Category: Blog

If you are informed of major dental problems that need fixed, but you are not necessarily ready to undergo a massive amount of dental work or are not sure whether the work even needs done or not, what are you to do? The best option in that case is usually to get a second opinion before making major health decisions. In that case, go with your gut that is probably correct as to doing what is best for you.

Remember that seeking a second opinion is never wrong. Even the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends it if you feel unsure. There is no one rule for which exact procedures should get a second opinion, or which ones shouldn’t. While you really don’t need an opinion for every tiny little cavity you come across, for bigger procedures that are more invasive and costly it is usually a good idea.

Some situations in which it is likely appropriate to get a second opinion include when your dentist diagnoses a major problem like oral cancer. If the problem is that massive, or life-altering, a second opinion is wide. When past dental work seems to have failed, and more work is going to need to be done. You want to find out why that work failed, and what will be different this time. Seek a second opinion if you are not sure about the diagnosis that you have been given, or you are not sure if your current dentist is not qualified to perform the procedure they are recommending you receive. If you have poor rapport with your dentist, a second opinion may be vital to finding someone you trust to carry out the procedure could be vital to having the procedure done properly.

The benefits of all second opinions include the fact that different dentists are trained in different backgrounds. You may find alternate treatments available. A second opinion can also confirm if you need to see a specialist to have a procedure or not. Moreover, other dentists may have more experience with the condition you have been diagnosed with, and they may be able to provide the best insight to the diagnosis and treatment you need. Finding the next person to give that second opinion is the next challenge.

If you are looking for someone to provide a second opinion there are several ways to go about this. If you have a good relationship with your current dentist, you can always ask for trusted colleague of theirs to seek a second opinion from. Ask others to know about what qualified dentists they use and what their contact information is so you can reach out for a second opinion of your own. Call a local dental society to have names and contact information for highly-recommended dentists in your area provided to you. If you leave near a dental school(s) or training facility they may able to recommend someone as well.

Be sure to always call your insurance company to ensure any dentist you want to visit for a second opinion will be covered by your dental insurance. There may be steps you and your current dentist must take to ensure the second opinion visit will be covered. Understand what these steps are, and make sure to cover all your bases before seeing another dentist for a second opinion. Otherwise, you may have the potential for a very expensive second opinion on your hands.

If you find someone’s second opinion, then be sure to ask the key questions to ensure you choose the best option for you. These questions include if the original diagnosis your dentist provided is correct. You also want to know what the treatment options are that will be available to you given the condition you have. You want to know how much each option will cost how long the results will be expected to last as well as how many treatments it will take to complete the job. You want to know how it will improve your dental health as well. 

If you’d like a free second opinion from us simply contact us or call 909-465-1016 and we’ll give you a risk-free honest assessment.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Dental implant replacements of one’s teeth have become one of the most predictable and successful procedures in all of modern dentistry. Implants have changed the way people think about dental treatment options and helped redefine available treatment options for many patients. Back in the day “cutting-edge technology” to save teeth included root amputations, hemi-sectioning of the teeth, tooth transplants, long-span dental bridges, etc., which have generally been abandoned for complete-tooth implants. Complete-tooth implants have proven to last a lot longer, and b be more cost-effective than any other previous form of treatment ever was.

However, it is worth noting that dental implants can still fail. The main reasons for dental implant failures include severe decay and periodontitis. These are the only reasons for tooth loss other than massive trauma to the tooth that forces it to be knocked out. Generally, periodontitis makes it so that the implant doesn’t have adequate support as bone structures are not adequate enough to hold the implant into place.

Peri-implantitis occurs when periodontitis is diagnosed much in the same way it would be with one’s own natural teeth. Patients must understand that they have to care for implants just like regular teeth. Dental implants last as long as the healthy teeth would if they are properly cared for. Brushing must continue 2-3x a day and flossing daily is also a must. Regular dental cleanings are also a must. The patient should still go to the dentist for cleanings at least 2x a year, and more if instructed to do so by their dentist. Hazardous materials such as ice that could break implants should not be chewed.

The most common reasons for dental implant failure include subgingival dental cement and traumatic occultation. Generally, only a handful of patients will experience failure of dental implants. Well-cared-for implants should rarely if ever pose a problem. Generally, only poorly-cared-for dental implants will have to be replaced or fixed again in the future. The most common reason for dental implant failure is periodontitis which allows massive chunks of “cemented” plaque to get under the gum line till it rots away at the bone holding the implants in. This generally happens within 1-3 years of onset of the periodontitis, and the implants become loosened as the bone is eaten away at. Treatment for this condition requires the dentist to fill the open cavities under the implants with dental cement to keep the implants tightened. Rarely does excess cement have to be removed after its inserted into the empty cavities underneath the gum line.

Other rare reasons for implant failure can include traumatic occlusion or occlusal overload. Occlusion should be checked for and monitored at every cleaning, and when replacing more than a quadrant or more of occlusion a night-guard should be prescribed for the patient to sleep is as part of their treatment plan.

Addressing the potential problems with patients before providing dental implants can help save these headaches in the future. Well-cared-for dental implants should rarely if ever have to be replaced, or have any of these issues to begin with.   A few moments of explanation at the beginning can save a lot of headaches and complications in the future from patients needing retreatments. 

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Children should be encouraged to have good dental hygiene habits from a young age. The child’s first tooth is when brushing should begin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tooth decay in children is one of the most common, yet preventable problems in children. This is also known as childhood caries, or childhood tooth cavities. The good news is that all that has to be done is provide good oral and dental hygiene, and chances are most if not all childhood cavities are 100% preventable.

First off, check the child’s teeth. Till the child’s first tooth “erupts” (comes through the gum line) wipe the child’s gums off with a piece of gauze or a washcloth 2-3x a day to keep them clean and healthy. Healthy gums should be a light pink without any cuts, gashes, or lesions on them. When the first primary tooth “erupts” between 6 and 9 months old then brushing needs to begin. Schedule a dental examination by the child’s 1^st birthday. In between 12-24 months brush the child’s teeth with more than just a plain brush and use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Toothpaste without fluoride is recommended till children can spit the toothpaste out reliably on their own. By 3 years of age children should have 20 primary teeth. Brush with a child-specified size toothbrush, and the best times of day are after breakfast and before bedtime.

Remember that healthy teeth in children should have no stains or marks on them. They should be a milky-white color. Flossing should begin soon as children have two teeth that can touch together where food can get caught. To help a child brush their teeth angle the brush at a 45-degree angle and move it gently back and forth over all present teeth. Brush all surfaces of the tooth thoroughly. Brush the tongue to remove any bacteria that may harm the child. For flossing cut off about 18 inches of floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers. Curve the floss into a “C” shape and gently push and glide between the baby’s teeth. Floss between all teeth, and behind the back ones.

Flossing will generally begin between 2 and 2.5 years old when the child’s first teeth are touching. Children will need assistance brushing generally till about age 6, and flossing till about 8-10 when they can wind and hold the floss properly to do it themselves. Floss holders can help the child learn proper techniques. Take care of your own teeth, and show your child how to emulate the positive behaviors you set forth.

If you have any questions regarding this article please contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”