PULP CAPPING: A SUCCESS STORY BY LAKE LANIER SMILES, BUFORD AFFORDABLE DENTIST

How we save teeth from getting Root Canal Treatment.

Dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles do direct and indirect pulp capping routinely to save the teeth from need of getting a Root Canal Treatment.

Pulp capping is a procedure in dentistry used in cavity preparation, where after removing the deep decay and when close to the pulp/nerve or a pulpal/Nerve exposure happens. It helps in preventing the tooth from dying. The goal of pulp cap is to protect the dental pulp and thus prevent expensive Root Canal Treatment.

Pulp capping can be Direct or Indirect. Direct pulp capping is a procedure where a small amount of sedative dressing is placed over the exposed pulp directly. Indirect pulp capping is a procedure where the sedative filling is placed when there is near exposure but no direct exposure of the pulp. The success is greater with indirect pulp capping then the direct pulp capping.

The pulp cap or the liner used helps in insulating the pulp. Which helps in reducing the post-operative sensitivity. The pulp cap material is made of a unique hydrophilic material helps in hydroxyapatite formation and secondary Dentin bridge formation. Which is nothing but tooth structure to protect the dental nerves and pulp tissues.

Pulp capping material or liner acts as a barrier and protects the dental pulp. We routinely use the pulpal liner under the silver fillings or white fillings. The pulp liner also releases calcium which leads to a protective seal. The stable liner protects the inside of the tooth from the heat and cold foods we consume which transmit through the filling material. In short it acts as an insulation and protects the pulp.

We use Theracal LC or Limelite product which is a resin modified calcium silicate liner with its unique hydrophilic matrix makes it easy in placement and handling. It is flowable so easy to apply to the small areas and we can easily see on X rays due to its radiopaque properties. Other materials used as a pulp all protectant are calcium hydroxide, glass ionomers and resin modified glass ionomers, zinc oxide Eugenol. But Theracal LC and Limelite has provided better results. Calcium silicate-based cements like Theracal are bio-interactive, which means they release and absorb calcium ions and bio-active, which means they form the hydroxyapatite. High amount of calcium release and the formation of apatite helps in clinical healing of the tooth. Theracal also has high alkalinity at the initial placement and then neutralizes after some time. This property prevents the tooth from necrosis or injury and helps with healing.

Pulp capping is not a 100% guarantee that the tooth doesn’t need Root Canal Treatment any more. But it gives a chance for the pulp to recover. Whenever pulp capping doesn’t work, we do Root Canal Treatment. At Lake Lanier Smiles we do affordable Root Canal Treatments.

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: 10 Differences between Dental Insurances and Medic...

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: 10 Differences between Dental Insurances and Medic...: A blog by Buford Affordable Dentist, Lake Lanier Smiles 1. WHAT IS INSURANCE Insurance is an arrangement where you pay a premium pay...

10 Differences between Dental Insurances and Medical Insurances

A blog by Buford Affordable Dentist, Lake Lanier Smiles

1. WHAT IS INSURANCE

Insurance is an arrangement where you pay a premium payment and in return you will get guarantee of compensation for a loss or eventuality. Medical insurance is a real insurance where you pay a premium and if any major illness happens then you would be covered of all the expenses irrespective of amount. But dental insurance shouldn't be even called as insurance because it doesn't cover everything and instead it covers some preventive and certain annual amount. So imagine someone gets a car accident and the same year they unfortunately got diagnosed with cancer, medical insurance will cover both the catastrophic events. Unlike in dental insurance, you got a broken tooth and get an implant and same year you fell down and broke another tooth, then there will not be enough benefits so you have to wait till next year. Weird right!

2. BENEFITS

Dental benefits are mostly used for preventive services like dental cleanings, fluoride and dental exams. On the other hand most of the medical benefits are put towards the injury or illness after they occur.

3. YEARLY LIMITATIONS ON BENEFITS

All Most all of the dental insurances have a yearly maximums. Average yearly dental benefits are around $1500. To cut the costs, the dental insurance companies limit the dollar amount of coverage in a calendar year. But with medical insurance there is no annual limitations so you can get one, two or as many procedures as needed. For example if you need two root canals and crowns, then all the dental benefits will be exhausted and you can't get any benefits for any other procedures even as small as filling or a sealant unlike with medical insurance you can get all necessary procedures.

4. EXPENDITURE

Well dental care expense in 2002 was about $500 and the same year medical expenses were about $3000. It shows how much difference is there in the two systems and that's why the two systems operate quite differently. 

5. DENTISTS AND DOCTORS

80% of dentists are general dentists and on the other side 80% of doctors are specialists. You might get most of the treatment in the same location by the same dentist and referred out very little in dentistry unlike medicine. These factors separate medical care and dental care.

