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Dr. Thomas

Where Can I Order Implant Overdenture Replacement Parts?

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The male retention caps on my removable overdenture are worn. I have four dental implants supporting my denture, and my dentist charges $30 for each retention cap—a small piece of plastic. Why is he charging so much? I cannot afford to pay my dentist $120 every time the caps need replacing. I looked online and saw a set of four caps for $45, but only dentists can order them. Is there another way I can purchase male retention caps for my dental implants? Thank you. – Luke from KS

Luke,

As you may know, male retention caps give your implant overdenture a secure fit while moving naturally over the implant as you speak and chew.

Although dentists have high office overhead, male retention caps are small items with minimal impact on daily dental office operations. Although we cannot say why your dentist chose a fee of $30 for each cap, we have some ideas for more affordable ways to get replacement caps.

Where Can You Order Implant Overdenture Male Retention Caps?

If your dentist’s fee for male retention caps is too high, consider these options:

  • Ask another dental office – You can explain your situation to local dental offices. You will probably find an office willing to order them for you at cost. Dental professionals are usually sympathetic, and a dental assistant may be willing to order the retention caps for you. The dentist does not have to be involved because the staff places orders.
  • Talk to your dentist—If you discussed your budget with your dentist or told him you had done online research on the cost of male retention caps, you might consider it. Your dentist might be willing to reduce the price or give details about which retention caps you need to fit your denture.

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.

My Holistic Dentist Ruined My Bite

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I’m disappointed about needing to leave my holistic dentist due to an issue with a dental crown. She replaced my porcelain fused-to-metal crown with a CEREC crown she made in her office. The dentist cemented the crown before checking it for fit and bite. It felt off when she checked my bite, so she sanded the crown and said it should feel better. But it doesn’t feel better.

I returned to the office the following week, and the dentist said the crown was hitting the opposing upper teeth too far, so she sanded the tooth. Then, she sanded my front center teeth for further bite correction. My bite was still off, so the dentist referred me to an orthodontist. I don’t need an orthodontist. When I checked out, I did not reschedule.

Last week, I saw another dentist (not a holistic dentist) for a second opinion. That dentist said I needed a new crown and possibly an orthodontist. I don’t know who to trust, but I want my money back for the crown. Doing nothing about the crown or my bite is not an option, but I don’t know what to do.  Could I really need braces? – Thanks. Valentina from IL

Valentina,

A dental crown for a molar tooth

Look for a dentist with occlusion and bite training who respects your preferences for holistic dentistry

Although few dentists are completely holistic in their treatment philosophy, you can find dentists willing to accommodate your holistic concerns. The best option is to find a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite who is willing to meet your holistic preferences.

Your description of your dentist’s care violates the standard of care. Correcting your bite may take much dental work and perhaps orthodontic treatment.

Although your dentist made the new crown with CAD/CAM technology, your dentist’s technique—not the technology—was at fault. Crowns made with CAD/CAM technology are biocompatible and should fit precisely.

We recommend finding a highly skilled dentist for a third opinion but ensure the dentist has post-graduate occlusion and bite training. You compare this dentist’s findings with the second-opinion dentist to help you feel comfortable about treatment recommendations.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

Can I Trust My Dentist to Remove My Mercury Fillings?

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I want three mercury fillings removed, but I don’t know if I can trust my dentist to do it. The fillings are in my lower left second molar and the two teeth in front of them. When I asked my dentist about amalgam removal, he said I should keep the fillings until they wear out. I no longer want mercury in my mouth due to some health problems within the past two years. I am trying to clear my body of toxicity by changing what I eat and my environment. As part of my health transition, I want to replace the mercury filling with composite. I am concerned that if I insist on replacing the fillings, I cannot trust my dentist to follow the protocol to limit my mercury exposure. How would I know whether he is truly following the protocol anyway? I get sedation before dental appointments, so I won’t be fully alert. Should I find a dentist who routinely replaces mercury fillings with composite, like a biological or holistic dentist? Any advice? Thanks. Mo

Mo,

Your efforts to achieve a healthier lifestyle are commendable. Your healthcare providers should respect your choices and patient rights, including your desire for sanitary amalgam removal and replacement with composite fillings.

