It seems like everyone is a cosmetic dentist these days. How do I go about finding a good one?
As in all professions, individual skills vary. Look for credentials and associations with organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Ask to see examples of each dentist’s work (before and after pictures of actual patients are good guides). Try to find someone who will work with you on an artistic level to develop a plan for a beautiful and natural smile.
How long does the whitening process take and is it safe for my teeth?
Each person responds differently because everyone’s teeth are different. There are several different process options such as Zoom, which is administered by the dentist and can take as little as an hour to achieve the desired result. Take home systems from your dental office can also be effective and cost less. On average a patient should see a difference in three to four days. Yellow teeth respond whiter than gray teeth. Some patients experience sensitivity during the whitening process; however, there is no permanent harm.
I’m concerned about radiation exposure. Why do I need X-rays?
In dentistry today we use ultra high speed filters that greatly reduce the amount of exposure. The amount is less than you would receive during a five minute walk outside in the sun. We use digital X-ray equipment in my office, so exposure is minimal. Without X-rays your dentist can’t see if there is decay between teeth or under the gum line.
Why would I need a root canal if I don’t feel any pain?
Your nerve may have died a “silent death” without causing pain. The likely result of this will be an infection (abscess) that will only get larger and create a very serious health risk.
I have older crowns in front, larger than my natural teeth. Can these be replaced?
Yes, today dentists have a wide assortment of materials to choose from when making your crowns. We can now make crowns out of pure porcelain without metal and alleviate the dark line at the gums. The size of the crown is a function of how your dentist prepares your teeth to receive a crown to fit your smile.
What can be done if I have excessive or uneven gums?
Excessive or uneven gums can be corrected with cosmetic surgery, a tissue reduction that gives a more even and natural effect.
I have the old, dark fillings that can be seen when I talk. Do I have to have crowns to improve my smile?
Not necessarily. Old unsightly fillings can now be replaced with esthetic, natural looking materials such as resins and porcelain. A crown may be needed if the tooth structure has been compromised by decay and can no longer retain a filling.
My dentist said my old metal fillings were leaking, what does that mean?
Old fashioned metal alloy fillings were compressed into a filling space without the benefit of today’s adhesive technology. Over time, the interface between the old filling and the tooth breaks down and creates a gap that can retain bacteria and stain that ultimately leads to more tooth destruction.
Is it possible to save a tooth that has been knocked out?
Yes, if you can get to a dentist quickly. Once a tooth is knocked out, the patient has about 45 to 60 minutes to re-implant a tooth. Its best to either place the tooth in milk or under your tongue until a dentist can prepare the site for re-implantation. Later, after a period of good healing has taken place the nerve (which was severed in the loss of the tooth) will be removed by the dentist.