6. NATURE OF DISEASE

Medical conditions can be life threatening and need a doctor consult immediately but most of the dental conditions are non-life threatening so you have the leisure to find a dentist or ask your friends or family for a referral. But it doesn’t mean you can delay dental care.

7. IMPORTANCE OF INSURANCE

It is very important to have a medical insurance but on the other hand not that important to have a dental insurance as many dentists are providing the dental care by giving in house dental savings or discount plans. Please contact us at 770-831-0559 for more information or an appointment.

8. PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Since 2014 you can’t be denied medical insurance because of any pre-existing conditions. But believe it or not dental insurance still have pre-existing clauses. For example if you are missing a tooth and wants to get it replaced with a partial denture or implant or a bridge, dental insurance will deny the claim due to pre-existing condition, here it is missing tooth. Note that cavities or broken teeth don’t fall under the pre-existing conditions.

9. WAIT PERIODS

It is unimaginable to have wait period with medical insurances because if you have any illness or injury you can’t wait until the wait period is done. Well with dental insurances you generally have to wait about 6 months to a year for full benefits. So until wait period is done with dental insurance, you are not covered for certain procedures like fillings, crowns or surgery.

10. DEDUCTIBLES

Deductibles are the dollars out of your pocket for health care before insurance begins to pay. Dental Insurance is better in the deductibles because most of the deductibles fall in the range of $50 - $100. Most of the medical insurance deductibles are over $1500. Once deductibles are met, the cost of the treatment is shared based on your insurance coverage.

Hope this article explained the common myths and questions about dental insurance and the differences between medical and dental insurances. If you have any questions about dental insurance, please don’t hesitate to call Lake Lanier Smiles insurance coordinator at 770-831-0559.

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

Affordable Dentist Near You, Buford Dentist

Affordable Quality dental care near you

Lake Lanier Smiles, Buford Dentist

Welcome to the home of Affordable Dental Care in Buford. No dental insurance? No Problem! We offer dentistry at affordable prices. We are conveniently located close to I-985 and I-85 on Lanier Islands Parkway. 

The dental team and the dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles are committed to provide dental care in a timely and friendly manner. All our services and products we offer exceeds the standard of care in the dental profession. We accept walk-ins and no need for an appointments. But you can call us with any questions at 770-831-0559 or email us at info@lakelaniersmiles.com for a convenient appointment.

Lake Lanier Smiles have convenient hours to receive dental care at the price you can afford. We are family focused and see all ages. Our dental team takes all the time to provide personalized dental care so that your visits are as comfortable as possible.

Our dentists are committed to provide excellent dental care with up to date knowledge by taking countless hours of Continuing education courses and seminars. Our dentists provide comprehensive dental care from basic dental filling to braces, dentures, implant restorations, root canals and deep cleaning and many more.

Our hygienists are well trained in the latest procedures and technology. We give you thorough dental cleaning for an affordable price. We also treat severe gum disease or periodontitis with deep cleaning or Scaling and Root Planning and use of local antibiotics. We educate and instruct you about Oral Hygiene Instructions to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Infection control is taken very seriously in our office. We follow ADA (American Dental Association) and CDC (Center for Disease Control) specifications. We do regular OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) on-site training.

Your privacy is very important for us and we don't share your health information with anyone other than other health care providers like dental specialist or medical specialists. All the dental team do on site training in HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and keep pace with its compliance. Annual On-site HIPAA compliance training, ongoing regulatory updates, Privacy and security risk assessments are part of our commitment to safeguard medical information.

Lake Lanier Smiles offer second opinions on your dental diagnosis and treatment plan. We give custom treatment plans including all the options. Every new patient comes for a comprehensive exam will receive gum disease charting, oral cancer screening, digital dental X-rays, treatment plan and all questions answered.

Lake Lanier Smiles has great special offers on metal - free composite white fillings and metal - free full porcelain crowns and bridges. We are proud to offer low cost dental care to the communities in Buford and surrounding areas. Come and see our comfortable and friendly office at a flexible schedule and with flexible payment plans. We serve patients all over Gwinnett County, Forsyth and Hall Counties. Most of our patient base are from Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

Here is the YouTube video we created which gives more info about our specials

FINANCIAL POLICIES AT LAKE LANIER SMILES, BUFORD DENTIST

Financial Policies at Lake Lanier Smiles

We developed clear financial policies to reduce stress for patients and staff. Our knowledgeable front desk member is well versed with the insurance benefits, care credit financing and In house payment plans. Our financial policies are very well crafted and well understood by the staff and backed by our doctors. 

