Why are my teeth sensitive?
Teeth often become sensitive when gums recede over time. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. Additionally, recession causes the root(s) of a tooth to be exposed. Since roots are normally protected by the gums covering them, this exposure makes a tooth sensitive. Teeth can also become sensitive when the enamel is damaged by frequent exposure to acidic foods, overzealous and aggressive brushing, and grinding. To manage tooth sensitivity, there are many toothpastes, gels, and dental products 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 start at home. Brushing and flossing daily 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. Furthermore, getting your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist on a routine basis is essential to maintaining your oral health. It is typically recommended to have your teeth cleaned every 6 months, or every 3 to 4 months if you have gum disease.
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. To prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you proper flossing and toothbrushing techniques, as well as help you devise an Oral Hygiene regimen that you can follow at home.
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 by the Dental Hygienist, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:
- Bad Breath
- Red and Swollen Gums
- Tender or Bleeding Gums
- Painful Chewing
- Abscesses
- Loose and Sensitive Teeth
- Receding Gums or Longer Appearing Teeth
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 a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled to keep the tooth healthy and strong.
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 just 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 to enhance your smile. Different procedures include:
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- Implant Placement
We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For a consultation, please contact our office so we can 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 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. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding, similar to 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. A small amount of natural tooth structure is removed to allow the Porcelain Veneer to stay in place with cement. This entire 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. Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter 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.
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 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 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 involves 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. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.
The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area (additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain.
You return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.
How long does a dental implant last?
With routine dental cleanings with the hygienist and proper home care, a Dental Implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.
Does your office offer financing for services provided?
Please contact us today to discuss the options available to make your smile perfect!