FAQ’s

The number one reason why teeth become sensitive is due to the gum line receding. When the gum line recedes, the dentin shows through allowing food and water access to the nerve. This can be managed with over the counter toothpaste and gels. There are even dental procedures that can be utilized to help this occurrence. Please call our office if you should have sensitive teeth.

The best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay is by just brushing and flossing regularly. This everyday care will minimize the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay during aging and of course, regular visits to your dentist.

This is a condition caused by bacteria surrounding the tooth and entering the gums. The result is inflammation, irritation and sometimes bleeding. The prevention begins with regular dental cleaning and checkups. The hygienist will instruct you on proper flossing and cleaning techniques that will prevent periodontal disease.

This is a silent disease caused by bacteria that first surrounds the tooth and then enters the gums. The beginning stage is called “gingivitis”. During this phase, the gums become inflamed and irritated with occasional bleeding. If left untreated, this condition worsens as do the symptoms of:

• Halitosis (Bad Breath)
• The recession of the gums
• Sensitivity in the gums to acidic food
• Abscesses
• Tooth Pain
• Tooth Loss

Once you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, you need to get immediate treatment. This treatment begins with a series of deep cleanings, scaling & root planning and laser therapy. During this treatment, antibiotics will be used to control infection. Periodontal surgery is only used in severe cases.

Silver fillings are made from a metal alloy also known as amalgam. These have been around for decades and were once considered the best restoration for fillings. The properties of this metal allowed it to expand and contract with hot or cold items placed in the mouth. This expansion kept bacteria from entering the tooth, therefore, keeping the tooth healthy for many years.

White fillings or composites are made of glass polymers or plastic. The significant benefit of this filling is the natural look and feel of your regular teeth. This material fits tight within the tooth preventing decay from occurring. You can also match the color of your existing teeth, so it blends into your mouth, unlike silver.

Improving your smile is easy with today’s dental technology. You have the ability to straighten and whiten your teeth with the following procedures;

• Invisalign
• Porcelain Veneers
• Bonding
• Porcelain Crowns

Let us show you how you can improve your smile today. Call for a FREE Consultation and customized treatment plan.

Tooth whitening is a process whereby the teeth are brightened using a pain-free procedure that has immediate results. This is a very cost-effective way to brighten your smile. The procedure is monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive cleaning and exam. The process can last for a number of years as long as you maintain it properly. The following beverages will have a direct effect on how long it lasts:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Cola

Bonding is used to fill gaps or spaces in between teeth and also change the color of a tooth. The results are fast and amazing. If you have a front tooth that is not the same shade as your other teeth, you are a prime candidate for bonding. We can enhance your smile with just one visit.

These are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to your existing tooth. They are frequently used to change the size, shape, and color of your teeth. They are the number one smile enhancer. We can repair chipped, cracked, darkened or crooked teeth. You will feel like you have new teeth and a dynamic smile.

Crowns are a protective covering that gets placed over an existing tooth. They look and feel just like your regular tooth but cannot decay. Crowns can change the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth in as little as two visits.

An implant is simply a replacement tooth that is man-made from titanium. The implant is inserted below the gum and screwed directly into the jaw bone. Once the bone and implant fuse together (usually a few months) a new permanent tooth will be placed over the post.

• They are a permanent solution for missing teeth
• Look and feel just like your natural teeth
• They match the color of your regular teeth
• You can chew and taste your food just like your regular teeth
• Decrease the probability of bone loss, further tooth loss, periodontal disease.
• No need for dentures
• No need for a bridge

Anyone who has missing teeth and is in good health except for individuals with chronic illness, heart disease, or severe osteoporosis.

The average procedure takes approximately 3-4 visits. The first visit, we x-ray the area and make an impression for a surgical guide and temporary that will cover the implant until the permanent can be placed. The second visit, we apply local anesthesia and make a minor incision for placement of the implant. The implant is placed directly into the jawbone and covered. This procedure is done with little to no pain or discomfort. The third visit (approximately 3 months) we begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.

Fees for implants vary, and we recommend a consultation to prescribe a treatment that is right for you along with the costs.

If you take care of your teeth with regularly scheduled checkups, an implant could last 30 years or a lifetime.

Please call our office to discuss your financial options that are available. Your new smile is just a phone call away.