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10 Red Flags Your Dentist Might Be a Dud: How to Steer Clear of a Bad Dentist
Imagine walking into a dental office, bright and early, ready for your routine check-up. You trust your dentist to provide you with the best care possible. But what if you encounter a bad dentist who isn’t as competent as you think, or worse, is engaging in fraudulent practices? Recognizing the red flags in dental care can save you time, money, and unnecessary pain. Key Takeaways Identify warning signs such as outdated equipment, disregard for dental history and aggressive sales tactics when choosing a dentist. Look out for financial red flags including overbilling of non-essential services and high pressure sales. Check credentials, experience and referrals to ensure quality care with collaborative…
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Can You Eat After A Filling? How long until I can eat after filling?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! Dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat cavities or tooth decay. One of the questions that frequently arise after getting a filling is regarding eating habits. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what you should know about eating after getting a dental filling. List of questions that are covered in this Q&A include: Can You Eat After A Filling? How long until I can eat after filling? How long after…
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Laughing Gas at Dentist – Side Effects, for Kids and Adults, Formula, Price Cost
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used in dentistry for its mild sedative and analgesic properties. When inhaled, it induces a state of relaxation, reduces anxiety, and diminishes pain during dental procedures. It’s called “laughing gas” because some people find that it gives them a euphoric or giddy feeling. Laughing gas was discovered in 1772 by the English scientist Joseph Priestley. Its first use as an anesthetic was by dentist Horace Wells in the 1840s. It gained popularity because it was effective and safer compared to the other anesthetics available at that time. Today, it is widely used in dental…
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Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries Management
Key Facts Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved topical medication used to treat tooth sensitivity with off-label use to treat dental caries It is a colorless liquid containing silver particles, water, fluoride, and ammonia SDF has been used for several decades in other countries and gained attention in the United States as an effective treatment for caries in recent years This non-invasive treatment can be particularly beneficial for children, elderly patients, and individuals with special needs One of the side effects of SDF is that it can stain carious lesions black Off-label use warning as of 2023 Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) currently has FDA clearance as a desensitizing agent…
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Functional Dentistry – What is it?
Key Facts Functional dentistry is an approach to dental care that focuses on treating oral health as an integral part of overall health It looks at the underlying causes of dental problems rather than just treating the symptoms Functional dentistry takes into account how oral health impacts and is impacted by other systems in the body It employs a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans according to individual needs and circumstances Functional dentistry often incorporates a holistic approach, considering lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors It seeks to use the least invasive and most natural treatments wherever possible This approach can help in the prevention and treatment of dental issues and also…
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Can You Drive After a Cavity Filling?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! Getting a cavity filled is a common dental procedure. Many patients, however, are unsure about what to expect after the procedure and have questions about their ability to carry out normal activities, such as driving. The short answer is: yes, you can drive right after getting a cavity filling done by a dentist. If you are interested in various aspects related to driving after getting a cavity filled please continue reading the article. The Cavity Filling…
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Dentist Messed Up My Teeth – What Can I Do?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! Discovering that a dental procedure has gone awry and adversely affected your teeth can be distressing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to address the situation if you believe your dentist has made a mistake that compromised your dental health. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation Document the Issue: Take a moment to calmly assess the situation. Document what you believe went wrong with your dental procedure. Take photographs of your teeth if…
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Why Do My Teeth Hurt After the Dentist Cleaned Them?
This article is a part of our Q&A series in which we give detailed answers to our readers' questions. Have a question? Don't hesitate and send it to us to get a detailed answer! A visit to the dentist for a routine cleaning is an essential part of maintaining oral health. However, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience discomfort or pain in their teeth after the procedure. This guide seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of why this happens and offers practical advice on managing and alleviating this discomfort. What Happens During Dental Cleaning? Plaque and Tartar Removal: The dentist or hygienist uses specialized tools to remove…
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Alveoloplasty – What is Procedure Definition, Cost, Code, Meaning, Complications, Before and After
Alveoloplasty, a specialized dental surgery, plays a crucial role in oral health management. This procedure, often linked with tooth extractions and dental implant preparation, involves the reshaping of the jawbone (alveolar ridge) to create a stable foundation for future oral procedures. Key Facts Alveoloplasty is a surgical procedure commonly used in dentistry to smooth and reshape the alveolar bone This procedure is often performed in preparation for dentures or dental implant Alveoloplasty can also be carried out following tooth extraction to ensure proper healing and to prevent future oral issues As with any surgical procedure, alveoloplasty comes with potential risks, including infection, bleeding, and discomfort, although these are generally minimal…
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Dental Bonding (Teeth Bonding) vs Veneers – Cost Price, What is it, What to Expect
Key Facts Dental bonding is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light, ultimately bonding the material to the tooth This cosmetic procedure is used to repair chipped, decayed, or discolored teeth and make them appear longer Dental bonding is a cost-effective and minimally invasive alternative to veneers and crowns The entire process generally takes 30 minutes to one hour per tooth The results of dental bonding can last several years, depending on oral habits What is Dental Bonding (Tooth Bonding)? Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin…