expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Steven M. Parrett, DDS,FAGD

Dentist

Dr. Steven Parrett is an experienced and compassionate dentistry expert who has dedicated over 35 years of his professional practice to prioritizing the comfort and satisfaction of his patients.
49 years Experience
Dr. Steven M. Parrett, DDS,FAGD
Specializes in:
  • Tooth Decay
  • Cavities
  • Teeth cleanings
  • Chambersburg, PA
  • The Ohio State University
  • Accepting new patients

How do you stop nerve pain in your tooth?

It depends on what the cause of the pain is. To determine that, you need to see a dentist. There are several options to treat tooth pain, some are very simple, some are more complicated READ MORE
It depends on what the cause of the pain is. To determine that, you need to see a dentist. There are several options to treat tooth pain, some are very simple, some are more complicated and expensive. The longer you wait, the more costly it could become.

How do you get rid of gum pain from wisdom teeth?

I recommend a warm salt water mouth rinse every 5 minutes until it subsides. Or take two advil and 2 tylenol every 6 hours.

What can be done for missing back teeth?

Implants are ideal, but not everyone has sufficient bone structure. Removable partial dentures have worked well for many over the years and are a fraction of the cost.

Can surgery remove canker sores?

I wouldn't recommend that. Usually, they heal on their own, but exposure to various wavelengths of low-level laser light may speed up the healing process. I also recommend applying READ MORE
I wouldn't recommend that. Usually, they heal on their own, but exposure to various wavelengths of low-level laser light may speed up the healing process. I also recommend applying aloe vera gel to the lesions to ease the pain.

Why do my dental implants hurt?

Ask the doc you gave the big bucks to!! He can maybe help you relieve the pain or decide if they are failing or not.

Why do dentists drill before filling?

Good question. Personally, I like to apply silver diamine fluoride to all decayed areas first. This arrests and reverses decay...sometimes no drill or fill is needed! But conventional READ MORE
Good question. Personally, I like to apply silver diamine fluoride to all decayed areas first. This arrests and reverses decay...sometimes no drill or fill is needed! But conventional practice is to remove the tooth destroyed by the decay process down to sound tooth structure, then, fill it back to normal contours for form and function.

What does a gum abscess look like?

Like a boil or pea-sized, yellow fluid-filled sac on the gum near the root of the tooth. But many times, you may not even see it.

Do I really need a deep gum cleaning?

Listen to the hygienist when she does a dental probing. Normal pockets are 1-3 mm. If you hear her say 4, 5, 6, 7, 8...you for sure need a deep cleaning.

Can a damaged tooth affect your speech?

It can, we all have a 'normal ' speech pattern, but if airflow changes due to tooth changes, it may take you awhile to readjust that speech pattern. But it can accommodate over READ MORE
It can, we all have a 'normal ' speech pattern, but if airflow changes due to tooth changes, it may take you awhile to readjust that speech pattern. But it can accommodate over time and you may get back to normal....or, just get the tooth fixed :)

How do you get rid of plaque below the gum line?

Floss and irrigation with a water pik-like device may help. If you have been told you have gum disease, you should be using some type of antibacterial rinse solution in your irrigator. READ MORE
Floss and irrigation with a water pik-like device may help. If you have been told you have gum disease, you should be using some type of antibacterial rinse solution in your irrigator.

How do I keep food from getting under my partial denture?

It may be due to a change in gum contours, which is normal over time, but creates a space from the original fit of the partial. Have it evaluated for a possible reline or just READ MORE
It may be due to a change in gum contours, which is normal over time, but creates a space from the original fit of the partial. Have it evaluated for a possible reline or just try some Fix-o-dent to see if that helps. You may want to consider having implants placed so you can eliminate the need for a removable appliance altogether.

How do you irrigate gum pockets?

There are special types of "water-pik-like" devices that have special attachments. Check with a local periodontist office to see if you can buy one there.

How can I speed up the healing of a dry socket?

Have your dentist apply a daily dressing of "dry socket paste".... Yep, that's the name...it will help it heal.

Can you drink after jaw surgery?

Usually you can, just take it easy!

Can you remove food debris from dentures at home?

Yes, I believe there may be some ultrasonic denture baths available for home use that would be very effective.

Is ibuprofen 800 mg good for a toothache?

Yes, you can add 250 mg of tylenol to that for better effect.

Which is better for overbite braces or Invisalign?

Your dentist will have to evaluate you for that.

Is it ok to brush your teeth with hot water?

Sure, just don't burn your gums!

How long does a root canal last?

That can vary, but it will last longer if you put a 'cap' or crown on the tooth.

How do you pull your own tooth out?

i do not recommend trying that.