Why are my teeth sensitive?
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 toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures
that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very
sensitive teeth.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
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. By keeping to a daily routine you
will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as
you age.
What is Gingivitis?
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 will prevent
the 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.
Noticeable symptoms now appear. They 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. 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.
What is the Difference Between a White Filling and a Silver
Filling?
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.
How Can I Improve My Smile?
There are several ways in today’s Dental World to enhance
your smile. Certain procedures include:
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
We have the capability to 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.
What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create
a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride is has been
added to the whitening product. This reduces 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. 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 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.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
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!
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 2 visits.
What is a 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 jaw bone. 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.
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?
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.
What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?
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. A 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 3 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.
Does your office offer financing for services provided?
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to
make your perfect smile today!