Can You Trust Your Dentist to Replace Mercury Fillings?

Three lower molar teeth with silver fillings, for information on Sugar Land sanitary amalgam removal

Holistic dentistry provides sanitary amalgam removal

If you have talked with your dentist about the process, you can trust your dentist to replace mercury (silver or amalgam) fillings with composite. Your dentist should be willing to explain how they practice safe amalgam removal and replacement. Some dentists isolate the teeth containing amalgam fillings and ensure you are not exposed to amalgam material or vapor.

If you are concerned about mercury in your teeth, you may want to consider a dentist who customarily practices mercury-free dentistry and removes amalgam fillings.

We suggest finding two dentists who practice biological or holistic dentistry, scheduling complimentary consultations with them, and asking questions to see if they will address your concerns. After your consultations, selecting a dentist you can trust will be easier.

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Do I Need Dental Crowns Just to Whiten My Teeth?

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Do I need dental crowns just to whiten my teeth? I’ve had 3 crowns and 4 veneers since 2001. They are yellowing from age. I also have some concerns with dry mouth, and my dentist says the combination of veneers and crowns is throwing off my bite. I want to resolve the dry mouth and have whiter teeth. I switched to a holistic dentist last year, and she surprised me by recommending crowns for all the teeth that show when I smile. I have a broad smile, so this is scary. I thought holistic dentists were more conservative than that. Crowns on the teeth in what the dentist says is my smile zone would include four teeth with no crowns now. I think this treatment is unnecessary, but how do I prove it? – Thank you. Yves from Maine

 

Yves,

Your dentist’s recommendation to replace veneers with crowns and crown all your teeth to make them white is super-aggressive. Please do not agree to overtreatment.  Remember that a dentist’s training and experience in tooth restoration and cosmetic dentistry influence their treatment options and ability to produce healthy, beautiful results. Their claim to practice holistic dentistry does not mean that they understand cosmetic dentistry.

Do You Need Dental Crowns to Whiten Your Teeth?

A dental crown for a molar tooth

Dental crowns restore damaged or worn teeth beautifully but are not used to whiten healthy teeth.

Dental crowns are not the recommended solution to whiten your teeth. Grinding down your teeth for crowns destroys healthy tooth structure. A skilled cosmetic dentist can whiten your natural teeth and provide new crowns and veneers to match—without unnecessarily placing crowns on healthy teeth.

Replacing Porcelain Veneers with Crowns

An ethical dentist aims to preserve your healthy tooth structure—not replace your crowns with veneers. Your dentist may be uncomfortable replacing your dental crowns and porcelain veneers and ensuring they match.  If you already have a dry mouth, a full-mouth reconstruction from an unskilled dentist can open your bite too far and worsen it. Still, you do not need crowns on teeth just to whiten them.

We recommend looking for an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine and x-ray your teeth. You may choose to find a holistic dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to identify the cause of your dry mouth. Afterward, the dentist will explain your options for whitening your teeth and replacing your discolored crowns and veneers to match your brightened teeth.

Sugar Land, Texas dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.

Dental Bridge Tooth Is Too Long

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Red-hed mature woman portraying disappointment over dental bridge with a too-long toothI’ve had three dentists work on my bridge for a missing canine tooth. It’s a mess. The crown for the canine tooth is too long, and it looks like a fang. When I talk to people, I can tell they notice the tooth, and I am embarrassed.

My general dentist did the bridge in 2019. Although I was never happy with it, I left it alone. When I moved to Texas early last year, I saw a prosthodontist because they are supposed to be the best at tooth replacement. So, I couldn’t understand why the tooth did not look any different after an adjustment.

Now I have braces; my orthodontist said he could reduce the crown. I don’t know what he was doing. The tooth is still too long, but now it looks badly chiseled. Worse than ever.

