expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Brandon C. Hedgecock, D.D.S.

Dentist

Dr. Brandon Hedgecock was born in California and spent his childhood moving wherever his father’s career in the U.S. Army took his family. He lived in Alabama, Germany and Hawaii, and he spent his teen ...
21 years Experience
Dr. Brandon C. Hedgecock, D.D.S.
  • Austin, TX
  • University of Texas - Austin
  • Accepting new patients

What happens if a tooth root is left in the gum?

It might need to come out as it is possible it can get infected.

Brandon Hedgecock, DDS

Why does my tooth feels sharp after a filling?

There could be many reasons... if something feels different, it would be best to take a look at it.

Brandon Hedgecock, DDS

How many teeth can an implant hold?

It depends on the situation but typically 1 implant will hold 1 tooth, sometimes 2. However, as you get into more teeth and dentures, fewer implants can hold more teeth. For example, READ MORE
It depends on the situation but typically 1 implant will hold 1 tooth, sometimes 2. However, as you get into more teeth and dentures, fewer implants can hold more teeth. For example, 2 implants can hold 3-4 teeth. And often we can make 4 implants hold a full arch or 12-14 teeth.

Do gums grow around implants?

Yes - gums grow around implants. A properly integrated implant and a crown will appear normal - as if the tooth is growing out of the gums around the implant.

What are the disadvantages of having dentures?

The biggest disadvantage is comfort and function. Dentures are not a replacement for teeth - they are a substitute for having no teeth at all. They are bulky and difficult to chew READ MORE
The biggest disadvantage is comfort and function. Dentures are not a replacement for teeth - they are a substitute for having no teeth at all. They are bulky and difficult to chew with if they are not anchored by implants. Your chewing ability with complete dentures is about 10% of the "normal" function.

What does tooth sensitivity mean after a root canal?

Any dental procedure can result in sensitivity after the treatment. Dental treatment can cause inflammation in and around teeth that can cause sensitivity. Typically this fades READ MORE
Any dental procedure can result in sensitivity after the treatment. Dental treatment can cause inflammation in and around teeth that can cause sensitivity. Typically this fades with time.

Should I get a dental implant before or after braces?

In most cases it is best to do braces first to create the space for an implant.

Can you get a temporary tooth while waiting for an implant?

Often while waiting on an implant we can do a "temporary" tooth - it may be a removable tooth or appliance, or sometimes a bonded tooth. This is especially true with teeth in READ MORE
Often while waiting on an implant we can do a "temporary" tooth - it may be a removable tooth or appliance, or sometimes a bonded tooth. This is especially true with teeth in the front of the mouth that show when you smile or talk.

Can you get a tooth pulled and an implant the same day?

It depends on the tooth and the bone. I would say that we pull teeth and place implants the same day about 50% of the time.

How long does a tooth implant take to heal?

In most cases we wait 3-5 months for an implant to heal, depending on where in the mouth it is, what type of implant, bone quality, etc.

How long after dental bone graft can I eat?

You can usually eat right away, but best to maintain a soft diet for the first week or so.

Does root canal infection show up on an x-ray?

Chronic root canal infections that have been there for a long time will often show up on an X-ray. However, more recent root infections may not show up at all. This is because READ MORE
Chronic root canal infections that have been there for a long time will often show up on an X-ray. However, more recent root infections may not show up at all. This is because enough bone has to be destroyed before the density is such that it will show up on a radiograph.

Brandon Hedgecock, DDS

How long does it take to get Invisalign?

If you are a good candidate from the time we get your records, pictures, models, etc., we are typically ready to start treatment in about a month! Brandon Hedgecock, DDS READ MORE
If you are a good candidate from the time we get your records, pictures, models, etc., we are typically ready to start treatment in about a month!

Brandon Hedgecock, DDS

How long after crown lengthening can I get a crown?

I like to wait 6 weeks to finalize the crown prep and fabricate the permanent crown.

Brandon Hedgecock, DDS

What to do if your dental bridge falls out?

Sometimes a bridge can be put back in, but we need to determine the way it fell out. If it’s from an underlying problem like decay, it’s possible a new bridge or a different treatment READ MORE
Sometimes a bridge can be put back in, but we need to determine the way it fell out. If it’s from an underlying problem like decay, it’s possible a new bridge or a different treatment may be necessary.

Brandon Hedgecock, DDS