Q: Why should I have regular dental exams and X-rays?
"An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” Checking for loose teeth, bleeding gums, bone loss around teeth and cavities will help to maintain a good oral cavity along with the psychological benefit of knowing that you can smile with confidence.
Q: Are bleeding gums a serious problem? It doesn’t hurt?
Definitely yes. Just because your bleeding gums aren't causing you pain, that doesn't mean it is not a problem. The bleeding means you have gums that leak. Bad bacteria now have a portal of entry into your blood stream and can go to other areas of your body like your heart or brain. This may lead to heart disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
Q: What is TMD?
TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder. Symptoms range from a headache, sinus problems, ringing or noise in your ear, earache, popping or clicking of jaw; to a toothache, neck pain or even numbness in your arm. If your teeth are not hitting together properly, this can lead the above mentioned problems.
Q: What is reNUE™Tooth Whitening System?
reNUE™ is an in-office procedure and an at-home kit for professional teeth whitening that whitens teeth up to 8 shades in 30 minutes.
Q: Is Whitening with reNUE™ Safe?
Yes! Using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, when under the supervision of a dental professional, it is perfectly safe and effective.
Q: Am I a Good Candidate For reNUE™?
A consultation with Dr. Pierce to make sure no underlying oral health issues exist. We also recommend a professional teeth cleaning before your teeth whitening appointment. As with any other whitening, you should treat existing issues before whitening your teeth. Consult Dr. Pierce if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Under the age of 18
- Currently being treated by a physician for a serious illness or disorder (e.g. AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, etc.)
- Light sensitive and are being treated with PUVA (psoralen + UV Radiation) or any other photochemotherapy
- Are taking any photo-reactive drugs or substances, whether over-the-counter, prescription, or homeopathic
Q: What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a combination of multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures that are used to address various dental problems a patient is facing.
Q: What is cosmetic dentistry and what can it accomplish?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to various treatment options that are designed to enhance the overall appearance of a person’s smile. These treatments are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Q: What dental problems can cosmetic dentistry address?
Generally, any aesthetic issue with the teeth can be addressed through cosmetic dentistry. If you have teeth that are chipped or cracked, stained, slightly misaligned or uneven, cosmetic dentistry can enhance your facial esthetics.
Q: How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry can vary from restoration of a single tooth to full mouth reconstruction. SmileSolutionsDMD has a number of cosmetic dentistry financing options and payment plans available to make a great smile a reality.
Q: What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of dental ceramics that are used to cover imperfections of the front side of your teeth. They are virtually undetectable from your natural teeth.
Q: What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made out of titanium or dental ceramic. These dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone so they can function as part of a tooth.
Q: What are dental implants and their benefits?
A dental implant is an ARTIFICIAL ROOT that can support a crown or stabilize a loose denture. The dental implant helps to maintain a youthful smile by keeping the bone and the jaw from shrinking due to missing teeth.
Q: Can dental implants replace a single tooth as well as multiple teeth?
Yes. Whether you are missing one tooth or many teeth, dental implants from SmileSolutionsDMD may be just the solution you need.
Q: How effective are dental implants?
Dental implants will help you enhance your facial appearance, chew your food or secure a loose dentures, and minimize bone loss, in the jaw bone, as a result of missing teeth.
Q: What are the success rates of dental implants?
Dental implants are highly successful for patients who maintain good oral hygiene and follow Dr. Pierce’s pre and post-operative instructions.
Q: How long is the dental implant process?
The dental implant process can vary from immediate implant placement which is removing the compromised tooth and placing the dental implant in the same extraction site simultaneously to placing an implant in a bone deficient area. Time frame is approximately from 3-7 months.
Q: What if I am not a good candidate for implant dentistry?
If you are not a good candidate for dental implants due to bone density or gum loss, you may be able to undergo bone grafting or gum augmentation. These procedures will help build up bone mass and soft tissue and may help mouth support dental implants. Should these two treatment options still not make you eligible for dental implants with SmileSolutionsDMD, Dr. Pierce will discuss an alternative restorative treatment plan.
Q: How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of implant dentistry can vary from restoration of a single tooth to full mouth reconstruction. SmileSolutionsDMD has a number of implant dentistry financing options and payment plans available to make a great smile a reality.
Q: What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to techniques that allow patients to achieve varying levels of relaxation when visiting a dentist’s office. These techniques include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.