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.
48 years
Experience
Dr. Steven M. Parrett, DDS,FAGD
- Chambersburg, PA
- The Ohio State University
- Accepting new patients
Share This Story To Help Anyone Stop Tooth Decay! Even You!
What is YOUR kryptonite? One of the main factors we find with every patient who begins to develop frequent or multiple cavities, for no apparent reason, is that they have some...
What can't you eat with braces?
i would avoid hard pretzels, hard candy crunching and other similar items. Sometimes sticky things like caramel apples and taffy can pull small brackets loose. when in doubt....keep READ MORE
i would avoid hard pretzels, hard candy crunching and other similar items. Sometimes sticky things like caramel apples and taffy can pull small brackets loose. when in doubt....keep it out.
What can I do for severe tooth pain?
i would suggest an urgent care just in case they can determine if you have infection and can Rx antibiotics and maybe limited pain pills till the antibiotic kicks in..if it is READ MORE
i would suggest an urgent care just in case they can determine if you have infection and can Rx antibiotics and maybe limited pain pills till the antibiotic kicks in..if it is pain brought on by hot,cold.sweets...the tooth may be a live...find a dental office that uses silver diamine fluorid (SDF) and they can at lease desensitize it relatively quickly and cheaply
What toothpaste helps build enamel?
Many over-the-counter TPs will help with that. Usually .14% active fluoride ion active ingredient. Mouth rinses usually have less. If you want maximum protection, get a dentist READ MORE
Many over-the-counter TPs will help with that. Usually .14% active fluoride ion active ingredient. Mouth rinses usually have less. If you want maximum protection, get a dentist to RX a toothpaste that has 5000 ppm of active fluoride to actually help you remineralize weak areas of enamel.
How can I instantly relieve tooth pain?
Sorry, but the best way is to prevent it, which is too late for you. The dental section of most stores will have temporary relief products. Some work, some don't. Go to a dentist READ MORE
Sorry, but the best way is to prevent it, which is too late for you. The dental section of most stores will have temporary relief products. Some work, some don't. Go to a dentist or an urgent care to make sure you do not have an abscess developing that could put you in the hospital if it gets out of control.
Is there any way to make the pain caused by TMJ go away?
Surgery would be my last resort. Try anti-inflammatories like advil or naproxen. If it's centered in the joint, try ice compress, on 5 mins, off 5 mins for 3 cycles. Repeat as READ MORE
Surgery would be my last resort. Try anti-inflammatories like advil or naproxen. If it's centered in the joint, try ice compress, on 5 mins, off 5 mins for 3 cycles. Repeat as needed. If it is your jaw and temporal muscles that can spasm, a moist heat compress off and on can help. There are stock mouth guards that you can self form in the dental sections of many stores. This will separate your teeth to stop interfering contact and it may allow you to sleep without grinding.
Can wisdom teeth cause canker sores?
It's possible. If it is directly around the wisdom tooth, it is more likely "pericoronitis," chronic inflammation of the loose gum that will never go away until the wisdom tooth READ MORE
It's possible. If it is directly around the wisdom tooth, it is more likely "pericoronitis," chronic inflammation of the loose gum that will never go away until the wisdom tooth is removed.
How often should crowns be replaced?
That would have to be decided by your dentist who you trust. Obviously, if you have many crowns, you would be considered a high risk for future caries patient. You should ask for READ MORE
That would have to be decided by your dentist who you trust. Obviously, if you have many crowns, you would be considered a high risk for future caries patient. You should ask for a fluoride varnish treatment every 6 months and for a RX 5000 ppm toothpaste to use every day at home. These actions will protect the margins of your crowns and all other natural teeth from breakdown, and you may never need any fillings or new crowns ever again due to decay.
How do you fix tooth enamel?
Your description sounds more like tartar or calculus build-up. You need a hygienist to clean your teeth at least every 6 months. Use a strong fluoride toothpaste to protect your READ MORE
Your description sounds more like tartar or calculus build-up. You need a hygienist to clean your teeth at least every 6 months. Use a strong fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel.
Is Invisalign as good as braces?
They are very similar in timeframe. Some more difficult cases should have braces, but simple crowding and overlapping of teeth is prefect for Invisalign treatment and is much "prettier." READ MORE
They are very similar in timeframe. Some more difficult cases should have braces, but simple crowding and overlapping of teeth is prefect for Invisalign treatment and is much "prettier."
Could my tooth pain be causing my headaches?
Yes, you should get an X-ray of the root and a pulp test before they drill the tooth to see if the nerve is alive and healthy.
Does a root canal require anesthesia?
If the nerve is dead, you may not even need anesthesia and you won't feel pain. I would recommend that you get it just in case, but they are overblown as far as pain is involved. READ MORE
If the nerve is dead, you may not even need anesthesia and you won't feel pain. I would recommend that you get it just in case, but they are overblown as far as pain is involved. Sometimes they are easier than getting a filling done, pain-wise.
How often do I need a dental cleaning?
For some, once a year is enough. If you have a few or now fillings, you may be in that category. I would not recommend going longer than that; you need to have your teeth cleaned READ MORE
For some, once a year is enough. If you have a few or now fillings, you may be in that category. I would not recommend going longer than that; you need to have your teeth cleaned to help keep the gums healthy as well.
Is Water Flossing better than Air Flossing?
Whichever one you will do every day without fail is the best one for you. They both are effective.
Can turmeric whiten teeth?
Most products we use or ones you can get over the counter have carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Those are sure bets and you won't waste your time or money.
What is causing my tongue to look yellow?
Most likely a form of tongue plaque. You need a tongue scraper or tongue cleaner. I use an Oolitt once a week. It is amazing how much build-up you can get in the deep pile carpet READ MORE
Most likely a form of tongue plaque. You need a tongue scraper or tongue cleaner. I use an Oolitt once a week. It is amazing how much build-up you can get in the deep pile carpet of your tongue papillae. It is a lot of exfoliated gum and cheek cells actually that anaerobic bacteria living on your tongue can breakdown and cause HALITOSIS! Tongue scraping prevents this.
Do you feel sore after a dental filling?
Possibly. It depends on a lot of things: location in your mouth, how deep the decay is, whether you even need anesthesia. Ask your dentist to be safe. Don't schedule an important READ MORE
Possibly. It depends on a lot of things: location in your mouth, how deep the decay is, whether you even need anesthesia. Ask your dentist to be safe. Don't schedule an important speech or meeting after your appointment, just go home and chill.
What keeps causing sporadic jaw pain?
You may have a displaced disk in your jaw joint or muscle spasms. Try a mouthguard/night guard, over the counter from a drugstore may work, but you may need a custom made one from READ MORE
You may have a displaced disk in your jaw joint or muscle spasms. Try a mouthguard/night guard, over the counter from a drugstore may work, but you may need a custom made one from a dentist.
Can you live with wisdom teeth?
Yes. Get a couple of professional opinions though.
How do you get rid of mouth bacteria?
There is so much research going on these days to answer just that question! Due to the growing awareness that several different types of mouth bacteria are being connected to systemic READ MORE
There is so much research going on these days to answer just that question! Due to the growing awareness that several different types of mouth bacteria are being connected to systemic diseases, it is becoming even more important to control them to SAVE your life, not just your teeth. Regular dental visits for tooth cleaning will help in the process of reducing bacterial colonies. Of course, daily brushing and flossing is one of the best ways to control bacteria as well. We don't want to get rid of ALL the bacteria in our mouth, just the couple dozen types that lead to cavities, gum disease and are connected to causing systemic health problems. Right now, there are no magic bullets to do that, but there are some very promising concepts on the horizon.
