8 Lane Highways under Crowns

When your dentist tells you that your crown is leaking or is not sealed on the tooth, many people think that if it isn't hurting, it does not need to be fixed. This could not be more false. You must remember that bacteria (which causes cavities) is microscopic, so if there is an opening large enough for the human eye to see, that is like an 8 lane highway for the bacteria to get underneath the crown; which will certainly cause decay, and possibly cause the need for a root canal if left untreated.

So, if it is not hurting, good, but get it fixed before it does!

Second Opinions

Going to the dentist is similar to taking your car to the auto shop. Many lay people do not know much about cars, and fear that they will be taken advantage of by the mechanic.

Same with the dentist. Many people feel that if it doesn't hurt, there isn't anything wrong. While that could not be more wrong, there are many dentists out there who will take advantage of patients, and recommend more work than is actually needed.

Because of this, it is your right to ask for a second opinion if you are not comfortable with something your dentist recommends. It does not mean that you do not trust him or her, and anyone who gets offended by this request, possibly has something to hide.

There are many cirumstances in which dentists' opinions will vary on recommended treatment. This doesn't mean that one opinion is correct and one is wrong, but dentists are human, so if you want a second opinion, just ASK!

For more informtation, please visit, onedollardentist.com.

The Sqeaky Wheel Gets the Grease

There are many patients who are very nervouc about going to the dentist. Dental work can be very difficult to tolerate, and all efforts should be made in order to make you comfortable.

There are ways to be sedated prior to dental work being done, or to have nitrous oxide administered, but there are other avenues which you may want to explore.

Some dental offices offer head phones, or even eye glasses that have mini movie screens! HOw would you like to watch a movie, and before you know it, your dental work was done? They may be a little expensive for the dentist, but if enough people ask about such things, eventually your dentist will cave!

Remember (see title)!

Wanna Go to Dental School?

On one of our sister sites, a person mentioned that she had worked in the dental field for a number of years, wanted to get into dental school, but didn't know where to start.

A couple of suggestions:

• Talk to your family dentist
  
• Call the admissions office of your nearest dental school
  
• Check out the websites of dental schools
  
• Check the American Dental Association Website
  
• AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service Website
  

Things you will need:

• Certain course requirements prior to applying
  
• Transcripts from all post high school educational institutions
  
• Letters of Recommendation from professors or other qualified individuals
  
• DAT scores (similar to the SATs, but for entry into dental school)
  

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us @ info@onedollardentist.com

Dental Advice

It is always funny when patients come in, convinced that they know what their problem is, because they asked their friend, coworker, or pet!

Just the other day, a patient came in talking about the new toothpaste she bought because a salesperson at the local supermarket told her it would help regrow bone around her teeth!

Asking a non dentist to diagnose your toothache, is like asking the neighborhood butcher to fix the space shuttle!

Cavities = Bacterial Waste??

Yes, CAVITIES are caused by certain strains of bacteria and their waste products. One dentist scraped the plaque off a tooth and half jokingly said,

This is from bacteria pottying all over your teeth!

Sounds gross, but it's essentially true.

Kind of makes you want to go brush your teeth, doesn't it??

In order to reduce your incidence of cavities, filling them may not be enough. If you continue to get cavities, ask your dentist about adjuncts such as chlorhexidine, xylitol, or fluoride.

Chlorhexidine mouth rinse used 1x/day for a week each month can dramatically help!

As for xylitol (a sugar substitute in some gum/candies) and fluoride? The more the better! (except, too much fluoride in children can cause fluorosis, which does not occur in adults)

Can a Child LIKE the Dentist?

Normally children can be a handful at the dental office. Not always though...

Today we had a 6yo girl come in, who was such a pleasure to treat! Before getting started, I asked her if she was in school; and instead of giving a one word answer like many children her age do, she swung her legs off the chair, faced me, and was talking up a storm! When she was done, she sat back in the chair. I asked her something else, and same thing. She swung her legs over to my side (to face me), and just went on and on!

We got her work done without any problems, and she left happy as a clam. Unbeknownst to her, she made our day with her delightful attitude and personality!