Patient Info

Will my gums grow back if I have gum disease? With proper treatment, gum regeneration is possible.
What is the best toothpaste and mouthwash to fight off gum disease? Generally, alcohol-free and antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwashes are recommended. Your dentist or hygienist can help you determine the best products for your specific needs. Toothpaste and mouthwashes should not be considered as the sole treatment measures.
Is there a connection between gum disease and heart problems? In the past several years, numerous scientific studies point to strong connections between gum disease and heart disease.
Is it possible for periodontal disease to spread to different uninfected areas of the mouth? Research has shown that disease can spread from tooth to tooth, and that the bacteria can travel to other parts of the body.
Why is periodontal disease a chronic disease? Most forms of periodontal disease are slowly progressing forms. The most important component leading to the disease process is the body’s persistent immune response to the bacterial plaque that continuously forms below the gumline.
I have periodontal disease. What is the most effective treatment? This depends on the stage of disease and extent of damage. After your dentist performs a thorough evaluation, he or she can recommend the most effective treatment for your case.
If teeth are loose because of periodontal disease, how teeth looseness reduced? The healing process can result in decreased mobility. Splinting the teeth together might be recommended to help reinforce them.
Can periodontal disease spread or infect the tonsils?
Since research has shown that the bacteria under the gums can pass through the infected tissue and into the bloodstream, it is logical to assume it can spread to the tonsils and anywhere else in the body.
Can you get Periodontal Disease from kissing someone else? There is recent evidence to suggest that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease in one individual may be found in their spouse or significant other. While these bugs may be transmitted, it appears that it requires multiple contacts over a prolonged period of time for this to occur.
Can periodontal disease be treated after I have had cosmetic dentistry done? Absolutely. It is critical for stabilizing the foundation that supports the teeth that have had cosmetic dentistry.
What is gingivitis? Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, characterized by redness, swelling, and frequent bleeding when brushing or flossing.
How can I treat gingivitis at home? There are many different ways to treat gingivitis at home. The bottom line is reducing the level of bacteria around the gumline. Your dentist and hygienist can help you develop a personalized system of home care tools and products, and possibly supplements that aide in boosting the immune system.
How does having gingivitis cause heart disease and stroke? Simply put, infections from various sources, including gum infections, pass into the bloodstream and can damage the artery walls. The inflammation of the artery wall, along with fatty deposits, causes the artery to become smaller and smaller. Eventually, blood clots occur, and the artery becomes clogged, which results in a heart attack or stroke, depending on the location of the blood clot.
How long does it take for sore gums to heal once you eliminate gingivitis? Gingivitis-related soreness will be eliminated when the gingivitis is eliminated.
Is it possible for an infant to have gingivitis? The only people who escape gingivitis are very young infants; otherwise, it affects all age groups and people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneersare a great way to achieve the straight, beautiful teeth you’ve always wanted without having to wear braces. You can instantly correct chops, stains or gaps to have the ideal smile you’ve always wanted. These porcelain veneers are very thin and, contrary to popular belief, in many instances the original tooth is not ground down or damaged. There is only a slight bit of shaving, hardly noticeable, to prepare the tooth for the veneer to be placed. The end result is beautifully shaped teeth that are durable and resist tooth stains and discoloration. Porcelain veneers give you a smile that is beautiful and healthy.

What are the major differences between getting porcelain veneers and getting braces? Getting braces helps to straighten your teeth and put them into proper alignment, or to move teeth into proper position. In some instances, braces may be the best treatment. However, if there are chips or existing restorations, veneers allow you to have the ideal shade, ideal alignment and a strong , healthy tooth. The treatment for braces can last anywhere from several months to years. Veneers are more of an instant fix for alignment and for esthetics. However, each case is determined individually. And we always try to determine which treatment is best for each patients’ health and personal goals.

