Dental Associates of Manchester |
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FAQS
Do you think your teeth are too yellow? Cosmetic bleaching is a simple, safe, and easy way to brighten up your smile. It usually takes only a few weeks to dramatically whiten your smile. How can I get the yellow out of my teeth? The first step is to get a cleaning using a "prophy jet" with a baking soda spray and tooth polishing as the last step. This will help your dentist evaluate the type and amount of real discoloration present in your teeth. Then, a two-step in-office bleaching technique using heat/lamp or the new laser approach is combined with the usual "matrix home bleach" for the safest, quickest way to whiter teeth. Subsequent follow-up is recommended to maintain your new tooth color. How long does bleaching last? Each person is different. It depends on many factors including your diet, the original color of your teeth, and each person's ability just to absorb the bleaching products. I smoked for years -- can my teeth be whiter? Yes. External bleaching may or may not help. If not, the teeth can be covered with a light composite resin bonding or beautiful "stick on" porcelain laminates. However, continued heavy smoking will unfortunately shorten the longevity of any treatment result. My old fillings in the front have turned dark. Can they be bleached? Bonding and composite resin fillings do not bleach. Usually, polishing may help but if not, you can have the surface of the fittings redone. Otherwise, it's time to replace with newer bonding or porcelain laminates for longer lasting results. Remember, only replace these fillings after bleaching in order to match the new improved color of your own natural tooth. What is Bonding? Advances in dental materials have given us a new approach to broken, strained, or discolored front teeth. In a relatively simple procedure, a composite resin or porcelain material is added directly to the roughened enamel surface of the tooth. Often no anesthetic is required. Bonding can be used to close gaps or spaces between teeth or to make crowded teeth appear straight. Cosmetic dentistry can have an impact on a person's smile that is like magic. Am I a good candidate for Dental Implants? Most patients who are healthy enough to undergo normal dental treatment and maintain good oral hygiene can have dental implants. Since general health conditions or structures of the mouth may prevent the use of an implant individual evaluation is necessary. Am I too old for implants? Age is not the determining factor for having dental implants placed. We have placed implants on patients in the mid-eighties. If you are in relatively good general health then you are a candidate for dental implants. Many patients in their 70's and 80's suffer needlessly from loose dentures. When they finally have their implants placed to support their dentures, they are very happy that they had it done. How long do Implants last? Statistics indicate that they may last in excess of 30 years. Once successfully integrated with the surrounding bone, implants have long-term potential as natural teeth, if properly taken care of. How long have Implants been around? The current cylinder type of titanium has been used in excess of 30 years. Implants were invented in 1957 in Stockholm, Sweden. They were then tested in the 1960's and introduced in Europe and the U.S. in the 1970's and early 1980's. Implants are safe and provide for an excellent option for people with missing teeth. How will I benefit from Dental Implants? The benefits of implant treatment include appearance, the enhanced ability to chew and enjoy your food, and often protection of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Dental implants offer many benefits never before available for the treatment of missing teeth. In short, dental implants will look, feel and function like your real teeth. What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are biocompatible substitutes for lost natural teeth. They are devices for attaching artificial replacement teeth firmly to the bone. Implants can be used to support a single crown, or as anchors for fixed bridges, fixed or removable partials. or complete dentures. I recently noticed a white patch in my mouth that won’t seem to go away. Should I be concerned? Any mouth sore that persists for more than a week should be examined by your dentist. Leukoplakia is a thick, whitish-color patch that forms on the cheeks, gums or tongue and is caused by excess cell growth. It is common among tobacco users and can also result from irritations such as ill-filling dentures or a habit of chewing on one's cheek. The danger of leukoplakia is that it can progress to cancer. Your dentist may want to take a biopsy if the leukoplakia appears to be threatening. My teeth are loose. Have a teeth cleaning (prophylaxis), full mouth x-rays and periodontal probing to determine why they are loose. Chances are you will want to have a consultation with your dentist to help determine the cause and develop a plan to treat the condition. My tooth is sensitive to air. How come? · A sensitive root. As we get older, more of the root of a tooth can become exposed, and this exposed root can be susceptible to dehydration or touch. This tooth may need either a filling or a protective coating to prevent undue irritation of the tooth · Sensitivity to air can also be aggravated by any other irritation to the tooth -- a deep filling, decay, or recent dental treatment. · If part of a tooth has broken off, or part of a filling is missing, the tooth can also be sensitive to air. Why is is important to fill decayed teeth, even baby teeth? For children, untreated decay can result in chronic pain and early tooth loss. These sequelae can lead to failure to thrive, inability to concentrate at or absence from school, reduced self-esteem, and psychosocial problems. Primary teeth should be retained until their permanent successor teeth emerge. Permanent teeth should be retained for life, if properly cared for. Decayed teeth should be repaired promptly so that fillings may be kept small and as much natural tooth structure as possible conserved. Typically, fillings have to be replaced several times during life; each time, additional tooth structure has to be removed, weakening the tooth. Of course, preventing the initial cavity is preferable to restoring the tooth after disease has occurred. Prevention is best accomplished with fluoride and dental sealants. Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures? You can seriously damage your dentures and harm your health by trying to adjust or repair your dentures. A denture that is not made to fit properly can cause irritation and sores. See your dentist if your dentures break, crack, chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. A dentist can often make the necessary adjustments or repairs on the same day. A person who lacks the proper training will not be able to reconstruct the denture. This can cause greater damage to the denture and may cause problems in your mouth. Glue sold over-the-counter often contains harmful chemicals and should not be used on dentures. Should I use a denture adhesive? Denture adhesive can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture, which causes constant irritation over a long period, may contribute to the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with your dentist immediately. What is an overdenture? A removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture. Your dentist can determine if an overdenture would be suitable for you. Will dentures make me look different? Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. Will my dentures need to be replaced? Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist uses the existing denture teeth and refits the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear. Dentures become loose because a mouth naturally changes with age. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, causing jaws to align differently. Shrinking ridges can cause dentures to fit less securely. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections. A loose denture also makes chewing more difficult and may change your facial features. It's important to replace worn or poorly-fitting dentures before they cause problems. Do you accept my insurance plan? Our practice accepts a wide variety of insurance plans. To determine if your plan is one of these, simply call our office and we'll be happy to research it for you. We're well-versed in the latest coverage trends, and are more than happy to discuss the particulars of your plan with you prior to any treatments you may undergo. How much more is the filling if you use the laser instead of the regular drill? There is no additional charge when the dentist uses the laser for a filling procedure. The cost of the filling is determined by the size, number of surfaces, and the material used for the filling. What can I anticipate happening during my initial visit? During your first visit, our goal is to get to know you, clearly understand your dental health condition, and determine the best plan for any required treatments. So we'll spend time asking you questions and listening carefully to your answers. We'll also do a detailed charting of the health status of your teeth, gums, and related structures, and take any necessary x-rays. Why do I have to have x-rays? Won't it cause cancer? X-rays show a variety of things not seen by a visual exam including bone loss, tooth decay, impacted teeth, some tumors and cysts. Most dental x-ray machines today are low dosage. For the very concerned patient, a new technology called radiovisiography uses the lowest amount of radiation. For instance, an entire set of complete x-rays is equal to one conventional x-ray using 90% less radiation. Will my insurance cover the use of the laser? Today, many dental services can be performed with either the laser or traditional treatment, and are generally covered by most insurance plans. Lasers are just a part of the process as are dental drills, anesthetic, sutures or hemostats. At what age should children first see a dentist? We're convinced that good dental health begins early. In fact, it's not too early to bring your child in for their first dental visit after their primary teeth have erupted, or generally around their third birthday. This provides us with an opportunity to spot and prevent any potential oral health/dental problems; it also gives your child a positive, non-threatening dental office experience. How does fluoride work? Tooth decay is an infectious and transmissible bacterial disease. When a person eats sugar, or other refined carbohydrates, some oral bacteria produce acid that removes minerals from the surface of the tooth (demineralization). If the demineralization process continues for a period of time, a cavity is formed. If fluoride is available, the demineralization process can be reversed thereby preventing the formation of a cavity. In addition, fluoride reduces the ability of the oral bacteria to produce acid. How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned? Each person is different...twice a year is based on most insurance coverage, but most patients need to have a professional dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months. Decay and gum disease is caused by bacteria in a colony that takes about 8-10 weeks to become destructive or must be removed or broken up within this base period. My son chews tobacco -- will it cause cancer? It sure can! Even worse than cigarettes because of the concentration of tobacco. Chewing tobacco is an absolute cancer producer. What are Sealants? Sealants are, without a doubt, the finest, preventive service that we can provide our patients. In this process, the grooves in the teeth are sealed with a thin but hard plastic resin coating that effectively eliminates the potential for tooth decay. With no pain, no shots, no drilling, sealants are radically improving the health of our children and adult patients. That's great! Which teeth can have Sealants? Cavity Prevention At Any Age Primary molars Pre-Teens molars Teens bicuspids and molars Adults bicuspids and molars Why do I need X-rays? Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw placement, and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination. How Can I tell if my child needs orthodontic treatment? It is usually difficult to know if your child will need orthodontic treatment until your child is 8-12 and their permenant teeth start to come in. We reccomend that you bring your child in to the orthodontist when your child is 8 to evaluate whether treatment will be needed. Generally, the orthodontist will evaluate your child, and if your child needs treatment, the orthodontist will take corrective action to avoid costly and painful treatment later on. I'm in my 50's. Am I too old for braces? No. Many adults are choosing tooth-colored ceramic braces which hardly show. A removable appliance may even work with certain patient problems. Orthodontics is usually the most cost effective treatment because treatment means eliminating the cosmetic problem while retaining your natural teeth. Restorative treatment always has a "life expectancy" on any restorations meaning you will have to continually do whatever treatment you choose. My chin recedes. Is there anything that can make me look normal, besides a chin implant? Orthodontics is a good place to start, but most times the treatment will have to be coordinated with an orthognathically trained oral surgeon. Orthognathic surgery (jaw advancement) Work with a team -- orthodontist and oral surgeon and restorative dentist. My gums bleed when I brush or floss. Is this normal? No! A thorough soft tissue evaluation including x-rays, with a prophylaxis (cleaning) and good homecare instructions is an essential beginning. Usually bleeding is a beginning symptom of gingivitis or periodontal disease, and may require conventional gum surgery if necessary. Talk to your dentist who can do different forms of treatment from simple cleaning of the teeth to antibiotic therapy, and as a last resort, surgery. My gums have shrunk making my teeth look larger, what can be done? Sometimes a gum graft can be done to cover sensitive roots and stop the downward progression of your gums. New techniques with little discomfort and great results are available. You may also need bonding, or other restorative treatment as part of the treatment plan. What are the signs of Gum Disease? If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately: · gums that bleed when you brush your teeth · red, swollen or tender gums · gums that have pulled away from the teeth · bad breath that doesn't go away · pus between your teeth and gums · loose teeth · a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite · a change in the fit of partial dentures What is Gum Disease? Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. What is Plaque? Plaque is a bacteria-laden white substance, which forms on the teeth and contributes to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Effective flossing will help remove plaque missed by brushing before it contributes to these harmful effects. What is the difference between Gingivitis and Periodontitis? In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist. What is the correct way to brush? Place the head of the toothbrush next to your teeth, with the bristle tips at a 45-degree angle next to the gum line. Move the brush back and forth in a small circular scrubbing motion. Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth, upper and lower. Make sure you keep the bristles angled against your gum line. Now, brush the inside tooth surfaces, using the same brush strokes. To reach the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt your brush vertically and use gentle, up and down strokes with the head of the brush. Scrub the chewing surfaces of all back teeth. What is the correct way to floss? Use a piece of dental floss approximately 18 inches long. Wind each end of the floss around your middle fingers. Holding the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers, leave about an inch of floss in between. Use a gentle, back and forth motion to guide the floss in between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss, which may cause some unnecessary irritation to the gums When the floss is at the gum line, curve it into an arc around each tooth until there is mild resistance. Holding the floss in the arc position, gently slide it up the side of the tooth, making sure the floss goes under the gum. Move the floss up and down (not back and forth) several times to remove the plaque from under the gum. Repeat this procedure on both sides of each tooth. Will my insurance cover periodontal treatment? Dental insurance is intended to cover some, but not all of the cost of your dental care. Most plans include coinsurance provisions, a deductible, and certain other expenses which must be paid by the patient at the time of services. Reimbursement amounts are not, and never have been, a guideline for quality care.
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