Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
One cause of sensitive teeth is receding gums. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerves within your teeth. To manage this, you can try certain toothpastes, gels, and even some dental procedures that are meant for sensitive teeth. If you still have questions, give us a call. We’re happy to help!
What Should I Do to Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay?
Great tooth and gum care starts at home. Brushing and flossing daily is the proven 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. It’s also a good idea to visit our office at least once every six months.
We’ll give you an exam and thorough tooth cleaning. In the exam, we’ll be able to catch any early signs of infection or decay. And our hygienists are skilled at getting your teeth plaque-free with a dental cleaning.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surround the teeth and enter 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 the proper brushing and flossing techniques for home care so you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a quiet disease that usually begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as “gingivitis.” The gums become irritated, inflamed, and often bleed. When the condition progresses, it becomes periodontal disease, which is more painful and difficult to correct. You may notice the following symptoms appear:
- Bad Breath.
- Gum Recession.
- 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. We can control this condition through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.
What Is the Difference Between a White and Silver Filling?
Silver fillings, known as amalgam, have been around for decades. They are made from a metal alloy and were, for a long time, the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts based on the temperature of food and drink you consume. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled, keeping the tooth healthy and strong.
White fillings, also known as composites, are 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 fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match your tooth color.
How Can I Improve My Smile?
There are several ways in today’s dental world to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include:
- Tooth Whitening.
- Bonding.
- Porcelain Veneers.
- Porcelain Crowns.
We can improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. Please contact our office for a consultation where 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. Our whitening products contain fluoride to help prevent any tooth and gum sensitivity.
If you are thinking about tooth whitening, you should get the treatment from Dr. Thomas. It is safer to have teeth whitenings done by a dental professional. For your safety, it is our office’s policy that tooth whiting treatments are done only after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.
The whitening results 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 cosmetic procedure that we use to fill gaps in front teeth and to improve a tooth’s color. All it takes is a little bit of tooth-colored material, and practiced hands. Our team loves crafting beautiful smiles with dental bonding! 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, cola, and wine.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as little as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. We use this procedure 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 and restorative procedure. A crown is a piece of porcelain that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape, and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits. We use them to improve the appearance of a smile, but also to restore functionality to weakened teeth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth root. This titanium post is inserted under the gums and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. The team performing the procedure will keep you comfortable throughout. 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?
- They look and function like your natural teeth.
- Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
- They are easy to take care of with regular brushing, flossing, and biannual dental exams.
- Decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss with dental implants.
- Dental implants negate the need for a removable full or partial denture.
- Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing, unlike dentures or dental bridges.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people who have missing teeth 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 so we can 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 anesthetic is applied to the area. The dentist performing the surgery will then place the implant carefully and accurately. The dental team will then cover the area with sutures and cotton to stop any bleeding. You should feel little to no pain during the procedure, but there will be some soreness during the recovery period.
You will 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?
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to help you afford your perfect smile today! You may also look at our financial page.