs?

February 19, 2015

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 10:05 pm

How come we don’t have dental ERs like we do in medical situations?

Sam K. – Maryland

Sam,

While there aren’t really any dental ERs, there are ways to have a dental emergency treated right away. Some dentists make it a point to be available in emergency situations.  Each dentist handles it a little differently. Some will see only patients after hours. But don’t despair if your dentist doesn’t have after hours clinic services.

If it is a true dental emergency, you can generally find a dentist who is willing to see non-established patients. Just google emergency dentist. They will find out what is wrong and get you out of pain. They may not be able to complete treatment for the root of the problem, but you will no longer feel like putting a knife through your head…not that you mentioned that, but I know what dental pain feels like.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Keep passing out at the dentists

January 31, 2015

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 9:32 pm

The last few times I had to have a dental procedure, I have ended up passing out. When it comes to needles, I am a coward. Is there any option for anesthetic that doesn’t include needles?

Chris B.- Fayetteville, AR

Chris,

You’re not the only one who feels that way about needles. Lucky for you there are dentists who cater to “cowards”, even needle cowards.  You have a couple of options to help you stay upright at your dental appointments. The first is something called the wand. You can learn about that on our cater to cowards page. It gives pain free injections.

Your second option is some form of sedation dentistry. It can be anything from the mild form, such as nitrous oxide already to the deeper form of IV sedation.

Speak with your dentist about these options and you can decide which you feel will be the best fit for you.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

My Dentist is Terrible with Children

January 17, 2015

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 3:00 pm

I had read that children didn’t have to go to a pediatric dentist. I took my son to my dentist and he was terrible with children. Was I mistaken? Should I have taken him to a pediatric dentist?

Leslie M. – Staten Island, NY

Leslie,

You weren’t mistaken about the fact that children not having to see pediatric dentists, however, maybe your dentist isn’t the best choice when it comes to working with children.

Sometimes, an adult dental office has a dentist there that prefers working with children. Some even hire a pediatric dentist to come to their office. I’d ask the receptionist if you’re worried about hurting your dentist’s feelings.

One way to tell whether a general dentist is comfortable with children is when they say they’ll first see them. If they say they’ll take a two or three year old, you can know they’re truly comfortable. If they prefer  to wait until they are eight or above, I’d take that as a hint to look for someone else.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Gums have gone gray with Lumineers

December 31, 2014

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 7:08 pm

I got Lumineers and not my gums have gone gray. I’m a little worried. Is this normal?

Hannah S. – Oakland, CA

Hannah,

You’re right to be concerned. The graying is a sign of a health problem with your gums. This happens with the Lumineers are over contoured at your gums. This is unfortunately a little too common with Lumineers. Their lab does tend to over contour things. It takes a skilled dentist to make sure they are contoured properly.

This can have long term consequences on your smile and your teeth. Gum disease is serious and you could loose your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

Does store bought filling work?

December 26, 2014

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 5:55 pm

I’ve got a cavity. I can see the whole.  The other day I saw some store bought filling  in the local drug store. Would that work or do I need to see a dentist? I’m between jobs, so it would really help me if I could work this out on my own.

Millie P. – Maine

Millie,

I’m sorry for what you’re going through. It is difficult to have medical needs when you’ve not got any money. I understand the stress you must be feeling. However, I don’t want you to use this store bought filling to treat yourself.

Think of it as if you were allergic to bees and you have a bee stinging you, but instead of getting the bee off, you simply cover it up and let it keep stinging you, putting its toxins in your body.

You have to deal with the infection. Then the hole can be filled. Most dentists are happy to work within your financial restrictions. Don’t put this off. It will only get worse. If you don’t have a dentist, you could contact and emergency dentist and explain your situation. I’ve even known a couple of dentists who would do pro-bono work in situations like yours. Just be honest. They’ll tell you what they can offer.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City

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