Select a Patient Education topic:

Air Abrasion :: Back to Top
Air abrasion, also called "microabrasion" and kinetic cavity preparation, is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an effective alternative to the standard dental drill.

Air abrasion technology functions much like the sandblasting technique used to clear graffiti from walls. An air abrasion handpiece blows a powerful air stream of tiny, fine aluminum oxide particles out of its tip onto tooth structure. Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.

It most commonly is used to prepare various types of cavities to be restored with composites, or "white fillings." Air abrasion also can be effectively used to repair cracks and discolorations, prepare tooth surfaces for bonding procedures, and perform additional procedures.

What are its advantages?
Air abrasion procedures are virtually painless, which, in most cases, eliminates the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction. The technology can't harm soft mouth tissue and they operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with the utmost precision, it removes less tooth than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro-fracturing. In other words, the advantages are more of your tooth is preserved, there is little or no discomfort, no anesthetic numbness is needed, and treatment time is usually shorter.

How does air abrasion work?
Air abrasion procedures can leave an accumulation of harmless, dusty particle debris in the patient's mouth, resulting in a gritty feeling that is eradicated by rinsing. Your dentist may require you to wear protective glasses during the procedure, and a rubber dam may be applied inside your mouth and around the tooth area being treated to serve as a particle barrier. To reduce dust buildup, the dentist or dental assistant may use a vacuum hose or a water spray technique while administering air abrasion.

Is air abrasion suitable for everyone?
Yes. It is an especially good option for children who may be afraid of the needle, and the noise, and vibration of a regular dental drill. However, there are some treatments, like crown and bridge preparation, that still require the use of a dental drill. Air abrasion can't be used as an alternative in every procedure.

Who will provide my air abrasion treatment?
Your general dentist, who has been trained in restorative dentistry techniques, will perform any procedures that use air abrasion technology. Ask your dentist if he or she uses air abrasion equipment and if this technique is right for you.

Amalgams or "Silver Fillings" Dental amalgam :: Back to Top
Most people recognize dental amalgams as silver fillings. Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury, and an alloy of silver, tin and copper. Mercury makes up about 45-50 percent of the compound. Mercury is used to bind the metals together and to provide a strong, hard durable filling. After years of research, mercury has been found to be the only element that will bind these metals together in such a way that can be easily manipulated into a tooth cavity.

Is mercury in dental amalgam safe?
Mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous. When mercury is combined with other materials in dental amalgam, its chemical nature changes, so it is essentially harmless. The amount released in the mouth under the pressure of chewing and grinding is extremely small and no cause for alarm. In fact, it is less than what patients are exposed to in food, air, and water.

Ongoing scientific studies conducted over the past 100 years continue to prove that amalgam is not harmful. Claims of diseases caused by mercury in amalgam are anecdotal, as are claims of miraculous cures achieved by removing amalgam. These claims have not been proven scientifically.

Why do dentists use dental amalgam?
Dental amalgam has withstood the test of time, which is why it is the material of choice. It has a 150-year proven track record and is still one of the safest, durable and least expensive materials to a fill a cavity. It is estimated that more than 1 billion amalgam restorations (fillings) are placed annually. Dentists use dental amalgams because it is easier to work with than other alternatives. Some patients prefer dental amalgam to other alternatives because of its safety, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be placed in the tooth cavity quickly.What about patients allergic to mercury?
The incidence of allergy to mercury is far less than one percent of the population. People suspected of having an allergy to mercury should be tested by qualified physicians, and, when necessary, seek appropriate alternatives. Should patients have amalgam removed? No. To do so, without need, would result in unnecessary expense, and potential injury to teeth.

Are staff occupationally exposed?
Dentists are using pre-mixed capsules, which reduce the chance of mercury spills. And newer, more advanced dental amalgams are containing smaller amounts of mercury than before. An interesting factor can be brought into this: Because dental staff are exposed to mercury more often, one would expect dental personnel to have higher rates of neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. They, in fact, do not.What are other sources of mercury?

Mercury can be found in air, food, fish, and water. We are exposed to higher levels of mercury from these sources than from a mouthful of amalgam.

