Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have broken down many questions into the form of information to answer your concerns. Click on any of the listed topics to learn more.

Restoring Damaged Teeth
Prevention
Root Canal Therapy
Cosmetic Dentistry

Periodontal Disease
Dentures
Implants
Teeth Removal

Restoring Damaged Teeth

Silver Fillings - Any alloy of several metals mixed to make up dental amalgam. The American Dental Association believes that there is no credible proof that dental amalgam poses any threat to the safety of the dental public.
White Fillings - Direct composites and porcelain inlays are two forms of white fillings. They are another form of restoration in order to portray a more natural appearance, rather than the original silver filling.
Crowns - They can be made from different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. Crowns strengthen and protect the tooth after bonding to the remaining portion of the structure. It also will improve the appearance of your teeth.
Bridges - This is an attachment which one is recommended to get after the loss of a tooth or several teeth. A bridge is cemented to your teeth in order to fill the space and stop any movement that will cause your teeth to shift out of place.

Prevention

Plaque - Plaque is a clear, sticky deposit of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth and gum tissue. After as little as 4 hours after brushing, it begins to develop. The gingival margin and sulcus are key areas in which plaque accumulates by the gum line. Researchers state that plaque is a primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Calculus - A more common name for this is tartar. This is the hardening of plaque that aged after being left behind after brushing. We encourage brushing at least twice a day and floss daily. This plaque becomes so hard after materializing that only a dentist or specialized dental hygienist is able to take it off.

Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Treatment - (endodontics) This may be needed if one undergoes throbbing or pain spontaneously while biting down, extreme sensitivity toward hot or cold foods, or decay or accident that creates an infection (abscess) in the bone. This involves the removal of the infected nerve tissue that is located in the root of the tooth. After removal the tooth may then need a post and core and a crown to bring back normal function and form.
Post and Core - A post is a structure positioned within the body of the root of the tooth after root canal therapy. They are a metallic substance that can only be placed within the tooth after a root canal. Root canal therapy, otherwise known as endodontic therapy, prevents further infection and annoying pain. A plastic material called gutt-percha replaces the area where the nerve previously was located. Post is cemented permanently. Separately, a crown is then placed. Posts are not always necessary depending on the individual situation.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth Bleaching - Teeth naturally darken over years, especially when one smokes, drinks coffee or in taking a substance that may cause discoloration. These substances seep into the micro-cracks in the enamel and over time continually build up and darken. If discoloration was caused by natural aging, those patients who obtain this service typically may gain the best results. Bleaching can either be an in-office procedure that may require several appointments which the bleaching agent is activated with a special light, or it can be an at-home procedure where one will wear a custom-fitted mouth guard filled with bleaching gel for two weeks, two hours per day.
Porcelain Veneers - These laminate veneers require a minimal reduction of the tooth. They are an alternative for esthetic abnormalities and a tremendous restoration when chosen. This is not a reversible treatment. Preparation does not necessitate the use of an anesthetic, though one may be available for those patients who are anxious or sensitive.

Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis - This disorder pertains to the inflammation of the gingiva, otherwise known as the gums. Being the first form of periodontal disease, this infection causes the destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth which include the periodontal ligaments, gingiva, and the tooth alveolar bone (tooth sockets). Caused by plaque deposits which mineralize to tartar (calculus) and becomes lodged at the base of the tooth. It then causes irritation and inflammation. Symptoms consist of sores, swollen gums that may appear bright red or purple, they may also appear shiny. Other symptoms that may go along with this disease is bleeding of the gums that may show on the toothbrush after brushing and tender gums that do not cause pain when touched.
Periodontitis - This disease is caused by the delay of treating gingivitis. The infection from the gingivitis spreads to the ligaments and bone around the tooth. This in turn results to the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Though it is uncommon during childhood, the risk increases during adolescence and continues throughout adulthood. Symptoms may be similar to Gingivitis, but also consist of the following conditions i.e., gums appear bright red, purple, and shiny, blood from brushing teeth, bad breath, and the loosening of teeth.

Dentures

Dentures - Dentures are adjusted to fit each individual. Lower dentures may feel odd for the tongue at first, but this will eventually change over time and conditioning. Some discomfort may be common for a while which may cause sore spots during adjustment. If these tender spots appear continue to wear the dentures until your next visit. This will allow the dentist to visually see the sore spots rather than estimate where they may be due to them disappearing. Dentures do not change, but the natural gum tissues do which means it is necessary that periodic relining to be performed. Typically 3 to 5 years in between each relining service except one is necessary due to irritation or sore spots.
Immediate Dentures - This is were an impression of your mouth has been made in advance so that the dentures may be ready immediately when the extraction process is complete. This will allow an immediate denture after the procedure.
Relines - Hard permanent and soft relines are the to different types of denture relines. Hard permanent relines can be done either by being sent to the dental laboratory and created in laboratory cured plastic or, secondly, it can be done with an office-cured plastic at the office. This process requires ones dentures for a couple of days so it is necessary to make an appointment with this in advance. Soft reline can also be done either at the office or sent to the laboratory. The lab processed, permanent type may last as long as one year before replacement. Office processed soft liners are more fragile and will need to be replaced frequently. Denture relines are necessary in order to increase retention of old or new dentures that may have lost retention. They also are necessary for repairs, relining old dentures in order to defeat the processes of remaking them, and these relines help conditioning gum tissue in order to allow them to return to the prior state they were in naturally before the fabrication of new dentures.
Denture Soft Liners - These are placed in order to help the gum tissue by absorbing some of the pressure caused by mastication.

Implants

Implants - Implants are screws formed out of titanium which are positioned within the jaw bone. 3 to 6 months they rest under the gum which allows them to actually become fused together becoming bone (osseo). After they are healed, the implants are uncovered and finally replace the missing teeth with a dental prosthesis.
Implant Care - In order to maintain dentures one must learn the proper techniques. Removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) is necessary, and maintain meticulous oral hygiene between visits to the office. Other tools that are recommended consist of the following; dental floss, soft toothbrush, oral irrigation devices, and mouthwash.

Teeth Removal

Extractions - This service is due to fractured teeth or roots, infection, correction, impacted teeth, decay, periodontal disease, and mal positioned teeth. In these cases, or emergency cases, extractions may be necessary.