Q&A
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Your teeth may be sensitive because your gums have receded and exposed the dentin, which allows liquids and food access to the nerve. There are toothpastes, gels, and a few dental procedures to help with the sensitivity.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
We recommend having a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay. It is also important to have routine dental exams and professional cleanings every six months.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease when bacteria enter your gums and causes irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. It is reversible with regular hygiene appointments and proper brushing and flossing.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease (also known as gum disease) affects the gums causing them to become irritated, inflamed, and causing them to bleed. The early stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it could develop into an irreversible disease. Once it develops into periodontal disease, there are noticeable symptoms, such as bad breath, gum recession, gum sensitivity, abscesses, bone loss, tooth pain, and tooth loss.
How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?
There are a few procedures to help with this chronic condition, such as periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling (“deep cleanings”), and laser therapy. It is manageable with antibiotics and in severe cases, periodontal surgery.
What is the Difference Between a White Filling and a Silver Filling?
White Fillings are made from plastic or glass polymers to fill cavities and to make the filling look like your tooth. It is made with a resin material and prevents decay by fitting tightly over the tooth.
Silver Fillings (or Amalgam) are made from a metal alloy, which can expand and contract depending on whether you are eating or drinking hot or cold things.
How Can I Improve My Smile?
There are a few procedures to make your smile great including tooth whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns or tooth alignment. Please contact our office to find out what works best for you.
What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening removes unwanted stains from teeth surfaces. It is a safe and well accepted cosmetic dental procedure. Our team will go over different whitening product options. To maintain your new white smile, avoid beverages that will stain such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
What is Bonding?
Bondings are white fillings that can be applied in different surfaces of a tooth to improve appearance. The immediate result is a great smile.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are shells of porcelain bonded to your teeth. This procedure will give you great cosmetic results. Patients love the way veneers improve chipped teeth, stains and crooked teeth.
What are Crowns?
Crowns fix teeth by creating a mold to fit over an entire tooth which can change the size, shape and color of your teeth with the benefit of restoring structural integrity.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
A screw-like object is placed under the gum and into the jaw bone to attach the new tooth.
Implants are beneficial in many ways. It is a permanent solution for missing teeth by replacing them with fixtures that look and function like your natural teeth. Implants are used instead of dentures and can reduce your risk for bone loss, periodontal disease and further tooth loss.