Dental Insurances and Our role to help you
we accept most PPO insurances at Lake Lanier Smiles and we are contracted with a discounted rates. You are assured that you get the best possible price for all the dental treatment. Our financial coordinator will provide a pre-estimate of every procedure and at every appointment so that you are aware of the fee to pay. We will file and follow up with the insurance claims but ultimately it's the patient’s responsibilities if the insurance denies or downgrades the benefit claims. We do our best to maximize the insurance benefits of the patients so that patient’s can pay less out of pocket. We ask all our patients to pay their deductibles and non-insurance covered portions at the time of service. If insurance doesn't pay by the 30 - 60 day mark, you are responsible for the entire portion. But as mentioned before, we will contact your dental insurance company and provide all the necessary documentation and records to help with expedite the processing of insurance claims.

Affordable and Quality Dental Care at the same time
we do not bill for the services provided at our dental office but we require to collect at the time of the service. Please understand that we offer affordable dental care and to do that we cannot bill you later, as the cost of billing and follow ups is very high. Payments made at the time of service helps us cover all the lab costs and also ensure to provide quality service. If financial arrangements are needed, don't hesitate to speak to our financial coordinator. 

Affordable Dental Payment Plans
If the treatment is done in more than a single visit then we can make a payment plan where you pay some amount at the start of the appointment and the rest in subsequent visits. For a two visit dental procedure, patient can pay half the payment on first appointment and remaining half payment at the last appointment. If the dental treatment is done in 3 visits then we can break the payments into three one thirds and pay through the treatment.

Patient Dental Care is the number one priority
We always inform the patient about any changes in the dental procedure and the cost involved with the change. Sometimes it might be higher or lower. The most common being Root canal treatments in border line cases where a pulp capping might help. Always the dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles do the best treatment for the given patient and doesn't involve in the payment discussion and will be taken care by the financial coordinator. 

Payment Forms Accepted at Lake Lanier Smiles
For your convenience we accept Cash, Credit Cards, most checks and CareCredit patient financing.

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

A GUIDE TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM YOUR FAVORITE FOODS AND DRINKS

A BLOG FROM YOUR AFFORDABLE BUFORD DENTIST, LAKE LANIER SMILES

Tooth Enamel is the toughest substance in our body but still can get damaged by the strong acids present in our day to day foods and drinks. In this blog the doctors of Lake Lanier Smiles explain the causes, signs, prevention and treatment of the Acid Erosion.

So what is Enamel? Enamel is the outer covering of the tooth, which is whitish appearing and transparent layer. It prevents the much softer tooth structures inside from extreme temperatures, harsh foods we drink and eat and daily wear and tear. If we lose enamel we will be prone to get cavities and have sensitive teeth.

WHAT IS EROSION

Enamel Erosion is a process where the acidic foods and drinks we consume wear the enamel of the tooth making it prone for tooth sensitivity and decay. Other terms we use are Acid Erosion, Tooth Erosion

CAUSES OF EROSION

Understand that there are other ways you can damage the enamel like Bruxism (teeth grinding) and Abrasion (brushing hard) but this article specifically explains the causes of erosion.

1.     Soft Drinks consumption, most of the soft drinks/cola we consume has high levels of phosphoric acids and citric acids.

2.     Sports Drinks/ Energy Drinks, even though they have minerals added but they are very acidic.

3.     Fruit Juices, yes Orange juice is acidic

4.     Medical conditions like Acid reflux, Bulimia can cause stomach acids to reach mouth and damage the enamel.

5.     Chewing on lot of Vitamin C supplements, as they have lot of acid in them.

6.     Eating diets containing high sugar and starch like candies can be turned to acids by the bacteria in the mouth.

SOFT DRINKS

ORANGE JUICE

SPORTS DRINKS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EROSION

In the early stages of erosion you might not feel any symptoms but as the condition worsens you might see the following symptoms. But periodic check up with the dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles, can help diagnose the condition sooner and address it.

1.     Mild to Severe sensitivity or pain when eating hot or cold foods or when exposed to sweet foods or drinks.

2.     Yellowish discoloration of the teeth.

3.     Transparency of the tooth will be affected.

4.     Cracked or chipped teeth edges due to weakened enamel.

5.     Indentations on the biting surface called “cupping”.

WHO IS AT RISK OF ENAMEL EROSION

Basically everyone is at risk of developing acid erosion as everybody’s diet has acidic foods. Even the healthiest of diets like having fruits and vegetables can cause acid erosion. Here is a list of people who are more prone for acid erosion.

1.     People who eat lot of fruits and vegetables, as these foods have high acidic content.

2.     People who drink lot of fruit juices or soft drinks or sports drinks. This is mostly true in teenagers.

3.     Children and Older adults are also prone to acid erosion as baby teeth enamel is softer and older adults suffer from dry mouth due to medical conditions and medications they take.

