Dentists on Sesame offer a range of general dentistry services. Some of these services include:
Dental visits can help prevent oral disease and decay with services like:
-Oral exams
-Cleanings
-Sealant application
-Fluoride treatments
These types of dental medicine are key to maintaining a healthy smile and good dental hygiene.
A dental cleaning is one of the most important ways you can prevent tooth and gum disease while maintaining oral health throughout your life.
A dental hygienist will usually perform the bulk of your dental cleaning under the supervision of your dentist. Dental cleaning procedures usually take somewhere between 30-60 minutes.
Some services that may be provided during your dental cleaning include:
The first step a dental hygienist will perform is a screening and examination of oral health conditions and a review of oral health history. This usually consists of the dental hygienist looking around your mouth with a small mirror for signs of gingivitis, cavities, or other dental conditions. Your blood pressure and pulse may be taken. Plaque and tartar will be scraped away by the hygienist with a small hook-shaped instrument called a scaler. As plaque is left in the mouth, it hardens into the deposit known as tartar. The dental hygienist will use the scaler to scrape away those hardened deposits from the surface of the teeth and near the gum line.
After plaque and tartar have been removed from the teeth, the hygienist will deep clean and polish the teeth with a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. This helps remove plaque and tartar left on the surface of the teeth after being scraped by the scaler. The dental hygienist will usually floss deep between the teeth. Flossing helps the dental hygienist complete the deep clean by removing any excess plaque in between the teeth. Bleeding during flossing helps the hygienist identify areas of the gum ridge that may be infected. After flossing, the hygienist will rinse your mouth with water to clear away any grit, toothpaste, or plaque leftover from the cleaning procedures.
Finally, the dental hygienist will apply a fluoride gel treatment to help protect your teeth from cavities. The fluoride gel or foam will harden into a varnish and is usually left in your mouth for a minute before being removed and rinsed out.
The dentist may consult with the dental hygienist about observations taken during the cleaning process and may request to have X-rays taken. The dentist often offers consultation about oral health, cleaning practices, and how nutrition can affect hygiene. These cleaning visits are primarily used as a method of preventive care. Regular dental visits can help deep clean the oral cavity, and maintain health.
Dentists, periodontists, and orthodontists are Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS). All three types of health care providers go through dental school, but orthodontists and periodontists are dental specialties, focusing on specific aspects of oral health and dentistry.
DentistA dentist, or general dentist, is like a primary care doctor, but for oral care. Dentists help patients maintain good oral health, test for disease, treat oral conditions, perform certain dental procedures, and more. Some types of care a general dentist can provide are:
Like dentists, orthodontists are Doctors of Dental Surgery. An orthodontist undergoes several years of specialized training and residency to focus on tooth and jaw alignment. Dentists who specialize in orthodontics can diagnose and treat oral conditions, but mostly focus on the setting of the teeth and jaw.
Services orthodontists generally perform include:
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease. In addition, periodontists have received specialized training in the bones and ligaments surrounding the teeth.
Some types of care a periodontist can provide include:
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in saving teeth and diagnosing tooth pain. An endodontist focuses on the inside tissues of the tooth, to keep teeth healthy, pain-free, and in place. Some types of care an endodontist can provide are:
Toothaches can be caused by a range of conditions best diagnosed by your dentist. The central part of the tooth is made up of nerves, tissue, and blood vessels called pulp. When pulp gets inflamed or irritated, it can cause mild to severe pain. Some causes of toothaches include:
Symptoms of a toothache include:
If you're experiencing persistent pain from a toothache, book a visit with a dentist on Sesame. Dentists on Sesame offer both in-person and video calls so you can get the care you need at your convenience.
Dentists can offer a range of treatments for toothaches including:
Additional procedures may be needed, but prescriptions can help with immediate symptoms of infection, if appropriate.
While toothaches aren't always preventable, dentists often recommend a number of preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of getting a toothache or dental problems. This includes:
- Regular tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) can help reduce plaque, fight bacteria, and loosen debris stuck in the teeth. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Regular flossing: Flossing once a day can loosen debris stuck in the teeth, or in the spaces between the teeth, that can cause bacterial infections. It is recommended that you floss at least once a day.
- Diet: Eat foods low in sugar. Sugar contributes to tooth decay by mixing with bacteria in the saliva to create plaque. Plaque left on teeth dissolves the enamel on the tooth, speeding up decay and increasing the risk for cavities.
- Regular dental care: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular (2x a year) dentistry visits for deep cleaning and preventative care. Regular visits to the dentist lets your dentist keep track of tooth decay and your general oral health, while also offering professional cleaning services that can strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. In a recent statement, the ADA released recommendations for dental care visits based on medical history and oral health history.
