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Periodontal Questions
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. Recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Great teeth 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 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 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 can include bad breath, gum recession, gum sensitivity to acidic foods, abscesses tooth pain, and 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 and scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
Cosmetic Questions
What is tooth whitening?
Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride 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 change a tooth’s color. 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 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.
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 two visits.
Dental Implant Questions
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 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.
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.
Sedation Questions
Who is a candidate for sedation?
If you have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist, you are a candidate for sedation dentistry. If you have a fear of pain, have had a traumatic dental experience in the past, or the sounds and smells of a dental office make you nauseous, sedation dentistry can help you get over your anxiety.
Some people have physical reasons, like a bad gag reflex or very sensitive teeth, which make them a candidate for sedation dentistry as well.
Will I be unconscious?
No, but you will be in a deep state of relaxation during your treatment. You will still be able to breathe on your own and communicate, but you will not feel any pain or anxiety. You may not even remember the procedure afterwards.
How long will I be sedated?
Sedation can last from about 2-6 hours depending on the strength of sedative and how long your procedure takes.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, at all times during your sedation someone will be with you. We also monitor your vitals to make sure they remain at a normal level. Safety is of the utmost importance to us.
Are there any long term effects of sedation?
No. You will feel a little groggy and “out of it” after some forms of sedation, but after a few hours you will feel like yourself again. You will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment in these cases.
What procedures can be performed under sedation?
Just about any procedure can be performed with sedation. The sedation is not for the procedure itself, but for the anxiety that accompanies the procedure.
Will my insurance cover sedation?
In most cases it will not be covered by your insurance provider. We will review your insurance coverage and let you know if it is covered or not. If it is not covered, we will let you know the cost and, if necessary, we can put together a financing plan for you.
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