Archives for August 2022

Still Looking for a Dentist to Respect My Allergies and Reactions

Posted on by .

I have a lot of autoimmune issues going on, in addition to allergies. Joint pain is a big concern for me, and I notice that it worsens when I am exposed to certain chemicals. I went to a different state to get some thorough testing done and found out everything I am allergic to or have a chemical sensitivity to. I have cleaned my house from top to bottom and removed everything I reasonably could that is a trigger for my symptoms.

Now I am trying to address environmental issues and anything else that could affect me. Last night I looked at my schedule and saw that my 6-month dental checkup is due in late October. My dentist isn’t into the natural thing, so I am wondering about any dental treatment, the materials used in my mouth, and what kind of reaction it might be causing. I am not really interested in trying my dentist out again to figure out how I react and what I am reacting to. I am just going to start fresh and find a dentist who maybe is more up on treating patients with chemical sensitivities or allergies. I am not sure what I am looking for, but I did notice your site and the page for holistic dentistry. Is this a common specialty so that I could find a holistic dentist, maybe within 20 miles or so of my home? I have started searching already and didn’t get good results. I am becoming anxious about getting the care I need and wonder how if I can ever relax again at a dental appointment. Thanks. Reagan from NJ

Photo of a young woman relaxing in a hammock that is tied to palm trees on the beach; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry from Dentistry by Brooksher.

Sedation dentistry creates relaxing experiences

Reagan – Holistic dentistry is not an official specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. There are dentists who avoid metal materials or who use biocompatible dental materials.

Do an Internet search for “holistic dentist” or “biological dentist” to find one in your area who will look for ways to give you dental treatment to which you are least sensitive. Some dentists recommend allergy testing to help identify your sensitivities.

Please do not be discouraged if you cannot find a holistic dentist within 20 miles of your residence. You may find a nearby dentist who is willing to work with you and, as much as possible, avoid materials that cause a reaction. Be patient with your search. You can also consider scheduling consultations with a few dentists who seem agreeable to treating you. Find out what each dentist will do to ensure your requests are respected to the extent possible. If your anxiety level escalates, ask the dentist about sedation options.

 Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

I Had a Panic Attack at the Dentist and Walked Out

Posted on by .

I am always nervous about the dentist, but last Wednesday was worse than ever. When I pulled into the parking lot, I started feeling nauseous. I thought about calling the office and telling them that I was in the parking lot but sick. For some reason, I decided to go in anyway. I felt woozy and sat down quickly. When the dental assistant called my name, I jumped up and walked out of the office.

I was supposed to talk to my dentist about implants for two missing upper molar teeth. But I had a panic attack in the waiting area and had to leave without seeing her. I called to apologize but did not reschedule. I don’t know what to do next. I am terrified that this is something that I won’t be able to cope with enough to get dental implants. I am embarrassed but do not want to start over with another dentist. Thanks. Malachi from TX

Malachi – Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. Millions of people have dental anxiety and skip appointments because of it.

You may need to start by addressing the reason for your anxiety. Past dental experiences that were emotionally or physically painful can cause anxiety. Also, consider whether your current dentist understands and sympathizes with your anxiety.

Dentists who welcome anxious patients will listen to your concerns and fears and address them. Frequent, clear communication may be enough to calm your fears. Some patients require sedation for dental appointments, and you may be one of them.

A beach hammock between palm trees portraying the relaxation of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry relaxes you during denal visits


We suggest that you start by speaking with your current dentist. If she does not understand your anxiety, look for another implant dentist. Schedule a consultation, explain your concerns, and ask what the dentist can do to help you relax. Ask friends for recommendations for dentists or search online for dentists who cater to anxious patients. We are confident that you will find a dentist to meet your needs.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Will Online Veneers Hide My Teeth Stains?

Posted on by .

I realize custom porcelain veneers will hide my teeth stains, but the cost is almost overwhelming. If I got veneers from a dentist for the stains in my teeth, it would take years to pay for them. I am unsure if getting a porcelain veneers payment plan is worth it. What about online veneers? I do not want the cheap $25 veneers. I found a few brands online in the $700 – $1,000 range that use impressions of my mouth to make them. I would expect better quality than the cheap veneers that require warming up and force fitting over your teeth. Could the more costly online veneers at least improve my teeth even though I know they won’t look as good as porcelain veneers? – Thanks, Rob from Arlington, TX

Rob,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office with your questions.

Will Online Veneers Hide Your Teeth Stains?

Online veneers may hide your teeth stains depending on discoloration. If you have realistic expectations about online veneers, you know that they do not look like real teeth. They fit over your natural teeth, so you can expect these results:

  • Online veneers will give you a bulker smile because the plastic teeth must fit over your teeth.
  • Online veneers often lack natural tooth color and translucence. They look pasty. Some companies offer a few choices for tooth shade.
  • If you plan to wear online veneers daily, they will wear quickly, and you will need to replace them frequently. Although online veneers offer payment plans, the product may last several months to a year with daily wear, depending on the quality.
  • You must remove the veneers to eat hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods.

Can You Get a Porcelain Veneers Payment Plan?

Getting a porcelain veneers payment plan is worth it if you want healthy results and a natural-looking smile that will last. Most cosmetic dentists offer payment plans through financing companies, such as CareCredit®. Some dentists have in-office financing options to help you pay for treatment in monthly installments.

  • Porcelain veneers last 15 to 20 years and give you a long-lasting smile makeover.
  • Porcelain mimics natural tooth color, translucence, and gloss.
  • A dentist bonds the veneers to the fronts of your teeth, giving you the freedom to eat, brush, and floss your teeth as normal.

A skilled cosmetic dentist will identify the cause of your teeth stains and determine the best treatment options to conceal the stains.

Cosmetic Bonding for Teeth Stains

Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

You can expect beautiful, long-lasting results with porcelain veneers, as shown in these pictures from Dr. Brooksher.

Depending on the type and extent of the stains, a dentist may be able to conceal them with cosmetic bonding. Bonding costs less than veneers but only lasts five years or longer if you take care of it. Cosmetic dentists stock high-quality bonding materials that mimic the color and translucence of natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will apply bonding by hand while you relax in a dental chair.

What Can You Expect with Online Veneers?

Companies that sell online veneers do not focus on what is best for your oral health. You must use their impression kit to make a mold of your teeth, and they make veneers based on the mold. In contrast, a cosmetic dentist will take the precautions:

  • Examine your teeth and gums
  • Determine the source of the stains in your teeth
  • Explain if you need further medical or dental care to protect your oral health for the long term

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a highly skilled cosmetic dentist to see which treatment is best for your stained teeth. The dentist will also explain options for a porcelain veneers payment plan.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.