Why are teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is common and can develop over time, typically because of gum recession or enamel wear. It can occur in specific areas of your mouth. In some cases, Sensodyne is recommended to relive sensitivity or other treatment may become necessary to alleviate the problem.
What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Brushing and flossing at least twice per day can help prevent cavities, gum disease/infections, and tooth loss. Regular dental visits can help detect problems early before it becomes a major problem.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can result in redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious level of gum disease. Other contributors to gum disease and oral health problems are smoking and diabetes.
- Gingivitis generally does not cause pain.
- Signs of gingivitis include red, spongy, shiny, or swollen gums that bleed easily, even during regular tooth brushing.
- Gingivitis may only affect a small area of the mouth in the early stages. If it progresses, gingivitis can affect the entire mouth.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease are the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to become swollen, red/tender and bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening brightens and changes the color of your teeth. Teeth whitening can be achieved by either changing the intrinsic color or by removing and controlling the formation of extrinsic stains.
Your dentist, depending on the type and severity of the staining, may suggest one or more of the following:
- Over the counter whitening toothpaste, bleaching gels or bleaching strips
- Professional bleaching in-office or custom bleaching trays
- Porcelain veneers
Teeth that are brown or gray or stripped/mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly.
For ultimate results, we recommend having a professional dental cleaning to remove surface staining caused by wine, tea, soda, food, and tobacco.
What are Crowns?
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size. It protects and strengthens the tooth structure that cannot be restored with a filling.
Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting smile. Reasons for dental crowns are:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cracked tooth
- Teeth decay
- Root canal teeth
- Large filling
- After implant surgery (implant crown)
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone and become sturdy for supporting an implant crown, implant bridge, and dentures.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- It’s a permanent solution for missing teeth
- It decreases the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and tooth loss
- Dental implants replace the need for removable full or partial dentures
- Dental implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between
- Recommended routine dental visits is essential for long term success