Do you have a question regarding your dental health? Are you unclear about treatment options available to you? Or wish to know more about our office? Please e-mail us directly with your questions along with your name to phillip.j.dejesus@snet.net

Frequently Asked Questions:

*   What is a dental implant?
*   What is periodontal disease?
*   How does periodontal disease increase my risk for heart disease?
*   What causes tooth discoloration?
*   What is bleaching?
*   What are the most effective tooth whitening techniques?
*   How can I straighten my teeth?
*   What is the most effective way of replacing missing teeth?
 

What is a dental implant?

In the majority of cases, dental implants are regarded as the number one clinical solution for missing teeth by dentists. A dental implant is a small cylinder of titanium placed in the bone of the jaw to provide a permanent foundation for a crown, bridge or precision denture. A dental implant is a truly long term, predictable way to replace missing teeth.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. This disease begins just below the gum line in the sulcus, where bacterial toxins cause the attachment of the tooth and it’s supporting tissues to break down. Periodontal disease is classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is the actual loss of the tooth supporting structures and is not reversible.

How does periodontal disease increase my risk for heart disease?

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease then individuals without periodontal disease.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the more common causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea, sodas or tobacco products.  Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor because medications at specific ages in tooth development can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your dentist.

What is bleaching?

Tooth bleaching is offered for cosmetic purposes to individuals who have discolored enamel and are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth. Bleaching techniques vary depending on the level of discoloration. Any individual considering any bleaching products should seek advice from an oral health professional such as your dental hygienist or dentist. For the best and safest results, the individual should be monitored by an oral health professional throughout either home bleaching or professionally applied treatments.

What are the most effective tooth whitening techniques?

The most effective and safest way of obtaining tooth whitening is through in-office bleaching. This tooth whitening technique is employed in our office and the entire tooth whitening procedure can be completed in as little as one-hour. This procedure involves the application of a bleaching agent on a patient’s teeth.  Once the dentist activates the hydrogen peroxide contained in this bleaching agent, the patient’s tooth will begin to undergo the whitening process.  Our office offers both Zoom! and Britesmile whitening systems which have been proven to lighten a patient’s tooth by over 9 clinical shades of whiteness. Call for details and free computer enhancement.

How can I straighten my teeth?

Braces are without a doubt the most effective way to get straight, healthy teeth. Braces are small metal wires and brackets that are placed over the teeth to pull the teeth into place. Braces are usually left on between 6 months and three years. We also offer both Invisalign and OrthoClear as an invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces by using a series of clear removable aligners. The techniques have been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide.

Why is it so important to replacing missing teeth?

Missing teeth result in unsightly gaps in your smile, may allow adjacent teeth to drift and become misaligned which can eventually result in TMJ pain, cause unnecessary wear on adjacent teeth, affect your ability to get proper nutrition, and can even affect your entire facial appearance. Prosthodontics is the dental term used for the replacement of teeth. Prosthetic teeth can be made to look just like your natural teeth and greatly improving the attractiveness of your smile. Some of the options we offer for replacing missing teeth include Bridges and Implants. If you are missing any of your permanent teeth, schedule an appointment to learn which option would be right for you.