Q & A

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpaste, gels, and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Brush for two minutes twice a day and floss once a day. By keeping to a daily routine, you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surround the teeth and enter the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and the Oral Hygiene protocol for home care that will help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enter the gums. The immediate condition is known as 'gingivitis.' The gums become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include bad breath, gum recession, gum sensitivity to acidic foods, abscesses, tooth pain, tooth loss, etc.

Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. If the condition is left untreated, it can advance and lead to receded gums or eventual tooth loss. However, through a series of Periodontal Cleanings, Root Planing & Scaling, Laser Therapy, and Local Antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

Dental extractions are the removal of teeth. Although most extractions are performed on wisdom teeth, there are other circumstances when extractions are necessary. For example, teeth that are too decayed or damaged to be restored with fillings or crowns may need to be extracted.

Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled, keeping the tooth healthy and strong. White Fillings, also known as composites, are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth and gums. These services don't necessarily improve the health of teeth and gums but improve their appearance of them. Some of these procedures include teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, and straightening teeth. The most common cosmetic dentistry treatments can address issues like spacing issues, chipped teeth, stained teeth, tooth discoloration, teeth whitening, and misshapen teeth.

There are several ways in today's dental world to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include tooth whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, etc. We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. To schedule your consultation, please contact our office; we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Tooth Whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. The procedure uses a concentrated solution containing hydrogen peroxide to eliminate dental stains and brighten the smile. There are several teeth whitening options available, including over-the-counter whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, and at-home teeth whitening techniques. However, a professional teeth whitening treatment done at a dental office, monitored by a trained dentist, is the safest and most effective mode of teeth whitening. The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. However, beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it would stain your smile!

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light. The resin material can be used to fill small areas, repair chips, or change the color of the tooth. Bonding is a cost-effective dental procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth's color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola, and wine.

Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape, and color of a patient's teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

A dental crown (also sometimes referred to as a dental cap or dental cap) is a type of tooth restoration that is commonly used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative treatment. Many dentists use dental crowns to restore a tooth as part of a dental bridge, which acts as a fixed bridge that can replace a missing tooth. A dental crown is a prosthetic tooth and is custom-made to fit over the tooth. The crown restores the natural appearance of the tooth while also providing strength to the tooth. Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, porcelain, and resin-based composite. Many patients prefer to use porcelain or ceramic dental crowns because they mimic the natural appearance of the tooth and look the most natural.

A Dental Implant is a "man-made" replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. The metal post fuses with the jawbone over a period by a process called osseointegration. Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant, and the prosthetic tooth is placed over it to result in a fully-functioning tooth. Dental implants are considered gold standards of tooth replacements as they are the next best thing to natural teeth. Thanks to advancements in technology and sedation ere is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure.

Dental Implants offer several benefits. They look and function like your natural tooth and are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are long-lasting and are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office. With dental implants, the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, undesirable tooth movement, and further tooth loss can be decreased. Besides, implants can be considered an alternative to replace the need for a removable full or partial denture. Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing and do not affect the structural integrity or health of the adjacent teeth. On the other hand, a traditional bridge would involve two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.

With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis. Candidates for dental implants are healthy patients in good general and oral health. Patients also need to have good jaw bone density to support the implant. However, don't worry if you do not have enough jawbone strength; a bone grafting procedure can address this issue. Dental implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth. They are strong and durable, look and feel like natural teeth, and can last many years. If you are considering dental implants, visit us, and our doctor will examine you to determine if dental implants are right for you.

The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 - 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant. The next visit is to place the implant. Local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain. You will next return in approximately three months to begin creating the porcelain Crown to place over the implant.

Fees for Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. The cost of dental implants depends on several factors. The severity of the condition, the type of implant, and the number of implants needed all contribute to the cost of the procedure. The good news is that dental implants are an investment that can last for many years. Always schedule an Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

Dental Implants are permanent tooth replacements. When taken care of properly, Dental Implants can last for decades. Dental Implants require the same level of maintenance as natural teeth. This means brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. In 2009, the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation reported on a 10-year study that found Dental Implants to have a high success rate. After the 10-year mark, 98% of the implants were still functioning.

Dental bridges are custom false teeth that are designed to fill the gap between two healthy teeth. Dental bridges are anchored into place by dental crowns which attach to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. The dental crowns are designed to fit over the teeth, they bond to the teeth, and the bridge is bonded to the dental crowns.

Dental bridges are a good option for patients who are missing one or multiple teeth. They can improve speech, chewing, and appearance. A dental bridge can be cemented or bonded into place. A bridge may be a good choice if you want to replace a tooth with a natural tooth.

On average, dental bridges last about 10 to 15 years. With proper care, dental bridges can last longer. Teeth grinding, chewing on hard objects, and teeth that are missing other surrounding teeth can all negatively impact the lifespan of dental bridges.

Dental bridges are cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will remove any residual plaque and food particles. Additionally, regular checkups will allow your dentist to make sure the bridge is not broken, loose, or causing any discomfort.

We understand that dental work is often expensive. Our office accepts payments by cash, check, and major credit cards. We also offer a payment plan through CareCredit, a financing option that can cover your treatment costs. For more information on payment options, contact our team and ask about CareCredit's interest-free financing.