 STEPS TO PREVENT ACID EROSION

FYI, we cannot grow the enamel back once we lose, so we have to take steps to protect the enamel. The main causes of the enamel erosion is the simple things we eat and drink. We will let you know in this section what habits we can change to protect our pearly whites.

1.     Avoid highly acid foods and drinks from your diet.

2.     Drink plenty of water or rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks as it will neutralize the acids in the mouth.

3.     Do Not Brush at least 30 minutes after you eat acidic food as the tooth get softened by acids and by brushing will take away the tooth enamel.

4.     Use straw when drinking fruit juices or any acidic liquids as it will bypass the teeth. Also don’t swish the acidic drinks in the mouth.

5.     Drink plenty of water throughout the day if you have dry mouth.

6.     Always use a soft brush and do not use excess force when brushing. Be Gentle.

7.     Chewing gum helps produce saliva and which will in turn reduce the acidity of the foods in the mouth.

8.     Highly recommend a Fluoride tooth paste and mouthwash, like ProNamel.

9.     Drinking milk can help reduce the acidic content of the mouth.

10. Check with your physician for treatment for acid reflux and any other medical conditions.

TREATMENT FOR EROSION

Treatment for erosion depends on the severity of enamel erosion. If it’s mild, then bonding the tooth can help. If it’s severe then the tooth can be crowned.  Based on your condition the dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles can tailor the best treatment option for you.

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CANKER SORE/MOUTH ULCER : Lake Lanier Smiles, An Affordable Buford Dentist Blog

CANKER SORE / MOUTH ULCERS / APHTHOUS ULCERS

A Simple Guide to understand and treat mouth ulcers

WHAT IS A CANKER SORE/MOUTH ULCER

Also called as Aphthous ulcers occurs exclusively in mouth and appear as a round, shallow whitish sore with red margin. Generally they appear small but sometimes they can be large. Mouth Ulcers can occur on tongue, check, lips and floor of the mouth. They never appear on roof of the mouth or top of the tongue. These mouth ulcers are called “Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers” as they appear again and again through the life until around 30 years of age. Generally before the ulcer is formed you might have symptoms like burning or itching.

FACTS ABOUT APHTHOUS ULCERS

1.     Very Common, about 3 million people suffer in United States

2.     These ulcers are not contagious, mean doesn’t spread from person to person

3.     These ulcers are not caused by bacteria or virus

4.     Self-treatable and usually resolve in 2 weeks

5.     No need for any Lab tests

6.     Doesn’t appear anywhere other than mouth

7.     Family history of the ulcers is common, about 1 in 3 patients  

8.     Generally start around the age of 10-20 years

9.     Generally stop occurrence around 30 years of age

10. Usually occur 2-4 times a year

11. Not common in smokers

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CANKER SORE AND COLD SORE

The most commonly confused ailment with canker sore is cold sore. Below is the simple table with clear differences.

Comparision	CANKER SORE	COLD SORE
Other Names	Aphthous Ulcer	Fever Blister
Causes	Not yet known	Herpes Simplex Virus
Location	Inside the mouth	Outside the Mouth
Appearance	Open white sore with red margin	Reddish, fluid filled blister
Number	Mostly single	Mostly groups
Contagious	No	Yes
Treatment	Alleviate pain only	Alleviate pain only

WHY YOU GET CANKER SORE

We don’t know yet why we get aphthous ulcers hence called “idiopathic”. But there are some predisposing factors which may precipitate or exacerbate the ulcers like

1. Stress

2. Quitting Smoking

3. Trauma

4. Hormonal Changes

5. Food Allergies

6. Toothpaste Ingredients like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate)

7. Genetic Predisposition

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT

Generally mouth ulcers heal in 10 days to 2 weeks.  No treatment is necessary unless they are very painful. If painful, Can use Orajel or Orabase on the ulcer which will cover the ulcer and help numb temporarily so that patient can eat food. Need to identify the predisposing factors for ulcers and take care of them. Change the toothpaste which might help in preventing future recurrence. Check what foods correlate with the occurrence of ulcers so that you can avoid those food. Avoid spicy foods as they may cause pain. If trauma from an existing appliances like denture or retainer or a broken tooth, see our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles and we can do the necessary adjustments. Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent any infections.

In severe cases or extremely painful cases, please call us at 770-831-0559 to see your affordable Buford dentist so that we can prescribe some pain medications, topical steroids and prescription mouth washes.

WHEN TO SEE THE DENTIST FOR SURE

1.     When the symptoms don’t resolve in 2 weeks

2.     When its severely debilitating and painful

3.     When you are running a fever with Ulcers

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.