is "whitening my teeth" safe?
Bleaching and whitening techniques are very safe and the procedures we use have been approved by the American
Dental Association. Whitening your teeth does not degrade any tooth structure or make it easier to stain your teeth.
If I have gum disease do I HAVE to get surgery?
NO! You can be treated on a regular basis and may not have to have surgery. The best option is to have a dentist look first and tell you the best options for your situation.
Will I need to get caps on my teeth to remove the spaces between them?
NO! Most of the time it is not required to get caps on your teeth to remove the spaces.
Now days with porcelain facings one can easily make cosmetic changes to get rid of those spaces, make your teeth straighter, brighten the color, and fix cracks. In fact, most of the time we won't have to remove much of the tooth structure to create a beautiful white smile
Are everyone's teeth the same that get a cosmetic makeover?
NO! Each person is different. and each tooth is shaped and created to fit your facial structure and mouth size.
What is a dental implant?
People usually refer to a dental implant as a replacement
tooth or replacement teeth, but, actually, it is a metal appliance that replaces the
patient's tooth roots. Once the artificial roots are in, the
replacement tooth is put in place and anchored securely to the bone via implant. Your new teeth work just like natural
teeth and look the same as well! There are several types of implants for various dental
conditions.
Do I have to see more than one dentist to get dental implants?
NO! We are qualified to do all the steps of implant dentistry from beginning to end. It is not needed to visit more than one doctor for this procedure. as when a single dentist does this procedure the outcome is more predictable and a much more comfortable.
What is positive about getting dental
implants?
Dental implants are an excellent choice for the patient who:
- Cannot function comfortably with
normal dentures
- Has lost several teeth and wants to avoid having removable partial dentures
- Needs a crown or a fixed bridge but
does not want to damage adjacent healthy teeth
- Wants the dental solution that's the closest to what normal teeth look and feel like.
Who is right for dental
implants?
Because of advances in technology, more people are candidates - although many people are told they
are not. The only way to know is to be evaluated by a
practitioner who has received advanced training in implant dentistry. Normally, if a patient is healthy enough to have fixed bridgeworks
or standard extractions, they can also have a dental
implant procedure.
What do the dental implant procedures
involve?
Most can be placed by a trained dentist in 1-2 visits. More visits will be needed to fit the
replacement teeth.
How long do dental implants last?
Most last 30 years or
longer with a preventive maintenance program. These programs help insure the
long-term success of your implants and teeth.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implants cost about the same as fixed bridgework or other advanced procedures.
Do dental implants need any special
care or maintenance?
They should
be cared for the same as natural teeth. Even though implants can't decay, they're still subject to gum disease just like natural teeth
are.
Is there any chance my body will reject the dental
implant?
NO! Dental implants are
made of titanium. Titanium is compatible with the body.
How long will I have to stay home?
Normally we suggest the day of the implant placement
and the next day. Most patients go back to work the next day
after placement. It's all up to how you feel as an individual.
What will happen if I decide NOT to get
treatment?
When you lose teeth, you slowly lose the bone that
supports them. As this bone shrinks, problems with a lack of
support lead to increased discomfort, mobility, lack of retention of
dentures, and sharp, painful ridges, movable gums and sore areas. The
tongue enlarges to make up the space. With tooth loss, a
five-fold decrease in function occurs and the diet usually shifts to softer foods.
When bone is lost, the incidence in numbness to the lower lip or even
fractures of the jaw increase. In addition, this progression will affect
the ability to provide treatment that we could have provided before. It could require more implants or more specialized treatment. In fact, it
may have gotten to the point that we cannot even provide treatment any longer. If a person waits too long the bone loss may be so severe that the
only way for a person to have teeth of any kind would require a hip
graft (taking parts of bone from the patient's hip).