Q & A

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. We can customize your oral care routine to fit your specific case. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gum disease or tooth decay as you age.

What is Gingivitis?


Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular dental hygiene visits are highly recommended to complement your daily oral hygiene routine. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and your protocol for home care to prevent gingivitis progressing into a more serious periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease can begin with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The beginning disease is known as ‘gingivitis.' As it progresses, your gums become more irritated, inflamed and often bleed from this infection. If not properly treated, the condition worsens and may now show these signs and symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Gum swelling and/or recession
  • Sensitivity to certain foods
  • Abscesses (pyorrhea)
  • Tooth and gum pain
  • Loose teeth


How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing & scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled from getting worse. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

What is the Difference Between a White Filling and a Silver Filling?

Silver Fillings known as amalgam or mercury fillings have been around for a long time. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings for decades. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold foods in the mouth. These metal fillings, when properly placed and taken care of, can last a long time. Sometimes, when these metal fillings deteriorate, it may cause a surrounding tooth structure to fracture.

White Fillings, also known as composites are often made of resin and glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a material which chemically bonds into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

How Can I Improve My Smile?

There are several ways in today’s dentistry procedures to enhance your smile. These include:

  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Orthodontics/Invisalign

We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please talk to us so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride has been added to the whitening product to reduce the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.
Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

The whitening process can last for decades if maintained properly with easy at-home touch up treatments and by minimizing consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and red wine. We recommend rinsing or drinking water right after consuming dark colored beverages. Even better, if you can, brush your teeth immediately afterwards.

What is Bonding?


Bonding is a procedure that uses white resin filling materials to fill gaps in front teeth, change a tooth’s color, or balance tooth sizes for a more pleasing smile. The results are immediate, done in one visit, and can be amazing! The longevity of bonding procedure vary case by case and depend on how well it is maintained.


What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded directly on your natural teeth. It is a primarily cosmetic procedure. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers can change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last decades to keep you smiling beautifully!

What are Crowns?

Crowns are a permanent restorative procedure that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are typically placed on teeth when the tooth is badly broken or compromised by very large fillings. Front tooth crowns can be as beautiful as porcelain veneers. Some back tooth crowns are made of metal such as gold, but today they are mostly made of a special ceramic material which looks great, matches your teeth color, and also is very strong. They can change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth and root. Made from titanium, this screw-like post is inserted under the gum and directly into the jaw bone under anesthesia. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the dental implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant. With proper care, a dental implant will last your life time just like a properly cared for tooth!

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

  • Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
  • Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
  • Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
  • Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
  • Dental Implants replace the need for a Removable, Full, or Partial Denture.
  • Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised/crowned to create a false tooth in between. It can also be difficult to clean underneath the bridge false tooth.

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.


What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 - 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.

The next visit is to place the Implant under local anesthesia or under sedation if deemed necessary by you or the doctor. After the implant is placed into the jawbone, the area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure causes very minor post op pain.

You will next return in approximately 3-4 months to begin the next phase of creating the crown to place over the Implant.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

Fees from Dental Implants vary from case to case. You will be able to have an implant consultation visit to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

How long does a Dental Implant last?

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, A Dental Implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.

What dental insurance plans do you take?

We take and can work with most PPO plans, and we are in network and/or have a discount agreement with Carefirst, United Concordia, Delta, and Cigna at this time.

Does your office offer financing for services provided?

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

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