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A MADISON, AL DENTIST
PUTTING YOUR NEEDS FIRST

256-837-1200

Q & A

Do I have to get my cavities fixed right away?

The sooner you see a dentist, the greater the chance that the tooth decay can be stopped in its tracks before it starts to cause pain and without the need for serious (and expensive!) intervention. The longer you leave it, the more damage will occur, the more pain you’ll experience, and the bigger the bill you’ll be up for at the end.

What's the difference between traditional braces and clear aligners?

There are many teeth-straightening treatments available. Perhaps the most recognized option is traditional metal braces. Metal braces consist of brackets that are affixed to your teeth. Wires are threaded through slots in the brackets. The brackets are typically made of stainless steel and the wires stay connected to the brackets by small rubber bands. The wires put a constant, yet gentle, force to properly align your teeth.

Aligners are thin, clear trays made to fit your teeth. Unlike metal braces, aligners are removable. The patient is responsible for putting them in and taking them out. Patients receive sets of aligners designed to move their teeth using the same method as braces: constant, gentle pressure. The advantage of aligners is that patients are able to remove them and brush and floss thus maintaining proper oral hygiene during treatment.

If my gums bleed do I need to see a dentist?

In many cases, bleeding gums are no big deal if caught early, but sometimes it can warrant professional treatment. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist, make an appointment today. Getting the issue diagnosed and making the necessary changes will help improve the health of your mouth considerably. With the right diagnosis and personal care, bleeding gums can become a thing of the past.

Is jaw surgery necessary for a crossbite?

Luckily, not all bite corrections warrant surgery! Here are four non-surgical methods for various bite corrections. Expanders are often used to correct a crossbite – a situation where either the upper or lower bite is more narrow than the other. Braces or aligners can often alleviate a lot of bite concerns, and if your bite is only slightly off, solutions like Invisalign can be an even less intrusive. Bonding, Implants and Reconstruction include new crowns and even veneers can deliver the solution you’re seeking. Veneers cosmetically alter the teeth to give the appearance of no underbite.

Are ceramic fillings worth it?

Ceramic fillings are especially useful where parts of the tooth are stressed or under heavy load and in need of extensive fillings to restore them or protect the unsupported parts of the tooth prone to fracture against the heavy bite from opposing teeth. Ceramic fillings are usually made from porcelain, and less likely to stain over time compared to composite fillings.
Ceramic fillings are tough and tend to last for at least 15 years, so while they cost more, they are a good investment.

What should I avoid with porcelain veneers?

After we place your permanent veneers, you will need to make changes to your diet to ensure your veneers do not become damaged. Some foods to avoid with your permanent veneers include dark liquids, such as black tea, black coffee, or red wine. You should sip through a straw to decrease the time the liquid comes in contact with the teeth. Extremely hard or crunchy foods are also not recommended. Limit alcohol consumption too since it can damage the bonding material. Patients who experience tooth sensitivity may also want to avoid extremely cold or hot food or beverages.

Can you get gum disease with dentures?

Bacteria can become trapped between the partial dentures and your gums, as well as build up in the area where your partial dentures are hooked onto your natural teeth. This trapped bacteria can lead to gum disease and gum recession, which can lead to future gum grafts being needed. We recommend yearly exams to access gum health with dentures.

Can cavity fillings weaken teeth?

Properly done and maintained fillings strengthen your teeth.

Does wisdom teeth pain come and go?

Impacted wisdom teeth pain is usually an ache that comes and goes over time. It can be irritating and uncomfortable, and often the only long-term solution is to have the impacted teeth extracted.

How can I straighten my teeth?

Metal braces: This traditional teeth straightening technique consists of ligature elastic, archwire, brackets, and bonding material. Once the metal braces are applied to the teeth, it can take between 5 months and a few years to achieve desired results. The teeth straightening time frequently depends on the severity of the person’s situation. However, it is usually less costly than other teeth-straightening methods.

Clear Aligners: One of the more popular treatment options selected by children and adults today. Your dental provider will measure your teeth and create custom design aligners. Twice a month, the aligners are changed and the process is repeated until the teeth are straightened. Since these aligners are made from clear plastic, they are less visible to others, so children and adults feel less conscious about wearing them. Treatment with clear aligners typically takes up to 12 months, although the actual time will vary from person to person.

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 kinds of toothpaste, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:

  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Recession
  • Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods
  • Abscesses
  • Tooth Pain
  • Tooth Loss

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and Oral Hygiene protocol for Home Care will prevent Periodontal Disease.

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

Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled; keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

White Fillings, also known as composites are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

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!

How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of Periodontal Cleanings, Root Planing & Scaling, Laser Therapy and Local Antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

  • 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 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.

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. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

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 all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

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 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 does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 – 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and takes an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant. 

The next visit is to place the Implant. Local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain. 

You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.

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 in 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. 

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

Fees from Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

How long does a Dental Implant last?

With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, A Dental Implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.

Does your office offer financing for services provided?

Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

We Welcome New Patients and Look Forward to Having You as Part of Our Dental Family.

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