Frequently Asked Questions

Color and Appearance

What teeth whitening products do you recommend?

We provide both at-home and in-office options for teeth whitening. Our dentist can create a custom teeth whitening tray for you to use at home. Many of our patients prefer the convenience of teeth whitening at home. However, we recommend deep bleaching in our office for teeth that are severely stained or discolored.

How can I whiten discolored teeth?

During your next appointment, our dentist will discuss the pros and cons of replacing your old silver fillings. If the pros outweigh the cons, our dentist will remove the silver filling and evaluate the remaining tooth. Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, we may recommend a new filling made out of composite, porcelain, or gold.

I hate how my old silver filling looks. What can I do about it?

We generally recommend leaving functional silver fillings in place. If there is a crack in the tooth or filling, or cavities forming around the filling, we would remove the existing filling and replace it with white composite.

If you have silver fillings without damage or defects and simply have cosmetic concerns, we are open to talking through your options, but again recommend leaving them in place.

Dental Care and Prevention

How can I prevent tooth decay?

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. If you’re still leaving plaque behind, we may recommend adding a fluoride mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine. You’ll also want to make sure you’re brushing your teeth for 2 minutes at a time.

To reduce your risk for tooth decay, we recommend limiting foods loaded with sugar and/or carbohydrates. Cavities are caused by an invisible film of bacteria on your teeth called plaque. This plaque loves to feed on the sugar left behind on your teeth after you eat. As the plaque eats the sugar, it produces an acid that erodes tooth enamel. Over time, plaque buildup will increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How do you detect cavities early?

Our dentist uses DIAGNOdent to detect weaknesses in tooth enamel before they become cavities. DIAGNOdent works by directing a harmless laser light on the surface of your tooth to measure density. By detecting cavities early, we’re able to save as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Should I worry about this red or white patch inside my mouth?

Yes! Any red or white patches inside your mouth should be taken seriously as a potential sign of oral cancer. Other signs of oral cancer include sore throat, difficulty or pain while eating, thickened skin inside your mouth, and loose teeth. Our dentist will be able to perform an oral cancer screening to reduce your risk of needing deforming facial surgeries and to give you the best chance of survival.

Tooth Replacement and Oral Pain

What are my tooth replacement options?

We offer dentures, implants, and bridges to replace missing teeth. However, many of our patients prefer dental implants and bridges because they feel more like natural teeth. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) that supports a crown. If you don’t want to wait months for a tooth implant to fuse with your jaw, our dentist might recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge is comprised of a false tooth anchored by crowns on adjacent teeth.

Could my constant headache be caused by a TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull. If you wake up with jaw pain, you may be grinding your teeth at night. Other signs you could have a TMJ disorder include headaches, worn tooth enamel, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth. You may also hear a popping or clicking sound when you open and close your mouth. Teeth grinding exerts pressure on the TMJ, as well as your teeth, which is why we recommend scheduling an appointment with us if you suspect you have a TMJ disorder. If your TMJ disorder is caused by teeth grinding, we’ll be able to create a custom night guard to protect your smile. Otherwise, we’ll refer you to the appropriate TMJ specialist to receive proper treatment and physical therapy.

Finances

Do you offer financing for dental care?

Yes, we recommend CareCredit Financing if you need extended payments. Call our dentist office if you have any questions about financing.