Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Are there contraindications on tooth whitening that I should take note of?
Tooth whitening is safe but patients who have gone through cosmetic restorations may find their Veneers and Bonds don’t match their brighter, whiter smile. Your dentist could readily replace your Veneers and Bonds for a uniform color. Patients who are lactating or pregnant should not undergo a tooth whitening procedure. Bleaching is also not recommended for children less than 6 years old.
Why do I need to wear braces?
Proper tooth positioning creates an environment that is easier to keep clean and allows teeth to function as teeth were designed to function. This means a reduction of cavities, plaque, tartar, and detrimental wear on your teeth. We refer to several orthodontists in the area that provide free initial exams/consultations.
Does diabetes have an impact on my oral health?
Yes, uncontrolled diabetes can result in many oral complications, including gingivitis and periodontal disease, salivary gland dysfunction, increased susceptibility to infections, caries/decay, periapical abscesses, loss of teeth, loss of taste, and burning mouth syndrome. It has also been proven that smokers with Type I diabetes are 20 times more likely to develop destructive gum disease than smokers without diabetes. People with Type II diabetes (noninsulin-dependent diabetes) are 3 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In addition, research indicates controlling chronic infections associated with gum disease in people with Type II diabetes may improve glycemic (blood sugar) control.
How can I take better care of my teeth when playing sports?
Considering more than 200,000 injuries to the mouth and jaw occur each year, dentist recommends the use of mouth guards in a variety of sports. Mouth guards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those wearing braces. Keep your mouth guards clean with cold water or with an antiseptic mouth rinse. Keep your mouth guard inside a firm, perforated container.
What’s the effective cure for bad breath?
A lot of people suffer from halitosis or bad breath even if they brush their teeth daily. Some simple procedures can eliminate the problem: brushing twice daily, daily flossing and tongue cleaning, regular dental cleanings and careful cleaning of dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if the problem still persists, our clinic offers several solutions. A tongue scraper to clean away bacterial build-up in your tongue can significantly alleviate odor or a specially-prepared breath treatment system designed to break-up the odor-causing sulfur bonds that result in bad breath.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
Our staff is trained with specialized sanitation techniques to ensure your safety. Aside from wearing gloves and facemasks during treatment procedures to prevent infections, we utilize a water filtration system to guarantee a safe water source for each client’s use.
Is there a painless way to go through dental procedures?
We understand that some people are worried about dental visits so we provide our clients with a relaxing atmosphere to make them feel calm and at ease. If necessary, we offer nitrous oxide or prescribe sedatives before treatment to make them feel comfortable. No need to be scared, just tell us how you feel and we’ll put your worries to rest.