Antibiotics Prophylaxis for Mitral Valve Prolapse or Heart Murmur Antibiotic :: Back to Top
Endocarditis, an infection of the heart, is a life-threatening disease. It is relatively uncommon. Endocarditis usually develops in individuals with underlying structural cardiac defects who develop bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream). Some dental procedures can cause a bacteremia of short duration. Once bacteria are in the bloodstream, it can lodge on damaged heart structures causing endocarditis.

There are no controlled human studies to definitively establish that antibiotic prophylaxis provides protection against endocarditis. Further, most cases of endocarditis cannot be traced back to an invasive procedure. Therefore in 1997 the American Heart Association relaxed their recommendations regarding the prevention of endocarditis. Fewer procedures require pre-medication, and the regimen now consists of a single pre-procedural dose; no second dose is recommended. Your dentist will recommend antibiotics before dental treatment if you are in a high-risk category to develop endocarditis, and we treatment plan an “at risk” procedure.

It is recommended that all at-risk patients be strongly encouraged to maintain good oral health via professional and home care.

Endocarditis may occur in spite of appropriate prophylaxis. Report fever, night chills, weakness, achiness, fatigue or general feeling of illness following dental or surgical procedures.

Babie's Dental Health :: Back to Top
Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugars. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant's teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria that cause plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid attacks the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin. The condition also is associated with breast-fed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. The sweet fluids left in the mouth increases the chances of cavities while the infant is sleeping.

Prevention:
Never allow children to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage the baby's gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done once a day. Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child's teeth, use a soft toothbrush and a pea-shaped amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist when the child is between six and 12 months old.

Will changes in my child's diet help prevent baby bottle tooth decay?
Preventing baby bottle tooth decay involves changes in a child's diet. A series of small changes over a period of time is usually easier, and eventually leads to better oral health.

To incorporate these changes:

• Gradually dilute the bottle contents with water over a period of 2-3 weeks.
• Once that period is over, if you give a child a bottle, fill it with water or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by a dentist. The only safe liquid to put in a bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay is water.
• Decrease consumption of sugar, especially between meals.
• Children should be weaned from the bottle as soon as they can drink from a cup, but the bottle should not be taken away too soon, since the sucking motion aids in the development of facial muscles, as well as the tongue.

Why should I be worried about baby bottle tooth decay?
Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or nighttime is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to linger on the child's teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, pain and infection can result. Severely decayed teeth may need to be extracted. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth, and damaged adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth will usually result in healthy permanent teeth.

Baby Bottle Decay Syndrome :: Back to Top
The effect of using the baby bottle past age one can be crippling to your child's teeth. It is not uncommon to see a 2 or 3 year old with decay on all their front and back teeth because of their dependency on the bottle. To make matters worse, children at this age have a very difficult time facing dental treatment. Those with baby bottle decay can need up to 14 fillings, crowns and/or extractions.

It is necessary for many of these children to be admitted to a hospital and have their work done under general anesthesia in an operating room. This, of course, can be very costly, hospital charges often being greater than the dental charges. We are able to treat some of these kids with anti-anxiety medication in our office; however, this is very difficult, tedious work. Because of their age, even with medication, these children are not very cooperative.

Parents do many things to assure their children are healthy: inoculation against childhood diseases, using car seats and seat belts, ensuring their kids get proper exercise, eat right and brush their teeth after meals - these are all important preventive measures practiced by most parents to assure the good health and welfare of their children. Many children have medical care thanks to reform. Unfortunately, dental care is not included. Therefore, it is our responsibility to do those things that will assure our continued good dental health and that of our children. The tragedy is that all the expense and trauma of baby bottle decay can be avoided by simply throwing away all bottles on a child's first birthday.

Bleaching :: Back to Top
Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used to whiten teeth. Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. It can also be caused by your genetic make-up or simply getting older. Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. (Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray.) If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants, or porcelains.

Bleaching can be performed by your dentist in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. The procedure is a very conservative, cost-effective way to immediately impact your smile. It will improve the color of your teeth, but not change their shape or arrangement. Most teeth will bleach 2 or 3 shades lighter than their original color. Some stains respond to bleaching better than others. We will diagnose if you are a good candidate for bleaching. We can guess what shade your teeth will be after bleaching, but there is no way to accurately predict your outcome.

At home: We create a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution-10 percent to 20 percent carbamide peroxide-is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two or three weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve.

