FAQs

Sensitive teeth are often the result of your gums having 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 toothpastes, 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 in the long run. 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 surrounds the teeth and enters 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 oral hygiene protocol for home care to 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

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

Silver fillings, known as amalgam fillings, have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it used to be the best type of restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with heat and cold. This allows for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled, keeping the tooth healthy and strong. 

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are made from 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 having a gray or silver filling in your mouth, the composite color will match your tooth color.

Just about any procedure can be performed with sedation. The sedation is not for the procedure itself, but for the anxiety that accompanies the procedure. Ask our dentist if sedation is available for a particular procedure.

There are several options available today to enhance your smile. The most common procedures include: 

• Teeth whitening
• Bonding
• Porcelain veneers
• Porcelain crowns

We can improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Teeth whitening is a cost-effective and safe procedure performed to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride has also been added to whitening products. Fluoride helps reduce the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. 

Teeth whitening must be monitored by a qualified dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning. 

The whitening results can last for a number of years if maintained properly. 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!

Bonding is a cost-effective 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 may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola, and wine.

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are applied directly onto your natural teeth. The entire procedure can be completed in as little 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 crown is a permanent cosmetic restoration that covers the entire tooth. It can change the size, shape, and color of teeth and be completed in as little as two visits.

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like post 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 dental implant.

• Dental implants look and function like your natural tooth.
• Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
• Dental implants are maintained with 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 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.

The average dental implant procedure takes three to four visits to complete. 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 jawbone. The area will then be closed with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor discomfort.

You will then 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. Always schedule an implant consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

With a proper dental hygiene routine and home care, a dental implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to give you your perfect smile today!