FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- What causes tooth decay?
- How often should I get dental checkups?
- Do you offer tooth-colored fillings? Can they replace my old silver fillings?
- My gums bleed when I brush/floss. Is this normal/ok?
- What are Dental Implants?
- Are dental implants painful?
- How long do my implant last?
- Why IMPLANTS are better replacement option than Bridge?
- Do Dental Implants require special care?
- I have a gummy smile, can it be corrected?
- What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- When is the right time to start orthodontic treatment?
- Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
- What are symptoms of gum disease/periodontal disease?
- What will happen if I don’t neglect gum disease symptoms?
- Am I at risk of having periodontal disease?
- Do you offer free consultations?
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused by acids which are produced by bacteria in the presence of sugar. To prevent decay these bacteria, sugar and acids must be periodically removed by way of brushing and flossing.
How often should I get dental checkups?
For most people, a checkup and cleaning every 6 months is standard protocol. Depending on a person’s dental health, however, a dental cleaning every 3 to 4 months may be recommended.
Do you offer tooth-colored fillings? Can they replace my old silver fillings?
The placement of tooth-colored composite fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures at Fresh breath dental. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old silver fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile.
My gums bleed when I brush/floss. Is this normal/ok?
Healthy tissue doesn’t bleed. This is most likely a sign of early gingivitis. If you experience bleeding gums, see your Periodontist . Gum bleeding must be taken seriously because if left untreated, it will lead to periodontal disease and ultimately tooth loss.
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are made of titanium and placed directly into your jawbone surgically. Once they integrate with your bone, a crown, bridge or denture is placed over the implants.
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients do experience some minor discomfort the first day after their dental implant surgery and may still have a little residual pain the second day, but when compared to tooth extraction, dental implants tend to be less painful.
How long do my implant last?
How long do teeth last? They should last a lifetime. However, we all can sight examples where teeth have not served for a person’s lifetime. We know that dental problems mostly stem from improper home care or lack of treatment when needed. The same holds true for implants. With proper care and routine dental check-ups they should last a lifetime. No one can give guarantees because the health of a person is dependent upon many factors which are out of the control of one’s dentist, e.g., proper nutritional needs being met, proper hygiene, genetics, disease processes which might occur. So, the answer to this question really is that no one knows how long each individual implant will last… one’s success can be influenced by the way you live and the quality of practitioner that you have chosen to do your implants… these things can tip the scales in your favor.
Why IMPLANTS are better replacement option than Bridge?
In the past, a dental bridge was the only non-removable option, and if it involves more than just the missing tooth. The adjacent teeth need to be “prepped” by removing most of the enamel in order to fabricate the tooth bridge. With dental implants however, the dentist replaces just the individual tooth for a result that is stronger and permanent.
Do Dental Implants require special care?
Presume that dental implants are natural teeth and treat them that way. Return for regular check-ups. Brush and floss. Realize also, that caring for the gums is the best way to care for one’s teeth. More teeth are lost as a result of gum disease than any other single cause.
I have a gummy smile, can it be corrected?
You need a consult with the periodontist. this can be done very easily and painlessly in most cases. Tissue sculpting (gingivectomy) is done in adjunct to any required cosmetic work to achieve beautiful, healthy smile.
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
When is the right time to start orthodontic treatment?
Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid more serious complications than if started later. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.
Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. 30-35% percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.
What are symptoms of gum disease/periodontal disease?
- Red, swollen, sore gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing
- Teeth that appear longer or become loose
- Large spaces that form between the teeth
- Gums that begin to pull away from the teeth
- Chronic bad breath
What will happen if I don’t neglect gum disease symptoms?
If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. If you’re pregnant, having periodontal disease is also linked to premature birth or low birth weight. Your smile’s health affects the overall health of your body.
Is gum disease treatable?
Gum disease is both preventable and treatable. Today’s periodontal treatments provide you with a variety of options that are gentle, safe, and effective. If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or gum disease, your periodontist can help you determine what treatment best meets your needs. Periodontal treatments include:
Non-surgical treatment (Deep cleaning/Scaling & root planing)
Periodontal surgery
Dental implants
At-home care (Regular & proper brushing & Flossing)
Am I at risk of having periodontal disease?
You may be at risk of having periodontal disease if you smoke or use tobacco products, do not brush your teeth or floss regularly, have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis, or if several of your family members have had gum disease: it can, in some cases, be genetic. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist, who can help determine if treatment is necessary.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes! We believe that a complimentary, one-on-one consultation is the perfect introduction to the customized general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us to schedule your consultation..
Frequently Asked Questions
Before & After
About the Doctor
Our Services
Dental Implants
Dental implants play an essential role in restorative dentistry. Because they are permanent prosthetics that are both natural-looking and cosmetically appealing
Cosmetic Dentistry
Do you have a special event or photo opportunity approaching that you'd like to look your best for? Or are you looking for a quick, easy way to subtract years from your face
Restorative Dentistry
In the past, dentists could only treat cavities and tooth ailments with silver and mercury fillings. Modern restorative dentistry has replaced these unsightly fillings
