Patient Resources
Q & A
Links:
Below you will find a wide array of interesting and educational links that we feel will benefit your understanding and knowledge of your dental health. If you have a suggestion for a link that you think would be of interest, please feel free to email it to us so we can share it with all of our patients.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. There are some toothpaste, gels, and even some dental procedures that can be applied to help. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
What is Gingivitis?
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It causes by bacteria that surround the teeth and enter the gums. The immediate 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
- 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, 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 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 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 in today’s dental world to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include:
- Tooth Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns
We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may 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, flouride 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 to change a tooth’s color. 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 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 cover the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.
What is a 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?
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 little to no 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!
LINKS
Below you will find a wide array of interesting and educational links that we feel will benefit your understanding and knowledge of your dental health. If you have a suggestion for a link that you feel would be of interest, please feel free to email it to us so we can share it with all of our patients.
Dental Associations
Dental Procedures and Topics
TMJ Exercises
Exercises – Muscle Spasm
Exercise for Jaw Muscle Spasm – Opening Mouth
- Very tight muscles need moist heat applied before starting exercise.\
- Start with mouth closed and teeth together in your normal biting position.
- Move your lower jaw and teeth straight forward – hold for 3 seconds.
- Open your mouth as far as you are able – hold for 3 seconds.
- Stretch your mouth open a little farther – hold for 1 second.
- Close your mouth in the forward position – hold for 3 seconds.
- Slide your jaw back to your normal biting position – rest here 10 seconds.
- You have just finished 1-cycle of this exercise. Repeat for 6 cycles.
Exercise – Head & Neck
SIT IN A CHAIR KEEPING YOUR BACK AS STRAIGHT AS YOUR ARE ABLE.
- The “YES” directional exercise (forward and backward):
- Start with your head in your normal forward-looking direction.
- Bend head forward attempting to touch your chin on your chest.
- Return to your normal forward-looking direction.
- Bend head backward looking on ceiling behind you.
- Return to your normal forward-looking direction.
- You have just finished 1-cycle of this exercise. Repeat for 6 cycles
- The “NO” directional exercise (side to side):Start with your head in your normal forward-looking direction
- Turn your chin toward your left shoulder – do not tilt your head.
- Return to your normal forward-looking direction.
- Turn your chin toward your right shoulder – do not tilt your head.
- Return to your normal forward-looking direction.
- You have just finished 1-cycle of this exercise. Repeat for 6 cycles.
- The “SLEEPING” directional exercise (laying over left and right):
- Start with your head in your normal forward-looking direction.
- Lower your left ear toward your left shoulder – do not raise shoulder.
- Return to your normal forward-looking direction.
- Lower your right ear toward your right shoulder – do not raise shoulder.
- Return to your normal forward-looking direction.
- You have just finished 1-cycle of this exercise. Repeat for 6 cycles.
After Dental Implant Surgery
After dental implant surgery, it is recommended that you take at easy for 48-72 hours. Resting assists the healing process and limits after surgery bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. You may need to apply an ice pack to your face in twenty-minute intervals for the 2 days following surgery. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks. It is common to experience slight bleeding for about two days after surgery. You will feel slightly uncomfortable the first two days following surgery, but the third day is generally better. An increase in temperature of about 1 to 2 degrees is to be expected and is not a cause for concern. Finally, while you can eat when you are hungry, do not chew directly onto the bone graft.
After you are approved then call our office to move to the next step for selection terms and finalizing your loan contract.
After this then Lending USA will send the funding to our office for us to start your Treatment Phase.
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