Q A

Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth may occur for many different reasons.  Your tooth may have a cavity, you may have had a recent filling or crown, you may have a fracture in your tooth, or you may have gum recession.  You should come in and see us so that we can assess your individual tooth sensitivity and develop a plan to reduce or eliminate your sensitivity.

What is gum recession?
Gum recession occurs when your tissue starts to erode exposing the root of your tooth.  It can occur due to a malocclusion, grinding/clenching your teeth, gum disease, a piercing, or tobacco use.  Once you lose this tissue, you will then start to lose the underlying bone that holds your tooth in place and it can be a vicious cycle until you may lose your tooth.  To initially manage this, Sensodyne, Prevident, or MI Paste maybe recommended to reduce or manage your sensitivity.  We recommend fluoride treatments at each cleaning appointment to also help seal the open dental tubules to minimize your discomfort.  As your recession advances, you may be recommended for Pinhole Surgery to replace the missing tissue and stabilize the bone.  In addition, Dr. Detar may recommend orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) to correct your bite or a nightguard to minimize stresses to your teeth.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing, flossing, and waterpiking daily are the best way to take care of your teeth and gums. By keeping to a daily routine, you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.   Using MI paste, Phosflur, Prevident, or Closys at home will also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a progressive inflammatory gum condition caused by the bacteria in your mouth.   The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, Emma and Kacie will teach you the proper brushing, flossing, and waterpiking techniques and develop an oral hygiene protocol for you to help prevent Periodontal Disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is a quiet chronic progressive disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria in your mouth. The initial condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:

  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Recession
  • Bone Loss
  • Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth Pain
  • Tooth Loss


How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of Periodontal Cleanings, or Scaling & Root Planing, in conjunction with local antibiotics, this condition can be stabilized.   Those patients requiring Scaling & Root Planing will often be placed on a shorter recall schedule to help control their disease.  Your oral hygiene protocol will be important if you hope to prevent further bone and tissue loss.  Periodontal Surgery may need necessary for advanced cases and can be discussed further with Dr. Detar.

Do you place silver fillings?
Dr. Detar only places composite or white plastic fillings.  We use every precaution in the removal of amalgam fillings including high suction evacuation and the use of an amalgam separator to protect you and our water lines.

How Can I Improve My Smile?
If you are interested in improving your smile you may consider the following options:

  • Tooth Whitening
  • Braces/ Invisalign
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Full Mouth Restorations
  • Implants/ Implant Restorations


Please come in for a consult to further discuss your options with Dr. Detar to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures.

What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Tooth Whitening should be monitored by Dr. Detar and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning to ensure the health of your mouth before initiating any whitening procedures.

The whitening process can 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 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 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!  Most of the movie stars have veneers to create their “perfect smile”.

What are Crowns?
Crowns are a permanent covering for your teeth made of porcelain.

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 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. 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. (Any 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 will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?
Fees from Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

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.

Does your office offer financing for services provided? 
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

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Monday:

8:00 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

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