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Porcelain Veneers FAQs

Are porcelain veneers less expensive than braces or more expensive? The cost for braces differs for all patients. It is best to consult an orthodontist for an appropriate estimate. There are different price options for veneers depending on the esthetic needs of the patient.
Can veneers chip or fall off? Veneers are designed to be a permanent restoration. It is rare that they fall off or chip. However, in the rare cases when the veneer does come off or chips, it can be bonded back into place or repaired.
How long do porcelain veneers last? Veneers can last anywhere from several years to decades. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene to prolong the life of the veneers. Veneers should be cared for the same way as your other teeth.
Can you whiten veneers? Restorative materials such as porcelain veneers do not whiten with bleaching products. If you are considering whitening, you would want to do this before having veneers made in order to match the shade.
Are there foods to avoid if you have veneers? In most cases veneers should act and be used as normal functioning teeth. However it is not recommended to chew on hard things like chicken bones or to use them as “tools.”
Will dental insurance cover porcelain veneers? For each person this may vary. Some insurance companies always consider veneers as a cosmetic desire regardless of the needs for these restorations. In all cases it is best to accept what insurance does pay (if anything) as a bonus and be expected to pay the full cost for treatment.
How much do veneers cost? What is the average cost? The average cost of a veneer can be anywhere from $1300 to $2000 per tooth. In most cases it is best to have veneers completed all at once so that the color and esthetics of teeth can best be matched.
Are there different types? Although all veneers are similar, there are actually many different types of veneers. There are different types of porcelains as well as different esthetic processes used to make them. Depending upon your goals and needs, we will help you decide what type of veneer will be best for you. We offer a variety of labs, which allows for a variety of veneer types, aiding in meeting the esthetic needs and budget of each patient.
How long does it take to get veneers? The process for getting veneers can be anywhere from one week to six weeks, depending on the lab that is used. In the mean time you will be wearing temporary prototype veneers designed to look like your new veneers.
How do I know what my new veneers will look like? The first part of any smile makeover is to start with a model of what we expect your final veneers to look like. Using models of your teeth, photos, information about your goals and expectations, we design your new veneers and your new smile. Before we ever start your treatment, you will be able to preview the veneers and approve any changes. Your approved design also serves as the model for your “prototype” temporaries that are designed to look like your new veneers. We want to avoid surprises and exceed your expectations!
Will it hurt? Is there any tooth sensitivity? Yes there can be tooth sensitivity; most of the sensitivity described is during the temporary phase. Since the temporaries are not as strong as the permanent restoration they tend to transmit temperature easier. For people who typically have sensitive teeth they may experience it after the permanent veneers have been placed.
Can I get veneers if I grind my teeth? Yes you can but we would recommend wearing a guard of some sort to help protect your teeth, regardless of having veneers or not.
Can anyone get veneers? Most people are veneer candidates but it is mostly determined by the wear patterns and breakdown of the existing tooth structure. For some people who have worn down their teeth or have had previous restorations in their teeth they may need more of a “crown” to restore the tooth.
Can I get porcelain veneers if I have had previous dental work? If there are small fillings or previous veneers having them replaced with new veneers is a possibility. But if you have existing crowns in place then they would have to be re done as crowns. A complete evaluation would be necessary to determine proper treatment.
Can you take off veneers without leaving any damage? No, porcelain veneers are designed to be permanent restorations, so once the veneer work has been completed the patient will continue to always need a restoration in place.

Teeth Whitening

Many things thing can cause tooth stains and discoloration. Teeth whitening can remove these stains and discolorations giving your teeth a healthier, younger looking smile. With Zoom! ® Whitening, the procedure is done in our office and is very safe and relaxing.

We also offer at-home teeth whiting that our patients can use to lighten their smile either after their Zoom! Whitening procedure or alone without the procedure.

