Check Out Some of the Frequently Asked Questions About Our Dental Services

A composite filling is one that is tooth colored. This type of filling is just as durable and long-lasting as the traditional amalgam fillings but without the glaring silver color.

 

The only difference between a composite filling and an amalgam filling is the color. Both are equally withstanding restorations. It’s the patient's preference whether or not he or she would like a silver-colored or tooth-colored filling. Often times, insurance companies will cover the same amount for a composite or amalgam filling.

A crown is essentially a cap that is placed on a tooth. There are certain situations that necessitate having a crown placed. If there is a large, existing, and older restoration in a tooth, a crown is an excellent choice in helping to preserve and maintain the strength of the tooth. Crowns are always recommended after having a root canal.

A crown preparation visit is usually a longer appointment, taking about an hour and a half. During the first visit, an impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to the lab for fabrication of the crown. A temporary crown is placed on the tooth during the interim. After about 10 days, the final crown is ready to be seated.

 

There are a variety of options for crowns. The most common type of crown is a porcelain crown that has metal on the inside. The crown is tooth colored, which makes it blend flawlessly with the rest of the teeth.

With molar crowns, sometimes the best choice of crown is gold. Though gold is not as cosmetic as a porcelain crown, it has been shown to be longer lasting and more durable. There is also an all-ceramic or all-porcelain type of crown.

These types of crowns are usually used in the front of the mouth in the “smile zone.” Because there is no metal involved with the ceramic crown, it’s a great choice for the front of the mouth.

Implants are single tooth restorations that can take the place of a tooth that has been removed. Essentially, an implant is the ‘root’ of a missing tooth. It is a post made of titanium that actually fuses to the jaw bone.

A three-unit bridge shaves down two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and creates a fake tooth in between the other two. Because an implant is a standalone restoration, there is no need to shave down any other teeth.

 

Implants can be very helpful in stabilizing upper and lower full dentures. Especially in the lower jaw, where there is less natural suction to hold a denture in place, implants can act as an anchor. Usually, two or three implants can be placed by an oral surgeon helping the lower denture to stay in place.

Implants are also a great treatment option for the upper jaw as well. Most patients don’t experience much movement with the upper denture, but implants can always be used to stabilize the denture so that there’s no chance of it moving.

Though replacement times vary with the individual, most dentures need to be replaced at least every five years. Patients who have partials or dentures need to have them checked at least once a year. Sometimes, depending on the individual, a patient should have a partial or denture checked twice a year.

 

An in-office reline is softer than that of a lab reline and is also very temporary. The material that is used in office has much more cushion than that of the lab reline, which is one of the reasons why it is temporary.

The ADA maintains that the use of fluoride not only helps to prevent decay and cavities but is also useful in maintaining existing cavities. Fluoride is especially important in children, as most children don’t have the best oral hygiene habits.

 

Fluoride is a natural element that is found in the Earth’s crust, as well as in water and air. Fluoride is essential to the health of teeth because it mixes with tooth enamel as teeth are forming.

 

A sealant is a small plastic coating that is placed on the biting surface of permanent teeth. Sealants are a fantastic way to help prevent cavities in children.

In-office whitening usually takes about an hour.

 

During an in office whitening procedure, a number of things take place. First, a barrier is applied to the gum line of all the teeth in the ‘smile zone.’ This ensures that none of the whitening gel accidentally gets onto the gums. After the barrier is securely in place, the gel is applied.

Agitating the gel every five to seven minutes ensures that the whitening is continually taking place. After fifteen minutes, the gel is removed and reapplied. An immediate difference is always noticeable, even though the whitening process continues to take place after the patient leaves the office. To help combat sensitivity and to help maintain the brightness of the teeth, MI Paste is recommended.