FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the difference: “fillings” versus “restorations?”

The difference between the two is fundamental and makes a huge impact on the stability, functionality and life of your tooth. Basically, a “filling” simply fills a hole in a tooth created by decay and the resultant drilling to remove that decay. A “restoration” is designed to restore the tooth back to full, long-term functionality, stability and comfort. A restoration is a healthier, longer lasting solution to dental health.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Care Credit. Care Credit is a convenient, low minimum monthly payment program for the entire family designed to pay for healthcare and elective treatment not covered by insurance, with extended plans up to eighteen months – interest free.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Research has proven that bleaching is both safe and effective. Bleaching gels are well buffered making sensitivity less of a concern.

I have tooth-colored fillings or crowns on my front teeth – what are the alternatives to bleaching?

Since bleaching will not change the color of those materials there are two different options: veneers or bonding. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain glued to the front of your teeth. These are difficult to stain. Bonding uses composite resin to restore chipped or broken teeth, fill in gaps, reshape/recolor your smile.

What are canker and cold sores?

Canker sores are small white swellings or sores surrounded by an area of redness. They are not contagious. They occur inside the mouth, and are common and can recur. Factors such as stress, trauma, allergies, cigarette smoking, iron or other vitamin deficiencies and heredity can make one susceptible. Usually these heal after 7-10 days.

Cold sores are groups of painful fluid-filled blisters around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. These are usually caused by a type of herpes virus and are very contagious. Because there is no cure for cold sores, the blisters may reoccur during times of emotional upset, exposure to sunlight, allergies or fever. The blisters usually heal in a week.

Why do I always have bad breath?

Bad breath also known as halitosis. This can strike periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause. Bad breath can be caused by the following: poor dental hygiene, infections in the mouth (periodontal disease), respi-ratory tract infections, external agents (garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco), dry mouth and systemic illnesses (diabetes, liver disease, kidney, lung, sinus or reflux disease).

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth means that you don’t have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth moist. If you have dry mouth all the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious health problems or indicate that a more serious medical condition may exist.

There are several reasons why the glands that produce saliva might not function properly: side effects of some medications, disease (diabetes, Parkinson’s, Hodgkin’s, HIV/AIDS and Sjogrens syndrome), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, menopause and smoking. The only permanent way to cure dry mouth is to treat the cause.

What is a cracked tooth?

Teeth with cracked tooth syndrome usually have fractures that are too small to be seen on x-rays. Sometime the fracture is below the gum line and more often occurs in lower molars, which absorb most of the forces of chewing. People who grind or clench their teeth may be more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome because of the constant forces out on their teeth. Teeth with large fillings or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are weaker than other teeth and may be more likely to crack. Many people with cracked tooth syndrome have symptoms for months, but it is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are not consistent.

What are the risks involved with a oral piercing?

An oral piercing is any piercing of the tongue, lips or cheeks. There are 8 risks involved with oral piercings: infection, prolonged bleeding, pain and swelling, chipped or cracked teeth, injury to the gums (can cause gums to recede), interference with normal oral function (causes excessive saliva flow, impedes your ability to pronounce words correctly and causes problems with chewing and swallowing), blood-borne disease and endocarditis (an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues).

Why shouldn’t I sip on pop all day?

Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay. Acids and acidic sugar by-products in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities. There are some steps that you can take to reduce the harmful effects: reduce the number of pops you drink each day, substitute different drinks (water, milk and 100% fruit juice), rinse with water (after drinking a pop rinse your mouth with water to remove vestiges of the drink) and use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse (fluoride reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel).