Dentures and Partials
Why don’t my immediate dentures fit properly?
Immediate (temporary) dentures are designed to help you adjust while your gums heal. It’s normal for them to feel loose during this period. Adjustments or soft liners can improve their fit. A soft liner is a paste applied to the denture that hardens over time to improve the fit and help gums heal. A doctor will confirm if a soft liner is appropriate.
What should I do if my dentures or partials cause sore spots?
Sore spots can be common as you adjust to your dentures. Warm saltwater rinses can help, and we’re happy to make adjustments to ensure a better fit.
Why can’t I eat properly with my dentures?
Ensure you’re distributing food evenly on both sides of your mouth and avoid biting into food with your front teeth, which can dislodge the dentures. We suggest a soft diet, especially as you get used to your new dentures. If your bite feels uneven, give us a call to schedule an adjustment.
Crowns
Can I eat or drink with my temporary crown?
Yes, but avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the side of your mouth with the temporary crown. This reduces the risk of the crown coming loose or breaking.
Can I eat or drink with my permanent crown?
Yes, but try to avoid eating for a couple of hours after placement to allow the cement to fully harden. Favor the opposite side of your mouth for the rest of the day, and by the next day, you can eat and drink as usual.
About Us
What is a prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists are dental specialists. The difference between a general dentist and a prosthodontist is similar to the difference between a general practitioner and a cardiologist in the medical field. Prosthodontics focuses on rebuilding and replacing the teeth in the most functional and lifelike ways possible, and Dr. Barocio had to take three years of training beyond dental school in order to gain this distinction. This means she’s able to provide restorations that are practically indistinguishable from real teeth and is especially adept at helping patients with complicated dental needs.
Why should I visit a prosthodontist versus a general dentist?
If you have several missing, broken, or decayed teeth, then you should definitely partner with a prosthodontist like Dr. Barocio. She simply has more experience helping patients with extensive dental damage compared to a regular dentist, so she’s better able to come up with treatment plans that will fully restore someone’s oral health and appearance.
Should I get a bridge, denture, or dental implants to replace my missing teeth?
The right choice for you will depend on a lot of individual factors, such as how many teeth you are missing, where they are located, and what you are willing to spend on treatment. In most cases, Dr. Barocio highly recommends dental implants to every patient who is able to get them. Why? In short, they basically offer the next best thing to real teeth and have been shown to last for decades. The only way to find out which option is best for you, however, is to schedule an in-person consultation.
I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time and have a lot of issues. Can you still help me?
Yes! Whether your mouth is in poor shape because of neglect or trauma, Dr. Barocio is more than capable of helping you recover your healthy and attractive smile. Thanks to her prosthodontic training, she’s able to reverse years of dental damage using custom-made restorations and state-of-the-art technology. No matter what condition your teeth may be in right now, there is always hope with Dr. Barocio.
I’m really nervous about visiting the dentist. What should I do?
Ask us about sedation dentistry! With nitrous oxide or anti-anxiety medication, we can easily calm your racing mind, protect you from physical discomfort in the chair, and make sure you always enjoy a stress-free appointment. Give us a call today to learn more about your options.
Do you take my dental insurance?
We are an in-network provider for many dental insurance plans, and we also proudly work with several of the nation's leading PPO plans. We take pride in making this the least stressful part of your visits with us, and our team files claims for you no matter if you are in-network or not. It is our goal to ensure you are always informed about your coverage and have full-visibility to any potential out-of-pocket expenses so there are never any surprises. If you have any questions about your insurance plan, please call our office to speak with our friendly team! We're always ready to help.
Is it possible to finance my dental care?
Yes! With CareCredit, you can search for a plan and sign up for low-to-no interest financing right through our website. They have plans suited for every budget, and it only takes a few minutes to find one that is perfect for you. Visit our New Patients page to learn more!
General Questions
Why can’t I get a cleaning during my new patient exam?
Every patient has unique dental needs, and there are several types of cleanings. During your exam, we’ll assess the type of cleaning that’s right for you and schedule accordingly to ensure optimal care.
Why are multiple appointments needed for dentures?
Creating customized dentures involves multiple steps to ensure the best outcome we can provide. Each appointment allows us to capture precise details and incorporate your preferences, from the fit to the shade of the teeth and gums.
Why do I need both a CBCT (3D X-ray) and FMX (Full Series of X-rays)?
A CBCT provides a 3D view of your teeth, jaw, and sinuses, while an FMX (full series of x-rays) offers close-up 2D images of each tooth. As a specialty office, we evaluate multiple areas that a full-mouth series of x-rays may not capture. Both are essential for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning.
Temporary Crown
What should I do if my temporary crown comes off or breaks?
If your temporary crown falls off, please schedule a visit to have it recemented. If it’s completely broken, we’ll remake it for you. Promptly replacing the crown is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting, which can affect the fit of your permanent crown. If you have the broken or loose crown, please bring it with you to your appointment.
Can I reattach my temporary crown at home?
Yes, you can temporarily secure it using denture glue (e.g., Fixodent) or Vaseline until your appointment (do not use super glue). However, this is a short-term solution, and you’ll still need to visit us for proper reattachment.
Why does my temporary crown hurt when I bite or drink cold/hot water?
If biting is uncomfortable, your crown might need adjustment, and we recommend scheduling an appointment. For temperature sensitivity, quick, mild discomfort can be normal. However, if the discomfort lasts more than 10 seconds, it could indicate a deeper issue, and we recommend scheduling an appointment to address those concerns.
Fillings and Sensitivity
Is it normal to feel sensitivity after a filling?
Yes, sensitivity can be normal after a filling and should subside within two weeks. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, or if your bite feels uneven, contact us to schedule a visit.
Can I eat or drink after getting a filling?
You can, but please wait until the numbing wears off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. The filling material is fully set before you leave, so you’re good to go once the anesthetic wears off.