Laser (in office): The laser bleaching is completed in the office using stronger bleach and a laser light to speed the process. This allows for a better and more immediate result. The laser bleach is very strong. We take many precautions to avoid bleach touching your gums. Often, some bleach will touch your gums during the procedure, causing a slight pinching sensation and a white appearance to the gums for the next hour. Some people experience temperature sensitivity during the procedure. We want you to tell us if you experience discomfort during the procedure.

Combination bleaching: The laser bleaching can be followed with home bleaching consisting of trays that you wear for 2-6 hours/day for 2 weeks. (Home bleaching may be done without the laser treatment.)

How does it work? The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O2), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth. Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard, and retreatment time is less than the original treatment time.

Is it safe? Several studies, during the past several years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

Any side effects? Temperature sensitivity is sometimes a complaint after bleaching. The number of patients that report unusual sensitivity to carbamide peroxide tooth-whitening products is very low. Sensitivity can be managed easily by altering the at-home regimen: Daily use of fluoride in the bleaching trays, bleaching fewer hours per day or every other day, and Alternative Treatment Home bleaching can be done alone.

Bonding :: Back to Top
Bonding can work wonders for your smile. Using materials that match the shade, translucency and the texture of your teeth, gaps between teeth can be closed, spots and discolorations can be eliminated, and your self-confidence can be enhanced through the improved appearance of your smile. This material can be used on the anterior (front) teeth or posterior (back) teeth. The procedure is sometimes referred to as bonding is because an adhesive agent is used to actually bond the resin to the tooth structure. When teeth are chipped or slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of choice. Composite bonding is excellent for small defects in the teeth -- spots, chips, or gaps between teeth. For smile alterations involving an entire tooth or multiple teeth, porcelain is the material of choice.

Requiring a single office visit, bonding lasts several years. However, bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration. Bonding also is used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities and broken or chipped surfaces. Additionally, it can be used to cover the entire outside surface of a tooth to change its color and shape.

Breath Odor :: Back to Top
Breath Odor?
by Margaret J. Fehrenbach, RDH, MS, Educational Consultant
Many factors influence our breath. If a person has bad or offensive breath, no matter what the cause this is termed halitosis or fetor oris. Many people are concerned about this matter considering the amount of mouthwash that is purchased every year (more than what is spent on dental care by a large amount!). Bad breath can be caused by periodontal disease (gum disease or pyorrhea) and by decay. Dental disease should be ruled out first in an effort to control mouth odor.

Brushing all your oral surfaces: teeth, gums, your inner cheeks and lips, roof of mouth, and most importantly, the surface of your tongue, will reduce oral plaque and make your mouth real sweet! Flossing really finishes off the mouth since the bacteria around our gum-lines smells the worst. Possibly a professional cleaning may also be needed to remove the old plaque, the tartar, around the teeth that serves to hold the new plaque to its rough surface. Cavities or periodontal disease can also create odors like the tartar since these sites can hold the bacteria around the teeth. Infections such as ulcers or abscesses can also cause intense bad breath.

Systemic problems such as acids from the stomach entering the mouth or sinus or nasal conditions create bad breath too. If a patient has discharge or pain in other areas other than the oral cavity, they should see their physician to rule out any systemic problems that may be contributing to bad breath. One treatable factor in creating bad breath is dry mouth. The reduction of saliva in the mouth from various causes (see notes on dry mouth) allows the mouth to become lass self-cleansing, increasing the amount of stagnant bacteria plaque present. This dry mouth syndrome can be complicated by mouth breathing due to failure of the nasal cavity to work during respiration from colds or other infections or allergies. Treatment for dry mouth will help against this causative factor.

Another factor in creating bad breath is 'morning mouth'. This is also created by temporary dry mouth conditions and stagnation of bacteria plaque. This is best treated by plaque removal the night before and early in the morning and increased amounts of saliva that normally flow when one fully wakes. Mouthwashes used alone in the morning only reduce bacterial counts temporarily, masking the breath also temporarily, and then contribute to a drier mouth in many cases due to the high alcohol content. In addition, if sugared mouth mints and gum are regularly used, the risk for cavities is increased.

