Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth are often caused by recessed gums. Recession exposes the underlying dentin and allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. There are several toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can help manage sensitive teeth. If these types of remedies have not been effective, schedule an appointment with Dr. Seini so she can help you develop an effective treatment.

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

The best way to avoid gum disease and tooth decay is to floss and brush every day.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by bacteria that surround the teeth and enter the gums, causing them to become irritated, inflamed, or start to bleed. When this happens, regular hygiene visits are required to prevent the condition from worsening. During your visit, we will review proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as other oral hygiene techniques that will help prevent periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that develops if gingivitis is not properly treated. Noticeable symptoms include:

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

How Do You Treat Periodontal Disease?

The most effective treatments for periodontal disease are periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

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

Silver fillings are known as amalgam and have been around for decades. They are made from a metal alloy and at one point, were the best material for restorative fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth, which prevented bacteria from entering a tooth once it had been filled, keeping it healthy and strong.

White Fillings, also known as composites, are often made from plastic or glass polymers that look and feel almost exactly like your existing tooth. Using a resin material, the fillings fit tightly into the tooth and prevent decay. Composite has become the standard material for restorative fillings because its color matches the color of natural teeth.

How Can I Improve My Smile?

There are several ways to enhance your smile such as:

• Tooth Whitening
• Bonding
• Porcelain Veneers
• Porcelain Crowns

Any and all of these can give you the bright, beautiful smile you desire. To understand which ones will help the most, please contact Dr. Seini so she can work with you to create a customized treatment plan that will help you achieve your goal.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a safe, cost effective procedure that creates a beautiful, healthy smile.  The whitening process can last for years if maintained properly, though drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your teeth. Tooth whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and tooth cleaning.

What is Bonding?

Bonding is a cost-effective procedure that fills gaps in front teeth and changes a tooth’s color.  The immediate results are amazing.  Within a few hours, you will have a great smile!  Like tooth whitening, the bonding may change color over time if you regularly drink coffee, tea, cola and wine.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that fit directly over your teeth. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, stained teeth, or a crooked smile. Many times, patients ask for porcelain veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile. Applying veneers is very simple. The entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers cost varies depending on the state of the patient’s enamel.  

What are Crowns?

Crowns are a permanent cap that completely covers your entire tooth. They are very effective at changing the size, shape, and color of your teeth, and are most often used to repair damage, such as cracked teeth. Crowns can be fitted in as few as two visits. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum, directly into the jaw bone. Contrary to what most patients believe, few people experience discomfort during this procedure. After a few months, the implant and the bone fuse together, creating an anchor for a new tooth. 

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants have several benefits. They look and function like natural teeth. They are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are easy to maintain with routine hygiene visits to your dental office. They decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss. They replace the need for a removable full or partial denture. They only affect the tooth or teeth that are missing. Before dental implants were developed, dentists used bridges, which require them to reshape two or more adjacent teeth.

Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

Due to advancements in dental technology, most people with missing or damaged teeth are candidates for dental implants. Possible exceptions are people with chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.

What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

Dental implants require 3-4 visits. During the first visit, your teeth are X-rayed, and an impression is taken, which will serve as a surgical guide and to construct a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant. During the next visit, the implant is placed into the jaw bone, which requires a minor incision and sutures. Local anesthesia is used to avoid pain and most patients report little discomfort. After three months, once the implant has bonded to your jaw, you will be asked to return so the dentist can begin creating a porcelain crown to place over the implant. Once the crown is complete, you will return a final time, so it can be fitted into place.

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

Fees for dental implants vary. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Seini so she can discuss the procedure and the fees involved.

How long does a Dental Implant last?

With routine dental hygiene and proper home care, a dental implant can last 30 years or even longer. Some patients never need to have them replaced or repaired.

Does your office offer financing for services provided?

We are happy to discuss our financing options with all our patients. Please contact our office and we will worked with you to achieve your perfect smile!