Avoid Unnecessary Drilling and Filling and Achieve a Healthy, Radiant Smile - - Archived

Ross J. Miller, DDS, PA | Ross J. Miller Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
ATE 2024

Q&A

Family Dentist

Do I need to have my fillings replaced?

Not necessarily. If your fillings are holding up well even into your golden years, there’s no rush to change them out. Sure, the new composite fillings blend in better with your natural teeth, but if your current ones are doing their job and your teeth are still going strong, you can just let them be.

I thought only kids got cavities, but I’m still getting them in my 50s. Why is that?

Pesky cavities can still pop up in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. When we’re kids, we’re not always the best at keeping our teeth squeaky clean, leading to those early cavities. Then, there’s often a quiet spell in our 20s and 30s. But as we mature, if we develop a sweet tooth or slack off on flossing, those cavities can sneak back in. If you take gummy vitamins and supplements, they’re like candy for your teeth. If they’re packed with sugar, which many are, you’re setting the stage for decay. Just like your car needs regular maintenance, your teeth do too. Skipping on brushing and flossing is like skipping an oil change — it’s asking for trouble.

When will my permanent crown be seated?

Thanks to CEREC same-day crowns, you don’t have to make multiple appointments. We’ll craft your crown today using topnotch technology, so no more dealing with annoying temporary crowns or extra trips to the dentist. Plus, CEREC crowns not only look fabulous but also fit like a dream and are tougher than your average tooth.

Do I really need to replace a missing tooth?

Ideally, yes, you should replace the tooth. However, it depends on where it was in your mouth. Sometimes it’s totally okay to go without replacing it. Each situation is unique, and we’re here to guide you through the pros and cons of every dental decision you need to make.

Aren’t I too old to straighten my teeth? Isn’t it just for young people?

There’s no age limit to getting your teeth straightened. With clear aligner therapy, age is just a number. Whether you missed out on braces earlier or your teeth shifted over time, Sure Smile is a fantastic option. Plus, it’s easier on the wallet compared to other brands. Crooked teeth might lead to premature wear or make oral care trickier, but aligners can fix that no matter your age.

Does this dental work really need to get done?

I get asked this a lot, and let me tell you, honesty is our policy here. My team and I firmly believe in doing what’s best for our patients. We’re all about preserving your natural, healthy smile, so we won’t push unnecessary procedures. Seriously, if your teeth are doing just fine, we won’t try to upsell you on extra cosmetic work. It’s frustrating to see patients come in after being told they need a bunch of stuff done elsewhere that we don’t think is necessary.  

About The Expert

Ross J. Miller, DDS PA Ross J. Miller Family and Cosmetic Dentistry; Avoid Unnecessary Drilling and Filling and Achieve a Healthy, Radiant Smile
Ross J. Miller, DDS, PA
Ross J. Miller Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Miller earned his degree from Texas A&M University and went on to graduate from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1989. He practiced general dentistry in Plano for 16 years before establishing his own dental practice in Allen in 2007. Since then, he has been dedicated to providing topnotch care to families throughout the Metroplex.

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