F.A.Qs

What whitening products do you recommend?

There are many brands of professional whitening products on the market and for the most part, all of them will whiten teeth. We use the Sheer White System in our office. We would be happy to discuss whitening options and help you decide what would be best for you.

At what age do you see children?

We usually see children at the age of three for their first dental prophylaxis

Should I use mouthwash?

Most adults benefit from using an antibacterial rinse once daily. We would be happy to help you determine the best rinse to place into your oral hygiene regimen.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

We say the toothbrush is as effective as the hand that uses it. The Sonicare electric toothbrush is recommended in our office for those patients who need that extra help with plaque removal. Studies support electric toothbrush effectiveness but there are those patients who clean just fine with a quality soft toothbrush. Toothbrush choice is based on the individual needs of the patient.

Is dental amalgam safe?

Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively and has established a record of safety and effectiveness. The ADA and FDA state, and we believe, that dental amalgam is a safe, and durable material that has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans.

We have made the decision to longer place amalgam fillings. This was not a safety decision. It was made due to the improvements made with composite materials and the increasing cost of amalgam disposal.

What causes gum disease?

The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque but many factors are involved in the body's response. These factors include: smoking, genetics, puberty, pregnancy, menopause in women, stress, medications, diabetes, other medical conditions, clenching or grinding your teeth, poor nutrition and obesity. We provide a comprehensive periodontal examination and charting in our hygiene department so that you understand your periodontal status.

Is it normal for gums to bleed?

Bleeding is sign of inflammation and bacteria accumulation. Bleeding gums is never normal unless you insure them. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Why do I need a crown?

A dental crown covers the top portion of the tooth and provides strength and protection for the tooth underlying structures. It can be made out of porcelain or porcelain fused to metal or gold. A crown is a precision cast restoration made in a dental lab and is a custom fit for your tooth only. Dental crowns or "cap" may be necessary to maintain a tooth for normal function in the mouth in many situations.

• Tooth is badly broken down
• Large defective restoration
• Root canal therapy
• Cracked tooth beyond repair

What can I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

Keep the tooth, hold it by the crown and rinse off the tooth root with water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place. If it's not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk or cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt or a product containing cell growth medium such as Save-a-Tooth. Call our office as quickly as possible. Knocked out teeth with the highest chances of being saved are those seen by the dentist and returned to their socket within 1 hour.

What toothpaste do you recommend?

Any ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste or gel. During your visit to the hygiene department in our office, we can better customize your oral hygiene home regimen after a thorough

oral exam.

Where can I get more information?

Please call us with any questions of concerns. We look forward to working with you! Review our links for additional information.