So now I’m at my new holistic dentist, who recommends a new bridge. A new bridge? I’m not surprised because of the way the tooth looks. I don’t know who to trust, though. Should I just get porcelain veneers now and forget about the bridge? Should I wait until I finish braces to get a new bridge anyway?  – Carlotta from NH

Carlotta,

Before discussing your treatment options, a dentist must examine your dental bridge and the replacement canine tooth. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Can a Dentist Shorten a Tooth in Your Bridge?

Although a dentist can make minor adjustments to shorten a crown in your bridge, you’ve had the crown for three years. Several dental professionals have tried to adjust the crown with no success. Their repeated attempts have no doubt weakened and damaged the bridge, and you will need a new one.

Your braces will move your teeth to a new position. If your orthodontic treatment affects the teeth that anchor the bridge, you will still need a new bridge after you finish braces. If your holistic dentist does not have advanced cosmetic dentistry training, consider getting a fourth opinion. We recommend asking a cosmetic dentist to coordinate your care with your orthodontist to determine the best time for a new dental bridge.

 

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post.

Why Is My Mouth So Dry at Night?

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I had a dental exam and cleaning two weeks ago, and the dentist said I have three new cavities. She says I have new cavities because my mouth is dry. I know I have nighttime dry mouth at night because I wake up at night choking sometimes. I keep water on my nightstand. But how do I know that I have cavities from dry mouth? Why would my mouth be dry at night anyway? I chose this holistic dentist because she replaced silver cavities with composite. I am concerned that she is looking for more cavities to fill because my teeth are otherwise healthy. Thanks. Athena from Omaha, NE

 

Athena,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry of Sugar Land regarding your concerns about nighttime dry mouth and cavities. Dr. Thomas would need to complete an oral exam and review your medical and dental histories for an accurate diagnosis. However, we will explain five causes of nighttime dry mouth.

 

What Causes Nighttime Dry Mouth?

Lack of saliva production can cause nighttime dry mouth. The causes of dry mouth may include these factors:

Dehydration

If you don’t have enough water during the day, your mouth will become dry as saliva production decreases while you sleep. Try to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sleeping with Your Mouth Open

Young Asian women sleeping with her mouth open, portraying info on nighttime dry mouth

Nighttime mouth breathing while you’re asleep can cause dry mouth

Breathing with your mouth open while you sleep contributes to a dry mouth. According to the Sleep Foundation, nighttime mouth breathing and snoring or sleep apnea are related.

Medication

Dry mouth is a side effect of some medications, including:

  • Antidepressants
  • Antihistamines
  • Diuretics

Read the fact sheet for your medication to see a list of side effects.

Sinuses or Allergies

A blocked nose from sinuses or allergies may cause you to breathe with your mouth open at night without realizing it. Your mouth will be dry overnight and when you wake up.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder attacking eye and mouth moisture glands. It also causes dryness in other body areas, including joints and skin.

 

What’s the Connection Between Dry Mouth and Cavities?

Saliva washes away food debris, protecting tooth enamel from acid and bacteria. When your mouth is dry, your teeth are exposed to factors that promote decay.

If you are concerned that you may not have new cavities, we recommend getting a second opinion from another dentist. If you are satisfied with your holistic dentist’s work, allow her to fill your new cavities with a dental composite. Your dentist may work with your medical doctor to identify the cause of your nighttime dry mouth and how to promote saliva production.

 

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

I Asked My Dentist for Amalgam Fillings Removal

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Three lower molar teeth with silver fillings, for information on Sugar Land sanitary amalgam removalI asked my dentist for amalgam filling removal, but her answer was sketchy. After losing 75 pounds from exercising and eating clean, I want to keep my lifestyle. I have some unhealthy silver fillings in my mouth and want them replaced. We live in a small community, and I have only found one holistic dentist about 60 miles away who does not use amalgam. I asked my dentist (one of three dentists in town) about removing the silver fillings, and she didn’t do anything special to prevent me from breathing in the amalgam. Would asking my dentist to learn about sanitary amalgam removal be insulting? Thanks. Esther

Esther,

Congratulations on your weight loss and healthier lifestyle! We understand your concerns because your oral health and system health are related.

