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 What causes bad breath? |
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Should I replace my black and unsightly silver fillings? |
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What are sealants? |
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When do I need a crown on my tooth?
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Why should I wear a mouthguard? |
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Why do my dentures cause me discomfort?
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When should my baby first see a dentist? |
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When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
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What if I am too embarrassed or too frightened to have any dentistry done on my first visit? |
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What if I cannot afford to pay for all the dental work I need right away? |
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What if I cannot make appointments during the week? |
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What causes bad breath?
While bad breath might be a symptom of some other disorder, it most likely stems from dental decay and periodontitis. In this disease, the irritated gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets fill with bacteria and pus which give off a foul odor. Patients with bad breath should need a complete dental evaluation. If gum disease and/or dental decay is diagnosed, it can be treated readily. The patient will no longer have an infection in his or her mouth, and he or she will no longer have the embarrassment of bad breath. If you have questions regarding halitosis, please call our office.
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Should I replace my black and unsightly silver fillings?
Many people have had silver fillings placed into their teeth because they had "cavities". These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed. However over time, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which blackens the silver, and many times the tooth. This is easily seen as soon as a patient opens his or her mouth and is usually a source of embarrassment for the patient Composite fillings are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible".
Composite fillings also lack the sensitivity that is often associated with silver amalgam fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for patients who may be allergic to metal fillings. Please don't hesitate to call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing silver amalgam fillings with invisible composite fillings.
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What are sealants?
luoride has been a great benefit to patients of all ages in helping prevent dental decay. Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing "cavities." However, the most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which require further preventive care.
To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100%. The American Dental Association recommends sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13. Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless.
Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay.
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When do I need a crown on my tooth?
Teeth are often restored with fillings of silver or composite plastics. These materials can often accomplish the aim of replacing the part of the tooth that has been lost in a strong and good-looking manner.
However, there comes a point where the damage to the tooth has removed too much structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavier use and meet more elaborate cosmetic requirements. The Crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up and splint the tooth.
The chewing of the tooth can be improved because it can be reshaped to match more efficiently with the opposing teeth. A crown can improve cosmetics by the use of modern ceramic processes that produce translucency and color that is more natural than has ever been possible.
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Why should I wear a mouthguard?
While mouthguards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouthguard should be part of every athlete's gear, no matter the sport. Even adults or weekend athletes need to protect their smile and preserve their health.
Do: Wear a mouthguard at all times when playing sports. Wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by your dentist, especially if you wear bridges or braces.
Don't: Wear removable appliances like retainers when playing sports. There are two types of mouthguards:
Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast of your teeth. These cause very little interference with speaking or breathing. They provide the best protection and fit over braces and fixed bridges. They also cost more.
Ready-made: Purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are the least expensive, the least effective, and least comfortable. Please call our office if you would like to "play it safe!" and wear a comfortable mouthguard and protect your teeth.
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Why do my dentures cause me discomfort?
Many denture wearers breathe a sigh of relief when they get their first pair of dentures, because they think their dental problems are over. What they soon realize, however, is that have just traded some old problems for new ones.
Even the best dentures can't compete with natural teeth in ability to chew food efficiently and comfortably. As the years go by, the supporting ridges that remain after teeth have been removed gradually change and get smaller.
For most patients, the dentures need to be "relined" or "refitted" every 2-4 years so that the denture will conform to the changing ridge. A large change in weight can also alter the shape of the mouth, causing changes in the fit.
If you have questions about your dentures, please call our office.
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When should my baby first see a dentist?
"First visit by first birthday" sums it up. Your child should visit a dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child's smile now and in the future.
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When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
This is a good habit to start early! The teeth must be cleaned as they erupt. Use a damp washcloth or a toothbrush.
If your health care provider agrees, use a tiny dab of fluoride toothpaste. Tooth brushing is definitely a parent's job in the preschool years.
Children are usually able to brush their teeth well when they are 8 years old. Be sure to check your child's teeth regularly for any chalky white or brown spots which could be the beginning of tooth decay.
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What if I am too embarrassed or too frightened to have any dentistry done on my first visit?
Your first visit is primarily focused on getting to know you and listening to your hopes, fears and concerns. A cleaning, x-rays and exam is generally done on the first visit unless the patient wishes otherwise. Any other work is done only with the patient's consent.
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What if I cannot afford to pay for all the dental work I need right away?
We offer you a variety of payment options; from partial payment plans to no interest financing upto 18 months, or we also accept most major credit cards. Our office will be able to better discuss with you what options might be suitable for your needs.
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What if I cannot make appointments during the week?
We have office hours on Saturdays and evenings. Please call the office if you need to schedule an appointment.
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