Frequently Asked Questions

When should I bring my child in for a check-up?

As early as age three a young child can become acquainted with a dentist and develop a trusting relationship. The first check-up will include fun activities like counting the teeth and exploring the office! We offer Super Kids’ Day, A Patient Appreciation Skating Party, school visits and school tours as ways to help young people enjoy socializing with their health care providers and gain a feeling that “Dentistry Can Be Fun!”

How important is Oral Cancer Screening?

Often signs of disease can be noticed and detected early in the mouth, even though they are present elsewhere in the body. One such example is AIDS. Your dentist can see the early signs of mouth cancer or otHer signs of systemic disease. Thus, oral cancer screenings are very important.

Why do I have to come in for regular cleanings?

To activally keep gum disease under control in your mouth, it is extremely important to come in for regular check-ups and cleanings. Plaque that remains in the mouth and on the teeth is a breeding ground for infections and decay. At your regular cleaning, the dentist will also check for any signs of oral cancer, any signs of tooth decay, the state of gum disease in your mouth, and will address any other concerns you may have. Periodontal disease has a direct correlation with heart disease and it is important it is treated in its earliest stages.

Is it safe to whiten teeth?

It is very safe for adults to whiten teeth under the supervision of a dentist. Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should not use whitening agents.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are ultra-thin laminates of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. The veneers allow the dentist to change the color and/or shape of the teeth. Veneers are the latest development in cosmetic dentistry.

What are implants?

A dental Implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Dental implants are also more conservative and tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

How old should my child be before considering braces?

A child should be assessed for orthodontics (braces) as early as age 7. Sometimes, early intervention therapy may eliminate or reduce the amount of orthodontics required in the future.

Why should I save my tooth instead of extracting it?

Once a permanent tooth is extracted, it is gone forever. The teeth behind, above, or below will encroach upon the space. The spacing in the mouth will change. Also, the tongue may grow into the space of the missing teeth and the jaw could be affected. This could lead to joint pain. Today, there is much that can be done to alleviate pain and save teeth.

Why do teeth that have root canals need crowns?

If a crown is indicated, it is generally because the restoration (filling) needed for the tooth is too large and would fracture under normal function. Also, when a tooth has a root canal, the tooth becomes more brittle because the tooth has no blood supply. This could result in a fracture. A crown would help to alleviate this problem. Not all teeth that have root canals need a crown, although many do.

Should I have my silver fillings replaced?

One should have their silver fillings replaced as needed. The reasons for replacement are signs of tooth decay underneath the silver filling or if the filling is cracked or broken. Very rarely does someone have an authentic allergy to silver fillings. New composite materials allow the fillings to match tooth color and remain laregly invisible in one’s smile.

Are white fillings better than silver fillings?

White tooth colored fillings bond to the tooth structure, increasing the tooth strength. Additionally, the white composites expand and contract less than silver fillings, thus putting less stress on the tooth. The two main differences between silver fillings and white composite fillings are their esthetics and composition. We consistently use non-mercury based materials.

Why do I need a reline or to have a new denture made?

After someine loses all or some of their teeth, the bone area is no longer under “function”. when this happens, the bone begins to atrophy, or become smaller. As the bone changes, the original denture will not fit the same as it previously did.

Infection Control

Our Office Takes Infection Control Seriously!

Dentists and patients are concerned about the spread of infections. We have adopted very stringent infection-control techniques. These include: