Frequent Dental Questions

Although rare, temporary crowns can come off from time to time. Unfortunately this is the nature of the cement that we use so that it can be easily removed when the time comes to cement the final crown or bridge. In the event that it does come off we recommend that you use a flour and water paste to help it re-adhere to the tooth. This is usually enough to keep the temporary in place until you can be seen to have it re-cemented. It is important to have the temporary in place at all times to limit sensitivity as well as, prevent movement of the teeth, thus risking the final restoration not fitting. With regards to permanent crowns, follow the same procedure of using a flour and water paste and calling the office as soon as possible. The pharmacy also sells temporary crown cement that can also be used in place of the flower and water.

How long should I wait before I have something to eat?

For all procedures involving anesthetic, try to be cautious with hot liquids and chewing while still anesthetized. You might not be able to tell the difference between the foods you are eating and your own tongue or cheek. Hot liquids can cause burns that might not be able to be felt at the time.

Crown procedure other than the final cementing

For any crown and bridge appointment other than the cementing of your final crown you will want to wait 2-3 hours before having any solid foods to eat. Having anything hot or cold to drink is just fine but be careful of hot liquids while you are still numb from the anesthetic because you could burn yourself and not feel it.

Periodontal Scalings

Following a scaling and root planning we recommended you avoid hard stick foods for two days as well as any thing crunchy like nuts or popcorn that could get lodged under the gum and cause a periodontal abscess.

Permanant crown cementing

With regards to eating, you should wait 6-8 hours before having anything that you have to chew. After 3-4 hours you can have something soft like yogurt, ice cream, scrambled eggs, or oatmeal to eat, but if you are going to chew it at all try to keep it away from the new crown or bridge.

Fluoride

Frequently following a hygiene appointment at our office a fluoride treatment will be administered to both children and adults. You will want to wait a half an hour to an hour before having anything to eat or drink so that the fluoride will have enough time to interact with the teeth.

Fillings and Root Canals

At our office we no longer place amalgam fillings and now solely use composite filling material (tooth colored fillings). These fillings are completely hardened in office so that when you leave you will be able to eat immediately. Root Canals are sealed using the same filling material and you are ready to eat after this procedure as well. After Root Canal Therapy and even large Fillings these teeth can be sore to chew on for a few days. If these symptoms do not subside please contact our office to be seen by your doctor.

Temporary Filling / Pulpodemy

In select cases where a temporary filling material is used for your procedure (usually in cases that involve emergency pain) you will want to wait 2 hours before having anything solid to eat. Feel free to have liquids that are either hot or cold to drink but watch out for anything too hot if you are still numb from the anesthetic.

What can be done for my headaches?

Headaches that are caused by muscle tension or pain in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can often be lessened or curbed in the dental office. Simply relaxing the muscles that are in spasm, combined with periodic icing and an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen can have a positive effect. In other cases that involve more significant joint problems or night clenching and grinding, a splint can be created to inhibit your jaw from being able to clench. This will result in reduced muscle spasm and in the case of joint damage help it to heal correctly. If you feel that an oral appliance may be of help to you feel free to bring it up at your next appointment.

Why do I have to have a seperate assessment appointment before I can recieve treatment?

At times patients find having an appointment to assess their current conditions before treatment an inconvenience and we are sorry for that. At our office we feel that it is in the best interest of the patient as well as the doctor to have discussed and analyzed the case ahead of time. This allows us to talk about treatment options with the patient and take their concerns into consideration when trying to determine the best treatment. Also a more thorough analysis of the case will help us in scheduling the appointment appropriately so that you may receive your due time in treatment. Thank you for your understanding.

What can be done for my sensative teeth?

Minor sensitivity to hot and cold liquids can be experienced for a number of reasons and we generally recommend for minor irritation that the patient should try a desensitizing toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, and fluoride treatments for a period of time. In more significant cases where irritation and pain persists bonding to exposed root surfaces (caused by gum and bone recession) may be necessary. At other times, tissue grafting may be the best choice depending on the circumstances. Sensitivity caused by problems within the pulp (inner chamber of the tooth containing blood supply and nerves), may require root canal therapy. Most importantly we recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your dentist or hygienist to find the best available treatment in your case.

How can my treatment be financed?

At our own office, when patients are undergoing treatment that requires multiple appointments we will be happy to help by spreading payments out over the course of a particular treatment. With regards to insurance we will automatically bill to your insurance and coordinate the remainder of payments with you from there. Even before the treatment occurs we can submit a pre-estimate to your insurance company to determine what they will cover for our recommended treatment. If some of these options are not available to you or you find that you still need further assistance we recommend your explore possible options with Amerifee LLC's Dental Fee Plan. This company acts as a third party lender with competitive interest rates. This program helps patients to accomplish treatment in a more timely manner with manageable monthly payments. If you have any interest in this option please visit www.dentalfeeplan.com or call (888) 337-4170. We also have pamphlets available at the front desk that you may take home with you about this option.

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