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Our Reviews

Archives for November 2018

Implant or Emergency Dentist?

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I’m at about the one-year mark for my dental implant. I started having some aching in my jaw and nothing felt quite normal. However, when I went in to see my implant dentist he said everything looked good. Now, it’s a few days later (and the weekend) and when I bit down on it there was a sharp pain and puss came out of it. I’m worried something is seriously wrong. My dentist isn’t open on weekends, can this wait until Monday or do I need to call an emergency dentist?

LeeAnne

Dear LeeAnne,

dental implant diagram

Infection is the leading cause of dental implant failure

I know your implant dentist doesn’t list any weekend hours, but I’d call him anyway. This is an emergency for your dental implant. It sounds like you’ve had an infection brewing for quite some time. It needs to be dealt with right away. He should have some emergency protocols for after-hours necessities.

If you can’t reach him, then it’s time to call an emergency dentist. They may not be able to do much except to prescribe an antibiotic to hold off the infection until you can see your implant dentist.

Once you get seen by your regular dentist, he may need to stabilize it with a splint. Hopefully, this can save the implant and you won’t lose it.

After Dental Implant Failure

If for some reason the dental implant can’t be saved, it’s not hopeless. First, you’ll need to make sure the infection is completely cleared before starting again. When you’re healed and ready, you’ll have to have bone grafting done in order to build back any bone lost during the loss of the implant.

After the grafting is healed you can start again with your dental implant procedure.

Should You Switch Dentists?

One of the things you need to consider is if you really have a qualified cosmetic dentist. You’ll need a dentist with post-doctoral training in the procedure, who has also performed a lot of cases. You’ll also want to ask how many of them are successful. He should say around 98% success rate.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Worried Pediatric Dentist Experimented on my Daughter

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I’ve got a conundrum. My daughter’s old pediatric dentist was an absolute joy. My daughter loved her. Her appointments were fun and a breeze. Unfortunately, my husband’s company transferred him and we moved. My daughter had her first appointment with her new dentist. It didn’t go as well. They were a tad grumpy at times. But, the worst part (for my daughter at least) was the fluoride treatment. Our old dentist used the paint on fluoride that my daughter loved. This dentist used this foamy stuff in a tray that made my daughter gag. She does not want to do that again. I told them about the other fluoride hoping we could get it for next time. I was horrified when they told me they only used established treatments and the paint on fluoride was experimental. Does this mean the old dentist we loved so much was just experimenting on my daughter?

Emily

Dear Emily,

Little girl smiling in a pediatric dental chair

Your daughter can be happy again with her pediatric dentist

Absolutely not. You have nothing to worry about with the fluoride treatments your daughter received from her previous pediatric dentist. They’re not only not experimental. They’re now the standard treatment. The American Academy of Dentistry gave its positive recommendation of it back in 2006 and even that was only after extensive testing.

There have even been newer studies done which followed patients who’ve used the treatment regularly to check that fluorosis wasn’t a problem in their later years. The findings were fantastic and there was no concern of fluorosis in their permanent teeth.

Your daughter received the top-of-the-line treatment with your old dentist and you have nothing to fear. Truthfully, it was dishonest and a disservice to you, causing fear that was totally unnecessary. If he chooses to use the old foam treatment, that’s fine, but it’s only because of preference. There is no medical reason to stick with the “old way of doing things”.

The Importance of a Great Pediatric Dentist

In your place, I’d look for a different dentist in your new area. One who keeps up with the developments. Most importantly, one who makes your daughter’s appointments enjoyable like the last one did. The truth is too many patients avoid the dentist because of bad experiences in their childhood.

The more positive experiences your daughter has, the less likely she is to avoid the dentist as she grows older. We see so many preventable dental emergencies because people fear the dentist and let decay go too far until suddenly it’s blown up into a serious infection.

Finding the right dentist will give your daughter a lifetime of positive oral health.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington Dentist Dr. John Weaver.