Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about any dental services, you're in the right place. Caring for your teeth and maintaining dental health is a very crucial part of your overall health. There are a multitude of options available for you.

If you have any questions besides those answered, be sure to contact us and ask the doctor!

How often should I have my teeth checked?
You should have a checkup with a Dental professional twice a year. Regular visits including exams and cleanings will help prevent many problems.

Cleanings performed by a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist remove plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease and cavities. A medical history review should be performed so your dentist is aware of any changes in your health as well as disclosing any new medications you might be taking.

Also, a patient should receive an Oral Cancer Screening. About 10,000 people a year die from this and if detected early is 90 % curable.

What is gum disease?
About 50 % of American adults have some type of periodontal (Perio) or gum disease. Most of them don't even realize they have a problem. Perio disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, bones & periodontal ligament. It is usually painless until the advanced stages. Symptoms can include:
  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding, red or puffy gums, sometimes pus is involved
  • Swollen gums or gums that "pull away" from teeth
  • Separating teeth or tenderness
  • Loose teeth
  • A change in your bite

Is there a link between your oral condition and your body?
There are multiple studies that link gum disease to heart disease, atherosclerosis, respiratory disease, osteoperosis, diabetes and premature births. There is even a study linking flossing to decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Why should I be aware of this link?
Healthy hearts and gums maintain a healthy body. The bacteria involved with gum disease can travel through your bloodstream and attack organs in your body. The heart is one of the most susceptible organs. Cardiovascular disease affects about 60 million Americans and is the leading cause of death in the USA. Oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to plaques in the coronary arteries and contribute to clot formation. These clots can slow normal blood flow, thus restricting oxygen and nutrients vital to normal heart function.

How often should I brush and floss?
Brushing your teeth removes food debris and bacteria. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums using a gentle, circular motion ensuring you feel the bristles on your gums. Make sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth. And don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and maintain fresh breath(the tongue is like a sponge).

Daily flossing is recommended to keep teeth clean under the gumline. With a piece about 12-16 inches long wrap it around your fingers leaving a 2 inch area in between.

You should rinse your mouth after brushing and flossing. There are numerous rinses available.

Am I a candidate for Whitening?
Teeth are actually porous, that is they can absorb colors from food and drink ( ie: coffee, tea, tobacco, ketchup, soy sauce). Almost anyone can bleach their teeth, but results may vary from person to person.

Artificial teeth, that is porcelain crowns, veneers and fillings do not change color. Bleaching is a safe, easy and conservative way to change your smile. Results will last a lifetime if simple instructions are followed. Proper brushing, flossing and periodic touchups are necessary to maintain your white smile. The advantage of our in office technique over the over the counter materials is a safer rapid result. Over the counter kits can take months for the same result that can happen in one office visit.

Am I a candidate for Invisalign or Clear Correct Braces?
Both systems use a series of aligners that can correct your smile without having to have ugly metal braces. It takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months for most cases. Every 2-3 weeks a new aligner is worn moving teeth little by little until they are straightened. The aligner must be worn at all times except to eat, drink and brush your teeth. These aligners can correct most orthodontic problems, but some situations require conventional treatment.

What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are a man made replacement for the root structure of natural teeth. They are actually more conservative than dental bridges because no tooth structure has to be removed to support bridgework. They look and feel like your own teeth. They integrate with bone and prevent bone loss and gum recession that sometimes accompanies bridges and dentures.

The ideal candidate for implants is in good general and dental health. Good bone support in your jaw is necessary to support the implant. The best candidate is fee of gum disease.

Should I consider implants?
The other choices are doing nothing, or having a partial denture(Either cemented or removable depending on the situation). There is an esthetic improvement with implants and they tend to be more comfortable.

There is no need for denture adhesives, clasps hooks and you can taste your food better. There is no artificial substance on your palate or along your lower ridge. They are a permanent, esthetic answer to a bad situation that will improve your confidence and psyche. There is no wobbling, clicking and you don't have to worry about misplacing your denture or adhesive. They improve chewing ability and eliminate speech problems associated with dentures.

Is old age a problem?
Older patients need not be concerned. Implant candidacy is more determined by overall health of the patient, not the age.

Do I have to fear silver fillings?
Over the years there has been concern over amalgam safety. A dental amalgam is a mixture of different alloys bound by mercury. This filling material has been used for over 120 years. According to the American Dental Association, silver fillings are safe and have failed to find a link between dental amalgam and any medical disorder. There are numerous options to dental amalgam. We mostly use a material called composite nowadays.

Composite is tooth colored material that comes in many shades (because not everyone has the same colored teeth).

Are there any special instructions after work is performed?
Because in many cases Dental anesthetic is used, it is best to wait until after the "numbness" wears off. If tenderness or discomfort is felt in the gums, rinse with salt water. (8-10 oz. glass of warm water with ½ teaspoon of salt). It is important to resume normal brushing and flossing unless instructed otherwise.

After an extraction?
It is normal for bleeding to occur for about 24 hours after an extraction. Leave the gauze supplied by the dentist in place and put pressure on it. Do not chew on gauze.

If bleeding continues, call. Do not suck on area or use a straw for at least 48 hours. You should have a soft diet for the first 48 hours. If the area feels a little better you, can move to a more normal diet. Don't push it. It is still a wound site and must heal adequately.

It is normal to experience some degree of swelling. If you do indeed experience swelling, you can place ice over the area for 20-30 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours. This will help. Do not use ice after the first 36 hours. For discomfort, Tylenol or Ibuprofin is recommended. If pain persists please call.

After Root Canal?
You will most likely be sore in the area and have pressure when you bite down. You should avoid hard and chewy foods. Do not eat on that area for at least 24 hours. The soreness will decrease gradually in a few days.

Take the antibiotic prescribed by the doctor. If you notice increase tenderness, loss of temporary, or have a reaction to the medication, please call our office.

After Crowns and Bridges, Fillings, Porcelain Veneers?
You should always wait for Dental anesthesia to wear off before eating. Be kind to your temporary. It is after all a temporary. Be careful when flossing so you don't pull off your temporary. If your temp dislodges be sure to contact us.

Sensitivity to hot and cold is possible following treatment. For a few days avoid hot and cold beverages. If you have soreness in the gums, rinse with warm salt water. Take Tylenol or Ibuprofin as needed.

Your bite may feel slightly different. Your mouth will adjust to your new restoration. If it feels funny after a few days, be sure to contact us. An adjustment may be necessary.

It is best to resume normal brushing and flossing after work is finished. A consistent daily routine will increase the longevity of your restorations.