Q & A

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 surface 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 procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth or specifically sensitivity to heat or pressure.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Great teeth and gum care start 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 and 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 to help 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 immediate 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 can appear including:

  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Recession
  • Bone Loss
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth Pain
  • Tooth Loss


How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Treatment of periodontal disease can include a series of periodontal cleanings, scaling & root planing and local antibiotics. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

What is the Difference Between a Tooth-Colored Filling and a Silver Filling?
Silver fillings known as amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. It can be very useful for large fillings.

Tooth-colored 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 like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material that, rather than a silver material in your mouth, will match the tooth color.

How Can I Improve My Smile?
There are many ways in today’s dental world to enhance your smile depending on your desires. Certain procedures include:

  • Invisalign
  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns

We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For a consultation, 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 beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride is has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.

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. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like tooth whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, soda, and wine so it may have to be redone after several years.

What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers can 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 in some cases, a crooked smile.

What are Crowns?
Crowns are a permanent procedure that covers and strengthens the entire tooth. It will correct the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.

What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth. 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 crown to be placed onto the dental implant.

What are the 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 can replace the need for a removable 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.


Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?
With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are candidates for dental implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.

What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?
The average dental implant procedure takes 3 - 4 visits. These visits can include a consultation with the oral surgeon, implant placement, and healing checks.

Once the implant is placed, you will return to our office in approximately 3 months to begin creating the crown to place over the implant.

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.

Request an appointment today!