If you have questions about your oral hygiene or are experiencing dental pain, connect directly with a quality dentist on Sesame today.
If you're experiencing a toothache, it's best to consult directlydireclty with a dentist to determine the cause and craft a treatment plan that's right for you. While some toothache pain may go away with home-remedies and oral health care, dental care may be required, especially if the pain is chronic or severe. If you're experiencing persistentpersistant pain or if you notice damage to your teeth, you should seek care with a dentist right away. If you're unable to resolve your toothache over video, your dentist may recommendreccomend one of the following treatment options, depending on the cause of your pain:
-Cavity filling: Cavities left untreated can cause consistent pain and sensitive teeth. A dentist can help relieve pain by filling the cavity or removing the infected tooth.
-Root canal: A root canal is a procedure where the pulp inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels is replaced with sealing material. Root canals can help cure an abscess (bacteria infection) in the tooth, by replacing the infected part of the tooth with this material.
-Tooth repair: A dentist can help repair broken or fractured teeth that might be causing pain in the mouth.
-Antibiotic prescription: A dentist will be able to prescribe maximum strength antibiotic medication that can help kill bacteria in an abscess, or in the gum line.
If you're experiencing persistent, throbbing tooth pain, consult with a dentist today.
If you have tried at-home remedies, but your toothache has gotten progressively worse, it is strongly recommended that you seek dental care as soon as possible. A persistent - or worsening - toothache can be a sign of a serious dental problem or may become one if left untreated.
During a toothache visit, a dentist will generally start the appointment by asking you about your dental health history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Following this, the dentist will likely examine the affected area and surrounding tissue. In some cases, an X-ray scan may be required before the cause of the toothache can be definitively diagnosed.
Following your exam, your dentist will talk to you about next steps and possible treatment options. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. If the pain is being caused by a cavity, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment for a filling. Diseased teeth may require a root canal, a procedure that will also require a follow-up appointment.
Yes. Telehealth platforms like Sesame make it easier than ever to speak to a dentist right away for dental conditions such as a toothache. To book a video toothache visit, simply type in "toothache" or "video toothache visit" into our search bar to get a list of providers that can help you get relief right away.
After you find the provider you want to see, schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you. Once you've booked your appointment, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to the video chat where you will be connected to your selected dentist.
If you've experienced tooth loss, you may want to speak to a dentist to ask about implants or dentures, in which case a general dentistry practitioner may refer you to a prosthodontist specialist. Prosthodontists specialize in tooth and jaw restoration.
Services a prosthodontist can provide include:
Connect directly with a quality dentist on Sesame today to ask any questions you may have about tooth implants or denture fittings.
Prices for dental services may vary based on what you need. A cavity filling or crown repair is a lengthier procedure, so those services may cost more than a toothache consultation or routine cleaning.
By booking your next dentist visit through Sesame, you can save up to 60% on a range of services and procedures. Dentists on Sesame set their prices directly, without insurance companies, so you can get the care you need without worrying about markups or networks.
Here’s how it works: Dentists on Sesame set up-front, cash prices. This means that the price you see on Sesame is the price you pay. No hidden bills or surprise fees. You can compare services and prices so you can see the doctor you want to see, not who your insurance company lets you see. Our no worries cancellation policy means you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and still get a full refund with no questions asked. It’s that simple. Book a visit today to get the care you need at your convenience. Sesame makes your next dental appointment simple, clear, and affordable. The way health care should be.
Yep! Virtual dental care is another way to describe online dentistry or teledentistry. With the abundance of new technology and a growing interest from patients to see the dentist from home, virtual dental care has become a popular first step in getting dental care for a range of conditions. Using an audio and video connection, you can speak with a licensed dentist (DDS) or orthodontist virtually to discuss oral health issues like toothaches and treatment options. During your visit, your dentists will assess your situation, recommend follow-up care, and may prescribe medication based on your specific needs.
If your dentist decides that follow-up care is needed, you may need to go into a physical location for a follow-up appointment. You may consider booking an in-person appointment if you are seeking emergency care. Sesame sets fair, clear prices for every service- no mystery billing, no membership fees, no insurance mark-ups. It’s perfect for those without insurance: Get fair, upfront prices on all kinds of care. Have high-deductible insurance? Sesame offers lower prices without the hassle. Want to see someone out-of-network? See who you want, no mark-ups or restrictions.
