General Dentistry
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is often the result of receding gums. This gum line recession causes the underlying dentin to become exposed, allowing water and food to reach the sensitive nerve. There are several kinds of toothpaste, gels, and even some dental procedures designed to treat the condition to manage this. Speak to us in more detail if you have particularly sensitive teeth.
Does your office offer financing for services provided?
We offer financing through CareCredit, and we also have a membership plan through Kleer for our patients who do not have dental insurance. You can apply through the location of your choice. Please give us a call at any location for further information.
Cosmetic Dentistry
What is the difference between a white and silver filling?
Silver fillings known as amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, these were considered the best restoration option for many years. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth - this prevented smaller bacteria from entering 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.
How can I improve my smile?
Modern dentistry offers several procedures to enhance the appearance of your smile. Our office offers many cosmetic treatments, including:
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
Modern dentistry offers several procedures to enhance the appearance of your smile. Our office offers many cosmetic treatments, including:
What is teeth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride has been added to the whitening product to reduce the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.
Tooth whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.
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 will stain your smile!
What is bonding?
Bonding is a cost-effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and 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.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. Veneers can change the size, shape, and color of a patient’s teeth in only two visits. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. In many cases, patients ask for porcelain veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!
Restorative Dentistry
What are Crowns?
Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape, and color of the teeth in as few as two visits.
What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are restorative devices used to replace one or more missing teeth adjacent to each other. They look and function like natural teeth and are attached to the remaining healthy teeth or dental crowns atop implants.
What are night guards, and do I need one?
About one in three people grind their teeth at night – a condition named bruxism. Teeth grinding can wear away and seriously damage your teeth in the long term. Nightguards are dental devices that protect your teeth from the dangers of teeth grinding.
What is TMJ disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull and works like a hinge that lets you open and close your mouth. Due to genetic and lifestyle factors, patients may develop chronic pain emanating from this joint which causes discomfort and difficulty eating or speaking.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Root canals are endodontic procedures in which your dentist removes infected pulp from the center of a tooth. Infections that call for root canals are usually the result of untreated tooth decay. If you are experiencing frequent tooth pain and sensitivity to hot or cold, you should visit the dentist to verify if you need a root canal.
Periodontal Care
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Healthy teeth and gums start at home. Brushing and flossing daily is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums continually. By keeping to a daily routine, you will substantially minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surround the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. 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 oral hygiene protocol for home care will prevent periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis.’ The gums become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens, and the harsher symptoms begin to appear. These may include:
- Bad Breath
- Gum Recession
- Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
- Abscesses
- Tooth Pain
- Tooth Loss
How do you treat periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. We can treat and control this condition through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing & scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
What is periodontal maintenance?
Because bacteria, plaque, and tartar can quickly grow between visits, keeping your gums healthy requires regular care. Periodontal maintenance is the process of routinely checking your gum health and removing said buildup before it causes issues.
Dental Implant
What is dental implant?
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 jawbone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the implant.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
- Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
- Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
- Dental Implants replace the need for a Removable Full or Partial Denture.
- Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Thanks to major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are now candidates for a dental implant. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
What does the dental implant procedure involve?
The average dental implant procedure takes three to four visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and create a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.
The next visit is to place the implant. A local anesthetic is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless recommended by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jawbone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minimal discomfort or pain.
You will next return in approximately three months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the Implant.
How much does a dental implant cost?
Fees from dental implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an implant consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.
How long does a dental implant last?
With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, a dental implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.