What If You Asked Your Dentist to Learn Sanitary Amalgam Removal?

Your dentist’s response to your request to learn sanitary amalgam removal depends on several factors, including:

  • Your relationship with your dentist
  • Your dentist’s opinion of sanitary amalgam removal
  • Whether your dentist already has training
  • Whether your dentist has other patients who share your concerns

Remember that practicing sanitary removal may require your dentist to spend money on additional training, tools, and dental equipment. Although your dentist might be willing to learn the technique, budget constraints may delay your request. Also, your dentist must weigh whether the expenditures are worth compared to how many patients want their silver fillings replaced with composite.

What If Your Dentist Does Not Practice Sanitary Amalgam Removal?

Many dentists do not practice sanitary amalgam removal. After all, the American Dental Association says that amalgam fillings are safe, effective, and durable. Still, many patients want their old amalgam fillings replaced with composite fillings. If your dentist does not practice sanitary amalgam removal, but you want it, you can consider the following:

  • List the reasons you want sanitary amalgam removal.
  • It may be wise to find a dentist who has already implemented the protocol required.
  • If you must travel to get your desired care, completing your request usually takes a few visits.

Your new holistic dentist may want to complete an exam, x-ray your teeth, and schedule amalgam removal and replacement with composite for another visit. If you have yet to find a dentist to replace your fillings with composite, you search for a dentist online and check their patient reviews. Call the office if you have questions about the dentist’s process, which may be similar to the steps in the 2012 Journal of Environmental and Public Health article, A Safe Protocol for Sanitary Amalgam Removal.

Best wishes on your health goals, Esther.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

How Can I Find a Dentist to Work with My Autoimmune Issues?

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Red-haired woman thinking, portraying concern about holistic dentistry and autoimmune diseaseI have a lot of autoimmune issues going on, in addition to allergies, and I need a new dentist. Joint pain is a big concern for me, and I notice that it gets worse when I am exposed to certain chemicals. I went to a different state to get some thorough testing done and found out everything or almost 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 triggers 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 six-month dental checkup is due in late July. My dentist isn’t really into holistic care and doesn’t seem too concerned when I talk about my sensitivities. I wonder about dental treatment, my dentist’s materials, and what kind of reaction they might cause. I am not really interested in trying my dentist out again to figure out how I react to the materials he uses. I will start fresh and find a more current dentist for treating patients with chemical sensitivities or allergies. I am unsure what I want, but I noticed your site and the page for a holistic dentist. Is this a typical specialty so I could find a holistic dentist within 20 miles or so of my home? I have started searching already and have yet to get good results. Reagan from GA

Reagan – Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. Holistic dentistry is not an official specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Some dentists avoid metal materials or use biocompatible dental materials.

How Can You Find a Dentist if You Have Autoimmune Concerns?

You can find a dentist if you have autoimmune concerns by looking for a holistic or biological dentist. Try these terms in an Internet search:

  • holistic dentist near me
  • biological dentist near me
  • biomimetic dentist near me

The dentist will research ways to give you dental treatment to which you are least reactive. Some dentists recommend Clifford’s test, or Clifford Materials Reactivity Test, to help identify your sensitivities. Dental and medical professionals have mixed opinions about this test and its reliability.

Do not be discouraged if you cannot find a holistic dentist within 20 miles of your residence. You may find a nearby dentist willing to work with you and, as much as possible, avoid materials that cause a reaction. Be patient with your search. Consider scheduling consultations with a few dentists who seem agreeable to treating you. Find out what each dentist will do to respect your requests to the extent possible.

Sugar Land cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Thomas provides patients with some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

What Are My Options for Enamel Hypoplasia Treatment?