Another factor in creating bad breath is the type of food eaten. Odors from foods can last for a long time depending on the food. There is no quick cure for spicy or garlicky foods except time. The odors will keep coming into the oral cavity from the digestive system over time as food is broken down. So save your money and do not believe those slick salesman on TV for their 'assure" way of fighting this problem. Avoidance is the only real way of tackling food odors. The use of tobacco in all forms can also contribute to bad breath and it is hard to treat unless the habit is broken. The degree of exhaled bad breath from the respiratory tract is directly related to the odor intensity present in the type of tobacco use. Thus cigar and pipe smoking have a greater risk of bad breath due to their intense initial odors. Tobacco use can also contribute to bad breath by increasing periodontal disease, dry mouth, the additive use of alcohol has a similar affect. One factor is treatable is the bad breath due to bacterial plaque, as it places deposits on the oral surfaces in and around the teeth.

Bridges :: Back to Top
A bridge is a restoration which replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. There are two types of bridges - fixed and removable. Fixed bridges are bonded into place and can only be removed by a dentist. On the other hand, you can take out a removable bridge for cleaning. Removable bridges, while less expensive, may not be as desirable as fixed bridges and are not generally as stable.

Why do I need a bridge?
Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older. More importantly though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth were designed to complement each other. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or teeth in the opposite jaw may move up or down toward the space. this places unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth. In addition, the gum tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place can break down, increasing the risk of gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to decay. Missing teeth can also affect the way you chew and speak. Chewing on only one side may cause stress to your mouth. You also need your teeth to speak properly, since they help make the many sounds needed in speech. How is a bridge attached? A fixed bridge is commonly cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A false tooth replaces the lost tooth. Crowns which are cemented to the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.

Brushing Bruxism (Tooth Grinding) :: Back to Top

Composites (Tooth Colored Fillings) :: Back to Top

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide). Composites are not only used to restore decayed areas, but are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

How is a composite placed?
Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear. How long does it take to place a composite? It takes the dentist about 10-20 minutes longer to place a composite than a silver filling. Placement time depends on the size and location of the cavity-the larger the size, the longer it will take.

What is the cost? At CDC the cost of a "tooth colored" filling is the same as a "silver" filling. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of the composite up to the price of a silver filling, with the patient paying the difference. As composites continue to improve, insurance companies are more likely to increase their coverage of composites.

Advantages:

• Esthetics, the filling color is nearly identical to that of the actual tooth.
• Helps prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes by bonding to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure.

Disadvantages:

• Possible post-operative sensitivity.
• Slight change in shade color if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods. (Clear plastic coating helps prevent the color from changing if needed.)
• Composites tend to wear out sooner than silver fillings in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities. Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, which is comparable to silver fillings except in very large restorations, where silver fillings last longer than composites.

Crowns :: Back to Top

Crowns, also known as caps, are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time consuming.

Crowns range from full coverage conventional crowns, to conservative onlays or partial crowns. A crown is recommended when there is not enough tooth structure to predictably hold a filling. Crowns are imperative after root canal therapy. Often, crowns are recommended as a better alternative to fillings, or as a preventive measure when there is already a filling in place.

Alternative Treatments:
A filling may be an alternative; often a crown is the only choice to save the tooth. If decay is present, and you choose to do nothing, decay will grow, eventually causing pain, more expensive treatment and or tooth loss. If a preventive crown has been recommended, that tooth is at risk to fracture until treatment is provided.

**Crowns Can Now be Placed in a Single Visit with CEREC2
· The dentist performs the restoration in a single session, usually less than 1 hour.
· No need for a temporary crown that can come off or break requiring additional visits.
· No need for a second visit to deliver the crown.
· The restoration is natural looking, as it is made out of tooth-colored ceramic.

Our office is equipped with an instrument called CEREC 2, allowing us to make and install crowns in one visit. A conventional crown can take 2-10 visits. Here’s how it works. First, Dr. Belote prepares the damaged tooth by painting a thin layer of reflective powder on the tooth surface. Using a special camera, she then takes a picture of the tooth. This eliminates the need to make a messy impression. Dr. Belote works from this photo, which is actually a pin sharp optical impression of the tooth. Using computer technology, she is able to design the crown from the optical impression. Because the design is done chair-side on a color monitor, the patient can watch the design take place. They can also watch as the crown is made. The crown is made out of a block of ceramic material that matches the patients tooth color. It takes about eight minutes. After that, Dr. Belote bonds the newly milled crown to the tooth using an adhesive. In addition to partial and full crowns, veneers and all other single tooth restorations can be made. It’s a win-win situation for the patient and the dentist. Despite the $75,000 price tag, Dr. Belote says her patients won’t see any increase in her fees. The CEREC system was developed in Europe and introduced to the US in the late 1980’s. An updated version is now in place. Over 2 million restorations have been placed worldwide.

