Q & A

There are many reason why your teeth can be sensitive. The most common is gum recession exposing root surfaces or worn enamel. Other factors that cause sensitivity include a cavity, recent whitening, cracked or chipped tooth. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth. We have tooth pastes, gels, or dental procedures that can help manage this.

Great tooth and gum care starts 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 (cavities) 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.

When gingivitis is not treated, it advances to Periodontitis. The inflamed gums, form pockets that become infected. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response start to break down the bone that holds the teeth in placed. If not treated, the gums, tissue, and bone that supports the teeth are destroyed. Teeth eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms.   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 & scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery may be necessary for severe cases.

Silver fillings, known as amalgam, have been around for decades.  They are made from a metal alloy and were, for a long time, the best restoration for fillings.  The metal expands and contracts based on the temperature of food and drink you consume.  This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled; keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

 

White fillings, also known as composites, are 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.

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.

Tooth whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, flouride has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Tooth Whitening should only be 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!  You may require touch-up.

 

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.

Crowns are restorations that cover the entire tooth, rebuilding and strengthening the compromised tooth due to breakage, large cavities, or previous root canal treatment. This procedure takes a little as 2 visits.

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.

• 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 may 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.

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, severe osteoporosis, and other conditions. Please come and consult with us if you are interested in having a dental implant placed.

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 little to no pain.

 

You will next return in approximately 3-6 months to begin creating the porcelain crown to place over the implant.