ASHISH PATEL BDS MSD DDS

 

reviews button Appointment Button
Or Call 313-885-9454

Autism and dentistry

Posted on by .

I have an autistic son. He absolutely cannot stand to be touched. He doesn’t even let me touch him. Recently he pointed to his mouth and told me it hurt. He opened up to let me take a look (without touching). There seems to be a pretty substantial cavity in the back.  I know he needs to see a dentist, but I know he won’t be able to handle it.  What do you recommend?

Leslie M. – Pennsylvania

Leslie,

You’re in a difficult spot, but there is a solution. What you absolutely do not want to do is put off treatment. This will abcess. The infection will spread. It can even spread to his brain.

You can either see a pediatric dentist or a general dentist who enjoys treating children. Either one can help you.  They will likely recommend a form of sedation dentistry.

If you use oral conscious sedation, your son will simply take a pill before his appointment and be completely relaxed throughout the entire procedure.  He’ll be loopy and likely won’t remember anything, but he’ll get through the appointment.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

When is it OK to use porcelain veneers to fix a tooth gap?

Posted on by .

I have a small tooth gap. I wanted to use porcelain veneers to fix it, but my dentist seems to think it is an overtreatment. When is it OK to use porcelain veneers for a tooth gap?

Genna H. – Washington

Genna,

It is OK to use porcelain veneers for a tooth gap if you want to, as long as there isn’t a true medical/dental reason not to.  It is quite an expensive fix for something like a tooth  gap. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

There is a a time where porcelain veneers would make sense.  If there were other aspects of your teeth you are interested in changing, such as their color, size, or shape.

I wouldn’t push your dentist into this procedure, if you do decide to go forward.  It’s likely he isn’t comfortable with the procedure.  You’ll want to find a dentist who has expertise in cosmetic dentistry. Ideally, you’d like to get a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dentists who are AACD accredited are among the top 1-3% of cosmetic dentists in the country.

If you’re not looking to fix other things with your teeth, there are other options, such as dental bonding or orthodontics, but it is your choice what procedure you get.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Store Bought TMJ mouthguard

Posted on by .

I have TMJ. I’ve heard that you can a store bought mouthpiece much cheaper than the one at the dentist’s office.  Do they work?

Sarah B. – Oklahoma

Sarah,

If your need a mouthguard, the ones in the drug store will be better than nothing at all, but they do not work nearly as well as the one you get with your dentist.

The store bought one will give you three options in sizes: small, medium, large, and a one size fits all.  The one your dentist will provide for you is custom fit to your mouth.

If you’re a tooth grinder, your likely to grind through them fairly quickly.  It also won’t be able tip your lower jaw into position if your TMJ requires that type of treatment.

It boils down to what your TMJ needs.  i’d at least speak with a TMJ dentist to determine the severity of your case and prescribe the correct treatment for it.  The office can help you understand the cost of treatment and you can make a decision based on that.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Can I get a sedation dentist that is covered by insurance?

Posted on by .

I’ve been hearing such great things about sedation dentistry.  I hoped I could get my work done with the sedation, but I can’t find sedation dentists listed in my insurance.

J.J. – Washington

J.J.

Sedation isn’t a dental specialty. Any general dentist can do sedation. You can get anywhere from a lite sedation, such as nitrous oxide all the way up to the heavy sedation of I.V. sedation.  You simply have to call around and ask if the dentist does sedation and what types, because each sedation dentist is different in what they offer.

As far as insurance goes, it doesn’t always cover sedation, but sometimes they will give you a small allowance for it.  Make sure you find a dentist who offers high quality care and not just someone whom you can get the biggest discount with using an insurance plan.  I know it may seem like you’re saving money, but poorly done dental procedures end up costing a fortune.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Porcelain veneers and crown don’t match

Posted on by .

I had one dental crown that I was replacing and then I decided to get a complete smile makeover. My dentist said that would be fine. I’d get a new dental crown and then the rest of the teeth have porcelain veneers.  I was excited until the project was completed. The crown looks good and the veneers look good, but they don’t match. Somehow, the crown looks a little more opaque than the porcelain veneers. I know that shouldn’t be a big deal to me, but it is.  My dentist says you can’t really tell there’s any difference.  Is there anything I can do?

Jenna M. – Wisconsin

Jenna,

Who’s telling you that you shouldn’t think it is a big deal? The dentist?  It’s your smile, and if you’re paying for a makeover, it should be gorgeous.  At the very least, your teeth should match.

I suspect your cosmetic dentist, is actually just a good natured family dentist who does some cosmetic dentistry on the side.  It takes a significant amount of skill and artistry to match a crown to porcelain veneers or vice-versa. I’m guessing your dentist doesn’t have that skill.

One thing that does worry me, is that you mentioned the crown looks a little opaque.  I would ask your dentist what kind of crown he gave you. Was it an all-porcelain crown or a porcelain fused to metal crown.  The porcelain fused to metal crowns tend to be more opaque, but worse than that you will eventually develop a dark line at your gumline that will be quite visible.

