What is tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion is abnormal tooth wear at the gum line of a tooth.

What causes tooth erosion?

Tooth erosion is caused by excessive brushing.

What is an implant and what is its function?

An implant is a metal post placed in the bone which holds an abutment.  A crown then covers the abutment replacing the lost tooth.

What is a fixed bridge and what is its function?

A fixed bridge is a false metal tooth that is attached to the teeth on either side of it with a crown.

What is a cap (crown)?

A cap and/or crown is the complete coverage of a tooth with metal and porcelain or a combination of both.

When is a tooth crowned?

A tooth is crowned when there is insufficient tooth structure to hold a filling.  The tooth is fully covered with a crown to protect and prevent the tooth from breakage.

Which filling material lasts the longest… gold, silver, or white?

In general, gold outlasts silver which outlasts white.

What types of filling material should be used?

The material to be used will depend on:

1.) The surface of the tooth being fixed.

2.) The size of the area on the tooth to be filled.

3.) The desired color of the tooth being filled.

4.) The expected longevity of the filling being placed.

What is a cosmetic bonding?

An adhesive, tooth colored material is placed to correct a broken (in some cases), discolored, mishaped, or malpositioned tooth.

How many appointments does cosmetic bonding take?

Direct cosmetic bonding is completed in one appointment.

How is cosmetic bonding different than veneers?

The biggest difference is cosmetic bonding is done in 1 appointment and verneers usually take multiple appointments.

What is a verneer?

A verneer is a tooth colored facing constructed by a dental lab from an impression taken by the denture on the 1st appointment.  It is then anchored to the tooth on the second appointment.

How is a verneer different from a crown?

A crown covers all 5 surfaces of a tooth a verneer covers 4 surfaces.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is the removal of the nerve tissue from a tooth which is then replaced with a material to prevent a future infection.  This material is placed in the nerve chambers of the root or roots of a tooth.  It can take up to 3 or 4 appointments depending on the condition of the tooth.

Is any treatment necessary after a root canal?

Yes, it is recommended that a post be placed down one of the roots to prevent future fractures and a crown (full coverage) be placed over the remaining tooth to protect the remaining tooth structure.

Why does a tooth treated with a root canal need to be crowned?

When a root canal is completed, there is a hole in the middle on top of the tooth.  This severely weakens the remaining tooth structure.  A crown will cover and protect the weakened tooth structure.

What is gum disease?

It is an infection in the gum tissue around the teeth which can also infect the bone supporting the tooth.

Are there other names for gum disease?

Yes.  They include pyarea, periodontitis, and gingivitis.

How is gum disease treated?

Depending on the stage of the problem, it can be treated with improved flossing & brushing, medications, deep cleaning, and tissue surgery.

How can gum disease be prevented?

Gum disease can be prevented with daily flossing & brushing and with frequent tooth cleanings.

How often do teeth need to be cleaned?

Depending on the condition, it may require up to 4 cleanings per year.

Why would I need to wear a lite appliance?

1.) If a patient wakes up with frequent headaches coinciding with the muscles used in chewing.

2.) If a patient experiences a sore jaw joint (TMJ) (Temporo-Mandibular Joint).

3.) If a patient has a severe wear area, usually on the front teeth.

4.) If a patient grinds their teeth at night causing one or all the above symptoms.

When do I wear the lit appliance and how long will the appliance last?

The appliance is worn at night and the longevity of the appliance will vary with the severity of the night grinding.

How do I clean the lite appliance?

Use a soft brush and liquid soap.  Toothpaste will rough up the surface and create a bacterial foodtrap.

What are the ways teeth can be bleached?

1.) Whitening strips purchased in stores (10-14 days).

2.) Whitening trays purchased in stores that hold the bleach (10-14 days).

3.) Custom trays constructed specifically for a patient which fit precisely on the patients teeth for maximum effective bleaching (7-14 days).

4.) A direct chair procedure done in office, usually taking one appointment (1-2 hours).

Are all equally effective?

All can be effective depending on the patient.

Are there any disadvantages to any of the bleaching methods?

1.) Store bought strips do not properly fit on every set of teeth and results may vary.

2.) Store bought trays do not properly fit on every set of teeth and results may vary.

3.) Tooth whitening / bleaching takes 1 – 2 weeks.  However, the degree of color change can be controlled by the number of days the teeth are bleached.

4.) There is no control as to how white the teeth will get.  Consequently, the results may be very dramatic.

Is bleaching harmful?

It can cause sensitivity to the teeth and the gum tissue.  This sensitivity is usually reversible.

Are there any restrictions while bleaching ones teeth.

Yes, any foods which can stain the teeth are not recommended while bleaching.  Examples include coffee, wine, soda, grape juice, etc.