Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. Unlike amalgam fillings, tooth-colored fillings are a custom-mixed resin composite. The composite mixture is matched to your tooth color and bonded directly to the tooth. This usually results in a filling that is nearly indistinguishable from your natural tooth.

Absolutely not! You are never too old to have a beautiful smile. Call us today to find out what we can do to help you. We'd be happy to show you pictures of some of our other cosmetic transformations.

Dental crowns are designed to be very durable and to function much like your own teeth. You need to use common sense, however, and avoid biting down directly on foods like hard candy or nuts. A broken crown is not just costly to replace, but it may also damage the underlying healthy tooth structure.

Dental implants have several advantages over other tooth replacement options:

• Dental implants appear the most life-like and natural.
• The actual implant piece of the dental implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible metal.
• Dental implants are the most secure and stable.
• Dental implants prevent bone loss, keeping your jaw tissue healthy and preventing changes in the shape of your face.
• With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

The goal of an emergency dental appointment is to address the immediate need, resolve your problem, and relieve your pain. If we believe further care is needed, we will schedule a regular appointment to follow up with you and create an appropriate treatment plan to prevent future problems.

For most patients, we recommend twice-yearly visits for cleanings and examinations. If we are currently treating you for a particular concern, we may recommend that you visit us more frequently. 

The appropriate treatment for your gum disease will vary depending on how far your disease has progressed and any contributing factors, such as hygiene and other health conditions. Some of the treatments recommended for gum disease include:

• An increased dedication to excellent oral hygiene
• Antimicrobial rinses and other products
• An antibiotic medication that is placed in the gum pockets
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
• Laser therapy
• Gum surgery

We will discuss your situation with you and recommend the treatment that we believe will be the most appropriate for your unique needs.

Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, plaque left behind will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's instruments. When tartar accumulates beneath the gum line, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums—the beginnings of periodontal disease.

The cost of a smile makeover really depends on the type and extent of work you need. There is a wide variance in the cost of services, ranging from complex procedures like dental implants to basic treatments like dental bonding.

Depending on your situation, any of these types of procedures can have a dramatic impact on the appearance and health of your smile. But the cost can only be determined after you and your dentist decide which is most appropriate for your specific needs.

We are in the business of protecting teeth. When we recommend a dental extraction, it is only because no other option exists, and we need to remove your tooth to relieve symptoms or to protect your oral health.

A dental extraction is not the end of the world, though it does create some concerns for our patients. We are here to help. While you may have some anxiety about your dental extraction, we always strive to provide gentle, comfortable treatment by using appropriate levels of anesthetic to make sure you don’t feel any pain.

Losing a tooth can cause concern about your smile and being able to eat the food you need to stay healthy and that you enjoy. We offer many tooth-replacement options to complete your smile. We will go over all of your options at your appointment and start an appropriate plan to have you feeling yourself again as quickly as possible.

Dental extractions are sometimes avoidable with preventive and restorative dentistry. If you notice something is wrong or if you feel any symptoms, including pain or swelling, contact us right away. Acting fast will often give us the opportunity to save your tooth.

Give us a call to schedule a dental appointment.