Category Archives: Best Dentist in Lafayette

Best Dentist in Lafayette

My Dentist Said I Can’t Get White Crowns

Years ago, I got ten dental crowns on my upper teeth for a smile makeover that need to be replaced. When I first got my smile makeover,  originally,  they’d talked me into a color that was darker than what I originally wanted. They said this was because it needed to look natural. I’ve always regretted letting them talk me into that color. Now that I’m getting them replaced, I’d like to remedy that. However, I’m running into a problem. My new dentist wants me to get a B1. Those are not much whiter than my original ones. I told him that I wanted them much whiter. He said that this is not possible because I have posts in my teeth which will show through if I get them too white.  Is that true?

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

woman with dentist

I don’t think you are with the best dentist for what you are wanting to do. He is confusing color with translucency. Having a crown whiter does not mean that it will be translucent. Those are completely separate factors.

If your post does not show through at a darker color, they will not show through on a super white color like BL1. However, you need an expert cosmetic dentist to do this well.

I know it will be tempting to just tell your dentist that you insist he give you the color you want for your dental crowns. However, if he doesn’t know how to do this properly, your smile will not end up looking right.

My suggestion is that you find a dentist with post-doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry so that he’ll know how to do it right. There are tons of cosmetic dentistry horror stories by people who let an unqualified  dentist do their work. The top cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Dr. Mike Malone.

 

Best Dentist in Lafayette

Dentist Is Growing Frustrated with Me

I have problems in the dental chair. I don’t know what it is but every time the dentist or hygienist comes at me with something sharp looking, I can’t help but wiggle and sometimes even have trouble breathing. I thought my dentist was understanding. We’d had a couple of appointments where he waited for me to calm down. However, at my third appointment, he said, “You’re an adult and should be able to handle this by now.” I was so embarrassed. I know I’m an adult. I know I should be able to handle this by now. But, I don’t know any solutions. Have you had patients who’ve struggled as I do?

MaryAnne

Dear MaryAnne,

Woman resting from dental sedation

I am going to tell you right off the bat that your current dentist is not going to be the best dentist for you. To be frank, he was rude and insensitive to your very real anxiety in the dental chair. Adult or not, many patients are uncomfortable in the dental chair, some so much that they can’t even go and end up only going in for dental emergencies.

I don’t know where you live, but what I would like you to look for someone who considers themself a sedation dentist. Not only will they be compassionate, instead of rude and judgmental, but they also have the tools to give you an anxiety-free/pain-free dental appointment.

What Type of Sedation is Best?

My recommendation is to start with the lowest level of sedation that is useful to you. The lowest level is nitrous oxide, which people used to call laughing gas for the floaty, happy feeling it can give you. This will relax you in the dental chair. A benefit to nitrous is that you can get right back on with your day once your appointment is completed.

For invasive procedures, I recommend oral conscious sedation. This is administered by pill. However, it is so strong that you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after your procedure until you are lucid and steady on your feet. Most people find they completely sleep through their procedure, leading some to dub it sleep dentistry.

Look for a dentist who offers these options and I think you will find your life changed.
This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Drs. Foreman and Thimessch.