How is a crown placed?
A crown is a simple procedure. The decay or existing restoration is removed, and a porcelain or gold crown is made to very accurately fit your tooth. You should be comfortable during the procedure. An impression of teeth and gums is made and sent to the lab for the crown fabrication. A temporary crown is fitted over the tooth until the permanent crown is made. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown onto the tooth.

Will it look natural?
Yes. The dentist's main goal is to create crowns that look like natural teeth. That is why dentists take an impression. To achieve a certain look, a number of factors are considered, such as the color, bite, shape, and length of your natural teeth. Any one of these factors alone can affect your appearance. If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.

Why crowns and not veneers?
Crowns require more tooth structure removal, hence, they cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are stationary and are customarily indicated for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure, or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.

How long do crowns last?
Crowns should last approximately 5-8 years. However, with good oral hygiene and supervision most crowns will last for a much longer period of time. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or fingernail biting may cause this period of time to decrease significantly. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

Post-op instructions:

1. You may experience some discomfort and temperature sensitivity. Deep decay will cause stronger symptoms, possibly even the need for root canal therapy.

2. Your gums may be tender, use topical numbing agents.

3. If your bite feels high, you may need a bite adjustment.

4. Be careful not to chew your cheek or tongue while you’re numb.

5. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our office 24 /7.

Additional Fees and Procedures:

1. About 5% of the time, a tooth that needs a crown will need root canal therapy during or after crown treatment. In other words, any tooth that needs a crown is a candidate to need root canal therapy. We try to avoid root canal therapy whenever possible.

2. In some cases we have to perform a surgical procedure on your gums using an electrosurgery unit. The gums will require healing time if this procedure is performed. 

3. Small changes in your bite can trigger pre-existing problems in your joint to lead to joint dysfunction.

4. No medical or dental treatment has a 100% success rate. Treatment can fail, requiring additional procedures to be performed. The tooth can decay around a crown, porcelain can fracture, abrasion can wear a hole in a crown… Most people can expect to replace crowns in their lifetime.

5. Diagnostic techniques are limited and a tooth may require additional, unanticipated treatment.

Dental Cavities from Erosion :: Back to Top

Dentures and Partials :: Back to Top

Diabetes & Oral Health :: Back to Top

Digital X-Rays :: Back to Top

Dry Mouth :: Back to Top

Fillings :: Back to Top

Flossing :: Back to Top

Fluoride :: Back to Top

Gum Disease :: Back to Top

How Often Should I See My Dentist :: Back to Top

Infection Control :: Back to Top

Latex Allergy :: Back to Top

Nitrous Oxide or "Laughing Gas" :: Back to Top

Oral Health & Your Heart :: Back to Top

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ or TMD) :: Back to Top

Too Much Filling Too Little Tooth :: Back to Top

Tooth Decay :: Back to Top

Tongue Piercing :: Back to Top

Veneers :: Back to Top

Veneers are placed over the front teeth to change color or shape of your teeth. They are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems as bonding. This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive.

The procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is glued directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.

About Porcelain Veneers: The placement of porcelain veneers is a process of removing a small amount of tooth structure from the front of the tooth, so we can place a layer of porcelain to cover discolored or misshapen teeth. Porcelain is the most beautiful of dental materials. It mimics the color and translucency of tooth enamel. Veneers are longer lasting than cosmetic bonding, and can cover more esthetic problems than bleaching or bonding. Because we do remove some tooth structure in this process, you will have to be committed to taking care of your veneers for your lifetime. Porcelain is resistant to fracture and staining, although sometimes a veneer may need to be repaired or replaced.

X-Rays :: Back to Top

The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Attacks Previous studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with periodontal (gum) disease, but until recently no plausible cause has been suggested. Now studies indicate that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque may cause blood clots. When blood clots escape into the blood stream, there is a relation to increased risk of heart attacks and other heart illness. Over one half of the adult population have a chronic infection of the gums. Unlike most diseases that give us early warning signs, gum disease progresses silently, often without pain. Regular re-care appointments with your dental professional will help maintain your oral health.