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 materials 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 starts at home. Brushing twice a day, flossing and using an antimicrobial rinse (eg. Listerine), and regaular dental checkups are 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 hygienist will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol. Optimal home care will help try to prevent 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 preliminary condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens to periodontal disease. 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 metal alloys, for many years they were the best restorations for fillings. Over time, the metal expands and contracts with heat and cold- this allows for gaps to develop over time, which allow tiny bacteria to enter a tooth once filled. Large amalgams also contribute to the weakening of the remaining tooth structure over time, leading to eventual fracture.
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 more 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 world to enhance your smile. 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 more information, 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 whiter, happier smile. A thin, clear plastic shell is worn over the teeth for 30-60 minutes a day for about two weeks. Tooth whitening carries minimal risk, however it still must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and 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 Composite Bonding?
Composite Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s shape and/or color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Composite Bonding, like tooth whitening, may change color over time due to products such as coffee, tea, cola and wine.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain, fabricated by a dental lab, that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. If so desired, veneers can change the size, shape and/or color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is also used to repair fractured front teeth, restore teeth darkened by age or medication, or correct 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 cemented restorations that cover the entire tooth. They can restore a fractured or weakened tooth, and they can change the size, shape and color of teeth in as few as two visits.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or 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 jaw bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant. Implants provide for the longest lasting restorations in dentistry.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- Dental implants look and function like your natural teeth.
- Dental implants are a long-term 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 dentures.
- Dental implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional fixed bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised (ie. drilled) to replace a missing tooth in-between.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
With major advancements in dentistry, most people are candidates for dental implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
With routine dental hygiene visits and proper home care, a dental Implant can last a lifetime. A crown cemented over an implant will undergo routine wear-and-tear over the years, however it will usually last a minimum of 7-10 years with good oral hygiene.
Does Your Office Offer Financing for Services Provided?
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!