When the impression is made, we will put a temporary crown over your tooth to protect it until the crown is ready. This temporary crown is inserted using temporary glue that holds it in place, but allows it to be easily removed when your permanent crown is ready.
Please brush, but do not floss, this tooth between your first appointment and your second one. Your temporary crown is made so it can be treated like a regular tooth. However, even with the best of care, a temporary crown can come out. If this happens, please put a drop of Vaseline on it and replace it in your mouth. Even if you have to go a couple of days without the temporary crown, it will not create a serious problem. Simply, call our office the next business day, and we will re glue it for you.
Your Second Visit
No sedation is needed for your second visit. At this appointment, we will remove the temporary crown and glue your new crown in place. The glue used on the permanent crown is very strong and lasts for years. We will also check your new crown to make sure it fits properly and feels comfortable in your mouth.
Follow-up Care
Unless you encounter a problem, follow-up care will be provided at your regular dental check ups every six months. If you do encounter a complication with your crown, call our office and let us know what has happened.
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FLUORIDE FACTS
Fluoride is vital for preventing tooth decay in children. Fluoride strengthens children's developing teeth, making them more resistant to decay.
It is important that children get enough fluoride in their water, but not too much, as too much fluoride can cause staining.
Fluoride is used in the different types of water available in Lubbock's water supplies.
Lubbock's Public Water Supply
Lubbock's water supply has an optimal amount of fluoride. Many people have heard fluoride can stain teeth, so they use bottled water. However, fluoride only stains teeth when excessive amounts are held in the water. This is not the case in Lubbock. (If you live somewhere other than in Lubbock, ask your local water department about the fluoride levels in your drinking water.)
Well Water
In contrast to our public water supply, well water in the Lubbock area contains high levels of fluoride, which can stain teeth. In our area, it is important for young children to avoid drinking well water. However, it is beneficial for everyone beyond the age of 12 to drink the well water.
Reverse Osmosis Water
If your family drinks reverse osmosis water, you will need to give your children a fluoride rinse. There is not enough fluoride in this water to prevent tooth decay. Moreover, the fluoride rinses sold in stores are not strong enough to adequately strengthen young teeth. Please make an appointment to visit with us and discuss the fluoride supplement options available.
We recently came across an interesting story that illustrates the importance of fluoride for children. Since the city of Chicago, Illinois, added fluoride to its public water supply, tooth decay among its school-age children has been cut in half. They credit fluoride for this improvement. As an added benefit, Chicago parents are saving about $20 million a year in dental bills!
Let’s Talk About Fluoride Options for Your Children
Please call our office to schedule an appointment so we may discuss the fluoride options available for your children. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our phone number is 806-794-6686. We are located at 7805 Slide Road. Click here for a map!
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BRUXISM
Bruxism is a dental condition defined as “to grind the teeth, a clenching of the teeth, associated with forceful jaw movements, resulting in rubbing, gritting, or grinding together of the teeth, usually during sleep.” At certain times, almost everyone clenches or grinds their teeth. However, in some people this clenching and grinding can be excessive and causes adverse side-effects. If left untreated, excessive bruxism can cause the following problems: Premature tooth wear
- Tooth breakage
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Gum line recession
- Bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Sore jaw and face muscles
- Headaches
- TMJ problems
- Lack of restful sleep
We can help you determine why you are encountering increased bruxism. Sometimes it is due to the improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth. In other cases, it may be a result of increased stress. Whatever the cause, we can help you find a treatment that will prevent permanent damage to your mouth. In some cases, the teeth can be realigned to so they fit together properly. In other cases, we can make a custom mouth guard for you to wear at night to prevent your teeth from grinding together.
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INSURANCE
We accept most standard insurance policies. However, there are some insurance companies that won't cover your expenses with us, so we are unable to accept them. Please call our office ahead of time to verify that your insurance will cover your appointment expenses with us.
At your appointment, we will ask you to pay the deductible and/ or any estimated co-pay your insurance company requires. We will then bill your insurance company for you. After your insurance company pays your allotted costs, we will bill you if any expenses weren't covered by your company.
As insurance companies are independent agents, their policies on what they will or won't cover can change. To make sure you know what your current coverage entails, check with your insurance company, or with us, before each dental appointment.
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SEDATION
We know no one likes to experience pain during their procedure, so we have several ways to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We have three levels of sedation available that can help you during your appointment. Call us today to find out what level is best suited to your needs.
- Oral Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide
- IV Sedation
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is generally used with a person who is moderately stressed--many people find this method of sedation very helpful during their procedure. You will take a pill for relaxation, such as Valium, one hour before you come to your appointment. Oral sedation can be mixed with nitrous oxide (see below) for an even greater effect.
As the pill causes you to relax all over, you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas, used as a relaxing agent during your procedure. It is not an anesthetic, so you will need a local anesthetic in conjunction with the nitrous oxide. The gas gives you a feeling of euphoria, eliminating much of the anxiety associated with dental procedures. It is mixed with oxygen, making it a safe procedure for all ages--children as well as adults.
One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that it doesn't remain in your body once we stop giving it to you, so you are able to drive yourself to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
IV Sedation is the most effective method of relaxation for dental procedures. A drug is given to you through an IV in your arm, which causes you to relax. You won't become unconscious during the procedure, but you'll find that most of the time you won't remember what took place. We place you on monitors while you are using this method of sedation, to make sure that you are relaxing properly during the procedure.
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We are one of the few offices in town to offer this service. We have had great success with this technique, as it has proven to be safe and effective.
Please call our office and schedule an appointment so we can discuss your treatment options. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and our phone number is (806) 794-6686. We are located at 7805 Slide Road. Click on this sentence for a map.
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