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Teeth Whitening FAQs

Are white fillings safer? Larger metal fillings tend to act as wedges within the tooth over time increasing risk of the tooth splitting. Composite resin (“white”) fillings don’t put the same amount of pressures on teeth.
How long do tooth colored fillings last? Under normal wear and tear, and with proper care, they can last for years.
Are there any types of teeth whitening that will whiten my tooth-colored fillings? At this time, no whitening options exist that will whiten existing tooth colored fillings. However, after whitening, fillings can be replaced with new ones that match.
How much should tooth colored fillings cost? The cost is similar to silver fillings, and varies by how many tooth surfaces are involved. They typically run a few to several hundred dollars per filling- normally less than a per tooth crown costs.
Can mouthwash wear away tooth-colored fillings faster? No.
Is it worth paying for tooth-colored fillings for someone who gets a lot of cavities due to poor oral hygiene? It is always worthwhile addressing the high caries risk with oral hygiene modifications and lifestyle changes before investing in tooth colored fillings.
What’s the difference between white fillings and tooth-colored fillings? White and tooth-colored fillings are synonymous, though “tooth-colored fillings” is more accurate terminology since the filling shade is closely matched to the tooth being treated and adjacent teeth.
If I want to get my teeth whitened, can the dentist redo a tooth colored filling to match the new color? Yes. Patients who whiten under a dentist’s supervision should be advised that existing tooth colored fillings won’t whiten and may need to be replaced in order to match the shade of the whitened teeth.
If I have already had silver fillings, can I have them redone with white fillings? Yes, if there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a filling. Otherwise a crown, inlay or onlay can be done with a matching shade.
Do Crest White Strips whiten fillings too? Dental restorations don’t respond to whitening materials.
Does insurance cover tooth colored fillings? Coverage varies from plan to plan. Some assistance is provided by typical plans, though some plans reduce the tooth colored filling to an amalgam (silver) filling.
Can tooth colored fillings fracture my tooth? Tooth colored fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure.
Can they make my teeth sensitive? Post treatment sensitivity continues to be a common, yet unpredictable problem following fillings and other dental procedures. When it is expected, preventive measures to minimize sensitivity can be incorporated into the treatment.

Tooth Colored Fillings

Tooth colored fillings are a great option for restoring the natural beauty and health of teeth that have been damaged due to trauma or tooth decay. They can also be used to fill in tooth gaps. Because they match with the natural color of your teeth, you will never have to worry about the dark spots that metal fillings leave on the tooth. If you have dark metal fillings, these can be replaced by beautiful tooth colored fillings and enhance the aesthetic quality of your smile.

Are white fillings as good as metal or silver fillings? Larger metal fillings tend to act as wedges within the tooth increasing risk of the tooth splitting. Composite resin (“white”) fillings don’t put the same amount of pressures on teeth, and are also more aesthetically pleasing.

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Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs

- Are white fillings safer? Larger metal fillings tend to act as wedges within the tooth over time increasing risk of the tooth splitting. Composite resin (“white”) fillings don’t put the same amount of pressures on teeth.
- How long do tooth colored fillings last? Under normal wear and tear, and with proper care, they can last for years.
- Are there any types of teeth whitening that will whiten my tooth-colored fillings? At this time, no whitening options exist that will whiten existing tooth colored fillings. However, after whitening, fillings can be replaced with new ones that match.
- How much should tooth colored fillings cost? The cost is similar to silver fillings, and varies by how many tooth surfaces are involved. They typically run a few to several hundred dollars per filling- normally less than a per tooth crown costs.
- Can mouthwash wear away tooth-colored fillings faster? No.
- Is it worth paying for tooth-colored fillings for someone who gets a lot of cavities due to poor oral hygiene? It is always worthwhile addressing the high caries risk with oral hygiene modifications and lifestyle changes before investing in tooth colored fillings.
- What’s the difference between white fillings and tooth-colored fillings? White and tooth-colored fillings are synonymous, though “tooth-colored fillings” is more accurate terminology since the filling shade is closely matched to the tooth being treated and adjacent teeth.
- If I want to get my teeth whitened, can the dentist redo a tooth colored filling to match the new color? Yes. Patients who whiten under a dentist’s supervision should be advised that existing tooth colored fillings won’t whiten and may need to be replaced in order to match the shade of the whitened teeth.
- If I have already had silver fillings, can I have them redone with white fillings? Yes, if there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a filling. Otherwise a crown, inlay or onlay can be done with a matching shade.
- Do Crest White Strips whiten fillings too? Dental restorations don’t respond to whitening materials.
- Does insurance cover tooth colored fillings? Coverage varies from plan to plan. Some assistance is provided by typical plans, though some plans reduce the tooth colored filling to an amalgam (silver) filling.
- Can tooth colored fillings fracture my tooth? Tooth colored fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure.
- Can they make my teeth sensitive? Post treatment sensitivity continues to be a common, yet unpredictable problem following fillings and other dental procedures. When it is expected, preventive measures to minimize sensitivity can be incorporated into the treatment.

Patient Info

FAQs

CEREC Single Visit Crowns

Periodontal Treatment

Porcelain Veneers

Teeth Whitening

Tooth Colored Fillings

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