Frequently Asked Questions About Your Oral Health
What can I expect from my first dental visit?
Answer: In your first, and most important, visit to our office, you will meet the team who will be caring for you and your smile, take a tour of the office, and receive a comprehensive oral evaluation (COE). Your COE includes a full mouth series of radiographs (X-Rays), a thorough periodontal evaluation of your gums, and intra-oral photos of your teeth, which you are able to see on a computer monitor. In addition, diagnostic, stone models of your teeth are made to evaluate spaces, tooth position, crowding, and a bite analysis. These stone models can also be used to make custom trays for fluoride treatments and whitening.
From this information, we have a complete picture of your overall oral health and personal goals so that we can prescribe the best possible care for you. As your dental partner in health and in beauty, it is our responsibility to make sure all your wants and needs are met. Call today to find out more what to expect during your first visit.
I just want my teeth to look good. Is other dental care necessary?
Answer: The ultimate result in your cosmetic success is enhanced through the health of your teeth and gums. Healthy gums heighten the cosmetic appearance your teeth. Unhealthy gums can make beautiful teeth, look less than desirable. It is always in your best interest to ensure that all your teeth and gums are healthy and absent of broken down or decayed fillings thus giving you a healthy, beautiful smile.
Are amalgam (silver fillings) harmful?
Answer: There has been much controversy for some time regarding the safety of dental amalgams. Although there is no evidence of health risks or side effects from silver—mercury fillings—our office only uses tooth-colored restorations for new fillings and to replace old or defective silver fillings. The newer materials available today such as resin composites or porcelain inlays/onlays are more conservative and esthetic providing a beautiful, long lasting alternative to silver fillings.
My gums bleed when I brush or floss my teeth. What causes this?
Answer: Bleeding gums are a sign of infection. Gingivitis, periodontal (gum) disease, and several other medical conditions can cause your gums to bleed. When gums are healthy, they do not bleed. If you are experiencing bleeding when you brush or floss, it’s time to see your dentist. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
My dentures are uncomfortable. What options do I have to increase my comfort?
Answer: The best solution for uncomfortable and ill-fitting dentures is to place dental implants. Find out if you are a candidate for implants by having a complete and thorough evaluation before undergoing any treatment.
I’m interested in whitening my teeth. Do you offer this service?
Answer: Yes. Whitening is one of the most popular procedures we do. It is the safest, most non-invasive cosmetic procedure you can have. The best part? The results are instantaneous. We highly recommend Zoom In-Office whitening to make your smile the brightest in the shortest amount of time.
Are you accepting new patients?
Answer: New patients are always welcomed in our office. The success of our dental practice is based on the happiness of all our patients. Your referral of friends and family is the best complement we can receive in achieving the highest level of dental care.
Do you offer a variety of payment options so that I can afford the treatment I want and need?
Answer: So you want and need a lot of dental work and are concerned about the cost of treatment—you are not alone. There are many different payment options available to you. We will help you find the option that best suits your needs so that you can have the dentistry you need and want without being financially overwhelmed and that fits comfortably into your family budget
The gum tissue around my crown looks dark. What causes this? Can it be eliminated?
Answer: The darkness around old crowns is primarily due to the metal needed to support the porcelain. Yes, it can be eliminated. These types of crowns have been replaced with newer technology which consists of all porcelain restorations with zirconium support. Therefore, metal in most circumstances is not necessary. The newer, all porcelain restorations are more esthetically pleasing and natural looking.
I keep hearing about porcelain veneers. What are they?
Answer: Veneers are thin porcelain shells which are specifically designed to bond (adhere) over the front part of your existing teeth. They can improve the shape, color, and size of your teeth. In many cases they can also be used to correct mild to moderate crowding when orthodontics is not an option. Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve your smile by whitening stained teeth; straightening crooked teeth; eliminating gaps, chips and cracks; and providing a natural shape to your teeth.