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Young African American woman portraing concern over enamel hypolasia treatmentMy teeth are blotchy from enamel hypoplasia. I haven’t done anything about it, but now that I’m 27, I cannot ignore it. The older I get, the more self-conscious I become about my smile. I am vegan and use natural products as much as possible, so I prefer a solution for my teeth that matches my lifestyle and will not unnecessarily expose me to harsh chemicals or metals. Do I have biocompatible options for making my teeth look better? – Thank you. Cheyenne from NM

Cheyenne,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Thomas’s office. Although Dr. Thomas would need to examine your teeth and x-ray them before explaining your treatment options, we will discuss treatment in general.

What Is Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia is a hereditary or environmental defect in the formation of enamel in developing teeth. The condition can affect primary and permanent teeth, one tooth, or multiple teeth.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Enamel Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia can affect the appearance of your teeth and how they feel. Signs and symptoms include:

  • Brown stains or spots dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) exposure
  • Cold and heat sensitivity
  • Pits or depressions in teeth
  • Thin tooth enamel
  • Tooth decay
  • White spots
  • Worn teeth

How Do Dentists Treat Enamel Hypoplasia?

Treatment of hypoplasia depends on its severity. Treatment from a cosmetic dentist that practices holistic dentistry may include direct composite bonding, porcelain veneers, or ceramic crowns. All are biocompatible, metal-free, mercury-free options.

Mild enamel hypoplasia

Mild hypoplasia may be limited to white spots on your teeth. An advanced cosmetic dentist can use this method with composite bonding:

  • Drill out the surface of white spots on each affected tooth
  • Fill in the space with a high-gloss composite
  • Leave tiny spots untreated or apply composite depending on your preference
  • Smooth, polish, and shine the composite

Severe enamel hypoplasia

Severe enamel hypoplasia causes deep ridges in the enamel that often turn brown. Missing areas of enamel, white spots, and pits in teeth may occur. A skilled cosmetic dentist may use one of these methods for severe cases:

  • Apply porcelain veneers to the affected teeth
  • Use dental crowns if the backs of teeth are severely damaged

Cosmetic dentists with advanced training have high-gloss, translucent composites to match the shade of your teeth and look natural. We recommend scheduling consultations with two skilled cosmetic dentists to discuss your treatment options. In either case, look for a cosmetic dentist who practices holistic dentistry and will only use biocompatible materials on your teeth.

Sugar Land, Texas cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas, sponsors this post.

My Tooth-Colored Fillings Don’t Match My Teeth

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Woman looking at her teeth in a mirror portraying holistic dentistry for fillingsMy dentist wants to replace my discolored fillings near the top of my six front teeth with Lumineers. I’ve had “white” fillings for three years, but they never matched my tooth color. The fillings look beige and are already darkening and seem to look worse after brushing my teeth. Teeth bleaching doesn’t help.

Lumineers seem aggressive to me, so I am looking online for options. I found some websites about holistic dentists who do conservative treatments and will try to keep my tooth structure. It is not clear to me what they use for fillings, though. Would another type of filling work for my teeth? What do holistic dentists use? – Many thanks. Viviana M. from GA

Viviana,

Your fillings do not match your tooth color because the dentist who placed them did not understand how to blend composite to match your teeth. If you carefully select an advanced cosmetic dentist who uses composite fillings, they can achieve a perfect match.

What Do Holistic Dentists Use for Fillings?

Holistic dentists use mercury-free composite fillings. Dental composite is a blend of plastic resin and silica (glass or quartz). Still, for dentists to replace your fillings and perfectly match your natural teeth, they need post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training.

Matching White Fillings with Your Teeth

Dental bonding materials are available for every tooth shade. A skilled dentist can blend bonding to give you tooth-colored fillings that match natural teeth in these aspects:

  • Translucence
  • Color
  • Gloss
  • Texture

Dental Bonding vs. Lumineers

You do not need Lumineers or another brand of veneers to replace tooth fillings. Unless your teeth have deteriorated and the decay covers more than one-third of each tooth, a dentist will not recommend porcelain veneers. Your description of your teeth is that the composite filling does not match them. Veneers are too invasive as an alternative for fillings that do not match.

We suggest looking for a cosmetic dentist who only uses composite fillings. Their training and experience will help them match your teeth with conservative treatment.

 

Sugar Land, Texas cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.