Q & A

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis.  Eat a well balanced diet to supply nutrients for good health.  Drink lots of water to increase saliva production. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque and tartar/calculus on the teeth.  If this bacteria is not removed, gums can become red, irritated, swollen and often bleed.  Regular hygiene visits required to treat gingivitis and to prevent the condition from worsening.  During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you the correct brushing and flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol for home care to prevent the progression of Periodontal Disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease (also known as gum disease) is a broad term use to describe the various inflammatory diseased that affect the gums, bone and surrounding structures of the teeth. The most common types of periodontal disease are gingivitis (described above) and periodontitis.  If left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the bone surrounding the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent tooth loss and/or abscess of the gums.

Periodontal disease is usually a silent disease that begins with little or no symptoms. The existence of bone destruction under the gums cannot be visually detected. Early diagnosis and treatment our your best defense. This makes it especially important to visit your dentist regularly.  Noticeable symptoms do not usually appear until significant damage has already occurred.  They include:

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Red, Tender, Puffy, or Swollen Gums
  • Gum Sensitivity, Pain or Tenderness
  • Itchy Sensation
  • Teeth that are Lose or Shifting
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Bad Breath or Bad Taste
  • Changes in Your Bite
  • Changes in the Fit of Your Partial Denture or Other Dental Appliance
  • Gum Recession
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth Pain
  • Tooth Loss


How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention.   Through Periodontal Therapy, usually beginning with  Scaling (removal of tartar and plaque from the tooth's crowns and roots) and Root Planing (smoothing of rough root surfaces to allow the gums to heal) and routine follow-up periodontal cleanings, this condition can be controlled. The dentist and hygienist may utilize additional methods depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. Periodontal Surgery my be necessary for severe cases.

What is the Difference Between a White Filling and a Silver Filling?

Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around since the 1800's.  For many years, amalgam was the dental restorative material of choice due to its low cost, ease of application, strength, and durability.  In recent years, the use of amalgam or silver fillings has declined due to concerns relating to aesthetics,  health, and the availability of improved, reliable, composite (white) materials.
White Fillings, also known as composite fillings, are synthetic resins which are used in dentistry that bonds to your tooth in order to replace missing or decayed tooth structure. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will match the tooth color.

How Can I Improve My Smile?

There are several ways in today’s Dental World to enhance your smile.  Certain procedures include:

  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns

We have the capability to improve your smile using these procedures. For consultation to determine which option is best for you, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile.  Over the years, fluoride is has been added to the whitening product.  This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.


Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly.  Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect.  Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!


What is Bonding?


Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color.  The immediate results are amazing.  Within a few hours, you will have a great smile!  Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits.   Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth.  This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile.  Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

What are Crowns?

Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth.  It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.

What is a Dental Implant?

A Dental implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root.  Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone.  There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure.  After a period of a few months, the Dental implant and the bone fuse together.  This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.  We recommend that the surgical placement of  an implants be done by a specialist (Periodontist or Oral Surgeon).

  • Dental implants look and function like your natural tooth.
  • Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
  • Dental implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
  • Dental implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease,  tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
  • Dental implants can replace the need for a removable full or partial denture.
  • Dental implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing.  A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.



Does your office offer financing for services provided?

We offer financing through Care Credit. Visit the website at www.carecredit.com or contact us for assistance.

Smile! Your in GREAT Hands! (775) 623-2364

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