What Kind of Dentist Does a Toothache Need?
If I have a toothache, that’s not on the tooth, but in the gums, what is the best dentist to go to a regular dentist or a root canal dentist? Morgan Morgan, At this point, the best dentist for you to see would be a general dentist (also known as a family dentist). Your dentist will do some diagnositic tests to determine what is really going on. Sometimes injury or […]
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I Can’t Keep My Dentures In
I’m feeling a tad desperate. I’v had dentures for many years. But, now, I cannot keep it in. It moves all the time and falls out in the most embarrassing times. Is there an option to help me with this? Alexandra M. – New Jersey Alexandra, I’m sorry for what you’re going through. There is a way to fix it, but it will take some doing. The reason your dentures […]
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Does a dentist have the right to refuse service?
I wanted to get dental implants, but my dentist is refusing. He says it is because I have diabetes and smoke. Is my life my business. He said he might be willing to help if I quit smoking, but absolutely refuses to treat me if I don’t. What gives him that right? Joseph S. – Conway, AR Joseph, Your dentist understands that dental implants is a difficult procedure under the […]
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My Dentures Look Like Chiclets
I had to get dentures. My dentist said he could make them look natural and even better than my original teeth. I told him the only change to my teeth I’d like is for them to look a little whiter. They’re so white, they look like chiclet gum. Will the color settle down? Amelia L. – Idaho Amelia, Very sorry for your experience. Sometimes, if your teeth were whitened with […]
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Dentist and I in disagreement about smile makeover
I want to get a smile makeover and I know exactly what I want my smile to look like. My dentist thinks the smile I want is too white for “my age”. To be frank, if I wanted to look my age, I wouldn’t be getting a smile makeover to begin with. How can I convince him this is OK? Marigold L. – Texas Marigold, You probably can’t. It sounds […]
Read More Can I fix my own denture?
I dropped my denture on the kitchen floor. Two of the teeth broke off. Is it possible for me to superglue them back on? George C. – Boston George, Please don’t try to fix your dentures yourself, especially with superglue. You don’t want to put unnecessary chemicals in your mouth. Instead, it’s best to use the materials that have been designed to be safe in the human body. There is […]
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My new dentist has me terrified of my fillings
I moved to a new city. I just saw my shiny new dentist for the first time. He did my exam and expressed concern about my fillings. I have had them for years. I also grind my teeth. He said the combination of my old fillings with teeth grinding is putting mercury into my system. How is that possible? Chloe P. – Pennsylvania Chloe, I’m guessing, based on what you’re […]
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Lumineers or crowns?
I want to get a smile makeover, but can’t decide between lumineers or dental crowns? Any tips? Dean K. – Seattle, WA Dean, If you’re talking about a smile makeover, dental crowns are not what you want. While they do give you a new tooth surface, your natural teeth have to be ground down pretty far. You want to be a minimally invasive as possible with your teeth. Dental crowns […]
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Is teeth whitening safe?
I am considering whitening my teeth or getting porcelain veneers. Teeth whitening seems more conservative, but I wondered how safe it was putting chemicals on your teeth. Allison J. – Little Rock, AR Allison, It’s good you’re asking questions. Professional Teeth Whitening is known to be perfectly safe, especially when you have a dentist monitoring your progress. There are two types of whitening. You can do in office, where it […]
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Can I get dental implants if I can’t wear dentures any more?
My dentures haven’t fit properly for several months. Now I can’t even keep them in. Is it possible for me to get dental implants? Marie C. – Biloxi, MS Marie, I suspect your dentures no longer fit because you’ve loss too much jawbone. That is a result of having dentures for so long. Dental implants protect your bone structure. If that is the case, it is still possible for you […]
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