Whiteman Dental Associates

Whiteman Dental Associates recommends getting a second opinion on dental work, particularly when you get complex or expensive dental work such as dental implants. We are confident that you will find the combination of our professional care and costs will provide you with the best results at a reasonable and affordable price. However, a second opinion is the only way of knowing if a dentist’s recommendations are sensible, priced fairly, and in your best interests. When getting a second opinion, keep these guidelines in mind:

Add-On Recommendations

If you visit a new dentist for a second opinion and they immediately recommend multiple treatments that we didn’t, they may hope to increase their revenue by performing unnecessary procedures. When you ask for a second opinion about a single tooth that may need a non-surgical root canal and are told you need to replace all your old fillings and undergo gum surgery, be cautious. A third opinion may clarify things for you.

Bait and Switch

Some dentists offer steeply discounted initial appointments for checkups and dental cleanings for new patients. In most cases, this is a great way to meet and evaluate a new dentist and establish a relationship. However, some dentists use this tactic to get you in the dentist’s chair, immediately diagnosing a wide range of supposed problems they can fix for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If this happens to you, ask questions and call Whiteman Dental Associates for a second opinion.

Lack of Options

Good dentists offer a variety of treatment options whenever possible. If you are told there are no options, ask why. The dentist should be able to explain and show you X-rays or digital images that clearly indicate the problem and how it must be treated. When an expensive treatment is proposed, ask about less costly options, even if they are temporary solutions that give you time to save money for a more permanent one.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Do not give in to a sales pitch. If a dentist says you can save money on an expensive procedure, but only if you “act now” or “commit to the full treatment” before a certain date, decline and get a second opinion. They are trying to pressure you into a commitment by making it appear that there is a time limit. There is never a time limit on responsible, quality dental care. Get a second opinion before committing to something you might regret later.

Lack of Transparency

Always ask for a detailed quote for any dental procedure. An “all-inclusive” price sounds wonderful, but it can vary from one provider to another. Does it include anesthesia fees, or are they billed separately? What about any medications you may need after the procedure? You want to avoid being hit with unexpected bills after the fact.

Ask for a detailed explanation of any quote, with pricing broken out for items such as materials, the procedure, anesthesia, etc. When you get a second opinion, you can compare prices line-by-line. If you see a major discrepancy in the price of materials, ask questions about the materials used. One dentist may use a higher-quality dental implant than another.

Dr. Whiteman believes that every patient is best served through honesty and integrity from their dental care team. He is always available to offer a second opinion. He encourages his own patients to seek them to ensure they get the finest care at a reasonable price.

If you have questions or want to schedule a second opinion appointment, please call Whiteman Dental Associates at Whiteman Dental Associates Phone Number (617) 731-4746.

For anyone considering dental implants, the initial cost may seem significant. However, it’s important to remember that these implants offer a permanent, attractive solution for missing teeth. No other restoration lasts as long or restores function and oral health as effectively as implant dentistry. The price you pay for implants is influenced by various factors, but the long-term benefits they provide make them a worthwhile investment.

Number of Implants Needed

Each implant requires precise surgical placement in the jawbone. If multiple implants are placed, more surgery is performed, and Dr. Whiteman spends more time ensuring exact placement for a successful recovery and integration of the implants with the jawbone.

Type of Implants Used

Titanium implants are usually used to support dental restorations because they are durable and biocompatible. However, there are rare cases when a patient is allergic to all metals or has specific aesthetic concerns with titanium. For these patients, zirconia implants are an option, but the cost is generally higher due to the higher cost of the materials.

Location of the Implants

Dental implant placement is more difficult for missing front teeth because the jawbone is naturally thinner in the front of the jaw, requiring greater precision. The implants are also smaller and require a deft hand for proper placement, which may take longer than placement in the back of the mouth.

Quality of Available Bone

If you have a healthy jawbone with good bone density, implant placement can be performed without needing bone grafts. However, if your teeth have been missing for any length of time and your jawbone has deteriorated, you may need bone grafting or a sinus lift to build up enough bone density to support the implants. These are additional surgical procedures requiring donor bone and recovery time before implant placement.

Additional Procedures

Patients with gum disease or other oral health conditions must resolve those issues before moving forward with implant placement. Dr. Whiteman must treat periodontal disease prior to moving forward with dental implants, adding to the total cost of your dental implants. Skipping this step to save money isn’t an option, as active periodontal disease almost always leads to implant failure.

Surgical Expertise

While many dentists can place dental implants, not all of them perform implant dentistry regularly or are familiar with the latest techniques and technologies to ensure a successful procedure with attractive, healthy results. Dr. Whiteman has been performing implant surgery for 25 years. He continues to further his knowledge through continuing education, including courses such as “Prosthetic Aspects of Anterior Implants” and “A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Implant Dentistry.” This expertise ensures your dental implant results will be exceptional.

Learn More About the Cost of Dental Implants at Whiteman Dental

At Whiteman Dental Associates, we value and respect our patients. If you are interested in dental implants but are concerned about the costs, a consultation with Dr. Whiteman can address many of your concerns. He will evaluate your needs, discuss your goals, and provide an accurate quote so you can make an informed decision about your dental implant procedure.

Breaking a tooth should always be considered a cause for concern, even if you aren’t feeling pain. While a minor chip may not need immediate attention, any damage to a tooth can become a bigger problem if it isn’t addressed by your dentist in a timely manner.

Signs of a Broken Tooth

Although pain and a missing portion of the damaged tooth are the most common indicators of a broken tooth (usually after a blow to the mouth or biting into something hard), other signs indicate a broken tooth, including:

• Visible cracks or fractures in the tooth.
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting down.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Bleeding or swelling around the tooth.
• A jagged or sharp edge along the tooth that wasn’t previously evident.
• A piece of tooth loose in the mouth.

If you have suffered an injury and suspect a broken tooth, immediate first aid and a call to Whiteman Dental Associates are essential to prevent infection, protect your oral health, and, if possible, restore your tooth.

Immediate First Aid for a Broken Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris and clean the area. It’s important not to use mouthwash or other rinses as they can irritate the area.
• Control any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Bite down gently until the bleeding stops or slows.
• If a portion of the tooth has broken off completely, pick it up carefully without touching the interior area (the pulp) and place it in milk or wrap it in clean, wet gauze to keep it moist until you can be seen by Dr. Whiteman.
• To reduce any swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. A bag of frozen peas works well for this.
• If the tooth’s pulp is exposed, you can purchase temporary dental wax at a drugstore. This wax can be applied to the area to protect it until you can be seen by the dentist.
• Take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or a similar over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize any pain until you can be seen by the dentist. Applying clove oil to the tooth can also help.

Call Our Office at Whiteman Dental Associates Phone Number (617) 731-4746

The chances of successfully repairing a broken tooth are higher if you can be seen by Dr. Whiteman within the first few hours after the tooth breaks. Contact our office immediately after your injury. If it is after office hours, our answering service will advise you on the appropriate steps to take.