The good news is, that if you are thoroughly pleased with the porcelain veneers, it will be easy to just replace the dental crown in order to match it to the veneers. You’ll have to go to a different dentist, but that is much less costly than having to replace everything.

The key will be to get the right dentist. In tricky cases like this, you really need someone who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. (AACD) They will have the skill you need.  Bear in mind there is a difference between a member and an accredited member.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

My jaw has locked

Posted on by .

My jaw has locked up.  I’m trying to reach my dentist, but wondered what I can do about it in the meantime.  I’ve heard this can have something to do with TMJ.

Amanda H. – New Jersey

Amanda,

Yes, locked jaws are generally related to  TMJ.  It happens when the condyle (the head of the lower jaw) is unable to move back over the disc into its normal position.

Your jaw being locked is very uncomfortable. Use heat and/or ice packs, along with anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers.

If that doesn’t work, it will be recommended for you to wear a splint to reposition the the disc.  You don’t want to wear the splint on a long-term basis, just enough to get it to work properly.  Otherwise, it could change your bite.

You’ll want to see someone with training in neuromuscular dentistry. It would be best to find someone with LVI training (The Las Vegas Institute).

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

 

Want sedation dentistry, but scared of being assaulted

Posted on by .

I am a rape victim. I haven’t been to the dentist in a while. The reason for that is I usually use sedation dentistry, but ever since the attack I can’t bear the idea of being down with people over me.  Plus, I’m scared of what will happen when I’m “under”. Is there something that can help make this easier?

Name Withheld.

I am so very sorry for what you’ve experienced. It will probably take you a while to feel safe, but that oesn’t mean you have to skip the dentist’s office.  You should even be able to have sedation and feel safe.

First, I would explain to your dentist the situation. I noticed you didn’t put your name, so maybe you’re uncomfortable talking about it face to face, especially if your dentist is a man. In that case, you could have a trusted friend explain to your dentist or maybe you can speak with the hygienist and have her speak to the dentist.  I’m sure given the circumstances, they will allow you to have a friend back with you.  That way, you’ll be comfortable being “asleep” and feeling safe.

You might also consider bringing a blanket, so you don’t feel so exposed. If you enjoy music, bring that as well.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

 

Was he duped about his porcelain veneers?

Posted on by .

I got porcelain veneers less than four months ago.  I did everything by the book. I whitened my natural teeth first, so they would match the veneers. I’ve taken exceptional care of the veneers. Despite all that, they’ve started to yellow a bit.  I was told that veneers last a long time. There is a distinct difference between my natural teeth and my veneered teeth. Is there some way I can bring them closer together in color again?

Dave L. – Florida

Dave,

The only reasons for porcelain veneers to be losing their color in such a short period of time is if either the lab didn’t put on the glaze or your hygienist accidentally removed the glaze during a cleaning.  If it’s been less then four months, I doubt you’ve had a cleaning yet.  It would be an extremely rare thing for a lab to skip the glaze.

Though I hesitate to make an accusation, I have a slight suspicion that your dentist told you they were porcelain veneers, when in actuality they are made from a resin material, which is less expensive and doesn’t hold up nearly as well.

There are several great cosmetic dentists in the the Florida area. I would go to one who is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to get a second opinion. They can tell you right away what type of material you have.  Accreditation is different from just being a member. There is a higher standard, so make sure you get an accredited dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

 

Dentist for headaches??

Posted on by .

I’ve been going to the doctor for headaches.  He’s tried several things, but I’ve gotten no permanent  relief.  He’s finally decided it’s not medical and is sending me to a dentist. Is this just his way of blowing me off, or can dentists really do something about headaches?

Kitty B. – Orlando, FL

Kitty,

Your doctor may be frustrated, but he might actually have pinpointed the problem.  There is a condition called TMJ that is known to cause persistant headaches and migraines–especially in the mornings.

I would go see a TMJ dentist and let him or her evaluate you.  They’ll be able to tell you if that is what is causing your headaches. I’m assuming that your doctor has already done a CT scan as well?

If the cause is TMJ, it can sometimes be treated with something as simple as an oral appliance.

This blog is brought to you Grosse Pointe Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.

Is sedation safe for young children?

Posted on by .

My dentist wants my son to use sedation for his next appointment. I know he’s a nervous child, but I want to make sure it is safe for children before I agree.

Gina S. – Rhode Island

Gina,

It’s great that you’re checking things out before exposing them to your son. I’m surprised your dentist didn’t talk with you about this in order to ease your mind.  Or maybe, he did and you are wisely seeking second opinions.

To put your mind at ease, sedation dentistry is perfectly safe to use with children.  It’s been done for many years with great success.

It will also help your son with his nervousness about the dentist. He’ll have great experiences, which will make his dental appointments go much more smoothly. As he ages and grows in maturity, he probably won’t even need it anymore. You can decide that yourself.

This blog is brought to you by Grosse Pointe Woods Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Theodore Hadgis.