Video dental consults allow patients and dentists to connect virtually to get care for a range of conditions - without leaving the house. Convenience aside, video dental consults offers patients a range of benefits for those looking to address a range of questions about their oral health, including:
- Easy consultations for new patients: Discuss dental issues and goals with a quality dentist through a video consult, without leaving the house.
- Getting a second opinion: Need help understanding your first diagnosis or want a second opinion? Video dental consults allow you to connect directly with dentists without the hassle of driving to another clinic or office.
- Convenient at-home consults: The pandemic has kept many from receiving dental care due to in-person visit availability and restrictions. With video dental consults, you can get care from the safety of home. Plus, if you have anxiety about going to the dentist, a video dental consult may help alleviate that anxiety by allowing you to see a dentist from the comfort of your own home.
Over a video dental consult, you can talk to a dentist about a range of conditions and needs, including:
Note that your dentist may recommend an in-person follow-up visit to address your condition.
During your dental consult, you will likely use Sesame's video platform, or your dentist's preferred video platform such as Zoom or Skype to chat with your dentist. You may be asked to provide a selfie, photo, or video of your specific problem area as part of your consultation.
Your dentist may go through your medical history, review any dental images or X-rays, and discuss your oral health, habits and lifestyle. Come prepared to discuss any current problems you are experiencing with your teeth and/or discuss your oral health goals, such as teeth whitening or orthodontic goals like teeth straightening. As part of your treatment plan, your dentist may also prescribe medication and/or request a follow-up appointment depending on your condition.
Professional teeth whitening is faster and more effective than at-home methods. You'll get the best results under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Connect with a real, qualified dentist on Sesame to learn more about your teeth whitening options - all for one affordable, upfront price.
Professional teeth whitening offers the safest, most reliable results. A cosmetic dentist can help you get a whiter smile in as little as two visits.
While a number of home remedies do exist, cosmetic dentists offer the safest and most effective results. Connect with a dentist on Sesame for a professional teeth whitening visit for one affordable, upfront price. No copays or hidden fees, just the care you need.
Most patients will start to see results after 3 to 4 weeks.
Professional teeth whitening appointments generally take between 30 and 60 minutes.
At your initial consultation, your dentist will likely start with an exam that may include x-rays to help decide which treatment is best for your case. They may also take before and after photos to measure the success of your treatment.
Most appointments at your dentist's office will begin with a short teeth cleaning to clear away plaque, tartar, and other debris and “prep” your teeth for treatment. Your dentist may then use a cheek retractor, which pulls the cheeks away from the teeth. From there, they will use rubber dams or resin to protect the gums. They will then apply a gel to the teeth, leaving it on for 15 to 30 minutes before cleaning off and reapplying. Your dentist may reapply multiple times during the treatment.
Teeth whitening lasts for a long time as long as your careful about what you expose your teeth to. Dentists recommend you avoid foods and drinks that are acidic or rich in tannins. These include:
Red wine
Coffee
Tea
Fruit juice and berries
Carbonated drinks (Including dark and light soda)
Energy drinks and sports drinks
Tomato sauce
Soy sauce
Balsamic vinegar
Candy
From over-the-counter, take-home teeth whitening systems, to in-person procedures, there are many ways dentists can help whiten your smile.
In-office whitening: This is the best option if you wish to see results quickly. Multiple visits may be needed, depending on your desired level of whitening (some kits include Zoom, Lumibrite, Britesmile and Opalescence).
Whitening toothpaste: Toothpaste is a home bleaching option that typically uses substances like hydrogen peroxide to whiten the surface layer of the teeth while polishing enamel with special abrasives. This type of whitening does not change the natural color of the tooth, but may remove some surface discoloration. Examples of this include Crest 3D White and Colgate Optic White Advanced)
Whitening gels: Hydrogen peroxide gels that can be painted to the tooth’s surface with a brush. Examples include Auraglow Teeth Whitening Pen and Opalescence.
Whitening rinses: Some mouthwashes include chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide. These are helpful not only with whitening but also with fighting gum disease, breaking down plaque buildup, and freshening breath. Some experts believe these are less effective because they don’t sit on the teeth as long as other whitening products, but may be helpful for maintaining your already whitened smile.
Whitening strips: Very thin strips coated with whitening gel, often peroxide-based, that wrap around the teeth for a period of time. Common examples include Crest-3D Whitestrips, which are the only at-home whitening product to receive the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
Whitening kits: Home kits provided by your dentist may include a high concentration of either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, including Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit (includes hands-free LED light).
Whitening trays: Whitening gel that is placed in a tray and worn around the teeth for a few hours each night. Your dentist can help prescribe a plan based on the level of whitening desired.