White Teeth - Near You in Kansas City, MO

Child Dental Emergencies

Uh-oh! A Dental Emergency! If a dental emergency should happen to your child, please remember to act quickly. Stay calm - a parent's apprehension can be transmitted to the child. Bring the child to us with the tooth replanted or kept moist in transit. We'll take care of you immediately.

A child, learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycled, loses her balance, falls, hits a rock and knocks out a front tooth. What do you do?

If the tooth is replaced in the tooth socket immediately, the chances are good that this tooth can be maintained for many years.

Do something and do it now

The success of this replantation procedure is directly related to how soon the tooth is replaced in its socket. If possible, just rinse the tooth with tap water and gently replace the tooth in its socket and come to the office. Otherwise, wrap the tooth in a clean, moistened cloth-or put it in a cup of water or milk-and get to the dentist, now. Never scrape the tooth or allow it to dry out.

Remember, time is of the essence

If the tooth is left out of the mouth for more than 30 minutes, the chance for successful replantation drops significantly.

We consider replantation successful if we can keep the tooth in position at least during a child's growth period. By maintaining the space, the replanted tooth prevents tipping of adjacent teeth. If it's necessary to replace the injured tooth, it's much easier to do it when the child is older - when all the permanent teeth are in.

The good news is that we have bonding and dental implant techniques today for tooth replacement-and new materials to fill in for a lost tooth.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Scheduling and Planning for Dental Financing

Long-term dentistry always works best with a plan. So as each New Year begins, some dentists sit down with their patients and organize dental health care - in phases - for the coming year.

In the spirit of prevention, one patient might be scheduled for cleanings and periodic examinations to watch closely for developing problems, and catch them before they grow. Another patient may call for complex restoration and will visit more often; in this case, the dentist will propose treatment step by step, over time.

Prearranged care makes sense. You know what to expect from the practice, and can plan your time and dental costs accordingly. By phasing treatment, your dental fees are minimized and, in the end, you still arrive at the same finished product - a healthier you. Moreover, you'll rest assured, knowing you're getting the care you need. Because postponed dentistry inevitably means more dentistry.

For with dental insurance, tight guidelines are in place for pre-determination of coverage, submitting claims, and timely reimbursement. As treatment is planned for the year, you must monitor your benefits "bank" through the months, to be sure you're making the most out of your coverage. When year-end approaches, treatment may accelerate to take advantage of any remaining dental financing benefits before the next New Year, and a new deductible.

Everyone is different: different needs, comfort level, and financial situation. So most dentists are flexible. Insured or not, patients deserve choices. Your dentist is willing to work with you and arrive at a schedule that suits you, a schedule you'll both respect.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.