Frequently Asked Questions

What is tooth whitening, and how is it done?
Tooth whitening is a process in which we are able to lighten the color of your natural teeth. This can be done chairside (at the office), or can be accomplished with a take-home kit which you can use yourself at your own convenience. The lightening is done by applying a peroxide solution to the enamel of the teeth for a set length of time; this process is repeated for a number of weeks until the desired amount of lightening has been achieved.

Are implants expensive?
Implants are indeed more expensive than more traditional methods of tooth replacement. The higher cost is due to the fact that there is a surgical phase to the treatment, and also that the process of fabricating the final restoration to fit over the implant is a much more intricate process than what is involved in making a partial denture or a traditional fixed bridge. However, the higher cost is counterbalanced by the fact that, at times, an implant can be a longer-lasting, more maintenance-free, and a more conservative treatment choice.

What exactly is a "Root Canal"?
A "root canal" is the more common term for endodontic therapy. When the nerve inside of a tooth dies or becomes infected, it is removed, and the inside of the tooth and roots are cleansed and shaped. The roots of the tooth are then filled with an inert rubber type substance to seal them off from fluids and bacteria. The tooth is usually restored with a filling, which may include a post, and a crown to cover and protect the tooth from further breakage. "Root canals" can be performed by either a general dentist or an endodontist who specializes in this area of dentistry.

Are silver fillings bad for you?
Silver fillings have been used to restore teeth for many years. Amalgam which does contain small amounts of mercury, is a very good and reliable material. They are very strong, resist wear very well, and are economical. There have been numerous studies done over the years and no problems have ever been attributed to the use of amalgam in teeth. One of the only problems with amalgam however, is that it is gray in color and is not very esthetic.

Is bleaching my teeth harmful?
Bleaching your teeth is a very safe and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth. However, this should only be done under the supervision of a dentist. Only products dispensed by a dental office should be used for whitening. Never use household chemicals or cleansers of any kind. "Bleaching" is not harmful to the teeth but the process has some side effects and not everybody is a good candidate for bleaching. The most common side effect is increased tooth sensitivity. This generally subsides when the bleaching process is discontinued.

When do I need the Periodontist?
Any time that the treatment you are receiving does not resolve the symptoms of the infection. Some people seek care with the periodontist when they first note changes in their gums. When bleeding, swelling, pain or recession of the gums are present treatment is needed.

Can receding gums be fixed?
Yes, there is a process which can recreate a zone of gum tissue. Some times tissue can be transferred from the palate (roof of the mouth). Another technique is called Guided Tissue Regeneration, which creates a zone that is conducive for new tissue to be reestablished.

What are Implants?
Dental Endosseous Implants are metallic "posts" which are surgically placed into the jaw bone to replace tooth roots. They can be used to support a fixed bridge(s), replace a single tooth, or anchor a removable appliance. To be placed there must be adequate jaw bone remaining. The patient's systemic health must be amenable to the healing of the bone to support the implants. Finally, the patient must be willing to do the appropriate follow up therapy including not smoking.

How long will it take if I have an implant?
The length of time involved with the placement of dental implants has several factors involved. The lower jaw takes three to four months to bind to the implant. The upper jaw requires six months to heal on the average. If teeth require removal prior to the placement of the implant, additional healing time will be necessary. These factors can be discuss individually at the time that the treatment sequence is developed.

How did I get periodontal disease?
The development of periodontal disease requires several factors. The bacteria must be obtained in some manner from our environment. Some sources would be eating off of someone's utensils, kissing, eating food off of the ground, etc. The second factor is to leave the bacteria in place. A third factor is to have a reduced immune resistance to the periodontal pathogens. Finally,a fourth factor is a increased susceptibility to the bacterial accumulation such as crowded teeth, difficulty in cleaning the mouth, poor restoration edges, etc. all of these factors are contributory to the development of periodontal disease.

What can I do about cold sensitive teeth?
Cold sensitivity can be due to leaking fillings, tooth abrasion, root exposure due to periodontal recession. There are other possibilities but these are the most common. The first thing to do is have a thorough examination by your general dentist to rule out the possibility of the leaking fillings. Defective restorations can result in recurring decay which could risk loosing your tooth. If the restorations are stable then some treatment can be devised such as desensitizing tooth paste, fluoride treatment, or other liquid treatments. Lots of treatments are available, but, the mouth must be assessed to know the best option of care.

My jaw pops - what can I do?
The jaw "pops" when the disk which separates the upper and lower jaw gets out of sequence in the opening of the lower jaw. The most common cause of this lack of "harmony" is an early contact between the upper and lower teeth or clenching and grinding of the teeth.

To resolve this problem the contact points of the teeth can be reshaped to meet more evenly. Sometimes the patient needs to wear a custom fitted mouth piece to protect the teeth from the excessive contact and to protect the jaw joint.

How often do I really need to clean my teeth?
The frequency that a person needs to have their teeth cleaned is dependent upon several factors: What is the efficiency of the patient's home care. What is the activity level of the bacteria the patient has in their mouth (how quickly does the baceria repopulate on the teeth, how aggressively do the bacteria attack the tissue of the patient's teeth). Finally, the mineralization rate that the patient demonstrates for their calculus deposition.

All these factors together play a role in determining the frequency that someone needs to clean their teeth. The best solution is to see your dentist and work out a plan that keeps your mouth in it's best state of health.

Will my eating habits need to change as a result of having veneers placed on my front teeth, ie. can I still bite down with my front teeth on food?
We find that eating habits only need to be modified slightly. Anything that involves extensive incisal (front teeth) pressure such as eating an apple, eating corn on the cob, tearing off hard bread, etc., should be modified by such precautions as cutting an apple before eating, cutting the corn off the cob, and tearing up the bread before then chewing with the back teeth. We find that after 15 years, the percentage of veneers that Dentists have placed that have broken has been less than 1%.

It is suggested when veneers are placed on teeth that have had excessive natural wear from brushing, a simply night/mouth guard be worn to protect them.

Will my teeth feel different or heavier with the veneers in place on the front teeth?
Your teeth should not feel any different or heavier than your original natural teeth. If your natural teeth are not prepared with adequate reduction for the veneers then they may feel bulkier than your original teeth.