Technology
How our in-house dental lab supports your treatment
An on-site lab can support restorative care. The useful questions are what your treatment needs, where each stage happens and when you can expect the work.
By Dr. Ken Goodwin, DMD6 min readUpdated
The short answer
Park Place Dental has an in-house dental laboratory in Booneville. It supports restorative work such as crowns and dentures, but having a lab on site does not guarantee that every case can be completed in one visit. Ask the team to confirm the proposed work, laboratory schedule and follow-up appointments after an assessment.
Start with the treatment, not the equipment
A crown, denture repair and new denture solve different problems. Tell the office what changed and what you need help with. The dentist first needs to assess the tooth, denture or fit before discussing what the lab can do.
For example, a loose denture may need attention to its fit rather than a repair to a broken part. An appointment request should describe the problem; you do not need to select the laboratory procedure yourself.
Questions for your treatment plan
- Which stages will take place at the Booneville office?
- Will any part of the work need an outside laboratory or referral?
- How many assessment, preparation, fitting and follow-up visits should I expect?
- When can you confirm whether same-day care is suitable?
- What does the written estimate include?
Turnaround depends on your case
The condition of the tooth or denture, the planned materials and the schedule can all affect timing. Some cases need additional care before a restoration can be fitted. Call before travelling and confirm the plan with the office.
If you need an existing denture repaired, ask how long you may be without it. If you are arranging a crown, ask whether you will need a temporary restoration and a separate fitting appointment.
An in-house lab does not establish a lower fee
Compare the complete treatment estimate, including assessment, preparation, laboratory work and follow-up. Do not assume a particular saving simply because the lab is on site. Ask which items are included and what might change the estimate.
Sources and further reading
Originally attributed to Dr. Ken Goodwin, DMD. Updated by the practice editorial team. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for your particular situation. For advice about your own teeth, call the practice on (662) 728-8171.
