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Archives for December 2018

Can a Venue be Billed for Emergency Dental Work?

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I was at a small music venue, which also is a bar. A small fight broke out which I wasn’t actually a part of. Somehow, I think the bouncer mistook me for one of the fighters because he punched me. I left after that. I noticed this morning the tooth where he punched is loose. I know enough to know I have to get this taken care of immediately. However, I don’t have the money. Can the venue be billed? It was their bouncer who unjustly slugged me.

Hunter

Dear Hunter,

Woman with a boxing glove punching someone

A loose tooth is a dental emergency.

You are wise to know that a loose tooth is a dental emergency. Unfortunately, unless the venue agrees ahead of time there is not a legal way for a dentist to bill them. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t receive the treatment you need. Most dentists are compassionate and went into their field because they wanted to help people.

I’m sure you’ll find at least one who is willing to treat you and then allow you to pay out the bill as you go. If you have trouble, you may try doing an internet search for an affordable dentist. They are usually more willing to work with people. Often, they provide in-office payment plans.

What to Expect at Your Emergency Dental Appointment

With a loose adult tooth, they will do x-rays to make sure there is no internal damage. If all else is fine, then the dentist will splint the tooth to keep it stable while the ligaments heal. It is very likely the ligaments were just stretched in the brawl.

If there is internal damage then the dentist will likely have to do a root canal treatment. Either way, you should be able to save the tooth.

If the Tooth Cannot Be Saved

If, for some reason, the tooth can’t be saved there are incredible tooth replacements these days. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. However, they are quite expensive. If that turns out to be necessary, you may want to file a claim with small claims court to recoup your money from the venue.

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

Pediatric Dentist Blames My Son for Fillings Coming Out

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I don’t know what’s going on. My son needed a filling. I told my dentist I wanted him to have a white filling. He said children can’t get white fillings. I told him that’s all my nephews have and he relented. The filling fell out two weeks later and all he said is, “I told you children can’t have white fillings and you wouldn’t listen.” So, is he right? If so, how do my nephews have them?

Anna B.

Dear Anna,

Boy smiling holding toothbrush

Here’s the situation. The bonding procedure for the amalgam (silver) fillings is completely different from the procedure for the composite (white) fillings. If he doesn’t place many composite fillings he’s likely not as skilled in getting them secure.

The only real problem in placing them on children is the fact that they have to remain completely dry during the bonding procedure. Children are naturally wiggly and their tongues can get in the way. If any moisture sneaks in it will break the bond.

That doesn’t mean that your son has to get the amalgam fillings. He just needs to see a dentist who is skilled at placing them and also treats children. In all honesty, that’s not nearly as hard as it sounds.

The first thing I’d look for is a mercury-free dentist. These dentists only place white composite fillings and are therefore skilled in the procedure to place them. Then, you just need to know if they treat children.

Must Children See a Pediatric Dentist?

General Dentists are qualified to treat children, so your son doesn’t have to see a pediatric dentist. They’ve all done a pediatric rotation. However, if you want your son to have a good experience, you need to be certain the dentist actually enjoys treating children.

One way to do that is to ask what age they first like to see them. If they say around 8 or 9 years old they don’t really enjoy children. However, if they say 2 or 3 then you can be sure they like taking care of children.

Though, do check their reviews. It’s important children have positive experiences with the dentist. Most people who avoid the dentist as an adult, do so because of traumatic experiences in their childhood. If they love the dentist while their children, they’re much more likely to keep going in adulthood.

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