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Archives for March 2017

Must I Leave My Pediatric Dentist When I Turn 18?

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I’ve gone to the same dentist since I was a little girl. We’ve always gotten along great together. I love going because he makes me laugh and puts me at ease. The other day my mom said something about me needing to see her dentist now that I’m about to turn 18. It never occurred to me until she said something that I wouldn’t be going to him anymore.  Is that a hard and fast rule or can people see a pediatric dentist after they turn 18?

Laura O. – Little Rock, AR

Laura,

I’m thrilled to hear you’ve had such a great relationship with your pediatric dentist. It sounds like he loves his job and his patients. That also means you’ve gotten great start on your oral hygiene.

There isn’t a law that will kick you out of the office the moment you turn 18. However, each clinic has their own policies, so I’d call and check with them. I’d be willing to bet they’d allow you to stay on until you found another dentist you’re comfortable with.

You will eventually want to find another dentist. Pediatric offices aren’t generally set up to deal with the issues that come up in adult mouths. For instance, they don’t do a ton of crowns or bridges.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Is It Possible to Find An Affordable Dentist for a Root Canal

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I’m in a bind and it’s all my own fault. I need to find an affordable dentist quickly.  I had a cavity, that needed a filling. I should have asked this question about an affordable dentist then, but I put it off. Now, my face has blown up and I’m sure I need a root canal treatment or an extraction. I don’t have the money for this, just like I didn’t for the filling. Is there an affordable way to take care of this?

Lorene – Nevada

Lorene,

We will discuss your affordable dentist options, but first I want to implore you in the strongest possible terms to at the very least see your doctor to get some antibiotics. It won’t get rid of the infection, but it will forestall it while you explore your options. If you don’t, this infection can blow up quickly. People still die from tooth infections.

There are dentists who will work with you. Most have compassionate hearts. Some have in-office payment plans. Those that don’t, often work with Care Credit. It’s a medical card that allows you to pay out your bill. Many times, you can even get interest- free terms.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Raymond Bolt.

Our office follows all of the infection-control guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the dental setting, including updates for combatting the spread of the coronavirus. We are confident that you are safe with us.