FAQs
How often should I visit the dentist?
It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up and cleaning. However, if you have specific dental concerns or conditions, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
If you experience a dental emergency, such as a broken tooth, severe pain, or bleeding, contact the dentist immediately. Most dentists offer emergency services, and timely treatment is essential to avoid further damage.
How can I improve my oral hygiene at home?
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash are the basic steps for maintaining good oral hygiene. Also, avoid smoking and limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Slightly misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
- Closing small gaps between teeth
Will dental treatments be covered by insurance?
Many dental treatments are covered by insurance, but coverage varies depending on your provider and plan. It’s best to check with your insurance company or discuss the options with the dentist’s office before scheduling a procedure.
Is dental treatment painful?
Many modern dental procedures are relatively painless, especially with the use of local anesthetics. Your dentist will discuss your options for pain management to ensure a comfortable experience during treatments.
- Teeth with large fillings or fractures
- After root canal treatment to protect the tooth
- Strengthening worn-down or weak teeth
- Improving the appearance of severely discoloured or misshapen teeth
How do I know if I need a dental implant?
Dental implants are often recommended when a patient has lost a tooth or teeth and has sufficient bone to support the implant. Your dentist will assess your dental and medical health to determine if implants are the best solution for you.
What is the best way to whiten my teeth?
The best way to whiten your teeth is by using professional whitening treatments provided by your dentist. Over-the-counter products can also help, but they may not deliver long-lasting results or be as effective as professional options.
- Restore function and aesthetics after tooth loss
- Prevent shifting of adjacent teeth
- Maintain bite alignment
What are the payment options for dental treatments?
We offer a variety of payment options, including cash, credit cards, and financing plans, to make dental care more accessible. Please contact the office for detailed information on payment methods and payment plans available.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment easily by calling our office, sending an email, or using our online booking system. If you’re a new patient, please be sure to provide some basic health information beforehand.
Acrylic Dentures
- Material: Made primarily of acrylic resin (a type of plastic).
- Structure: The entire denture, including the base and artificial teeth, is usually crafted from acrylic.
- Cost: Generally more affordable than metal-based dentures.
- Adaptability: Easier to adjust and modify if more teeth need to be added.
- Bulkiness: Often thicker than metal dentures for strength, which can feel bulkier in the mouth.
- Durability: Less durable than metal frameworks and more prone to fracture.
- Best Suited For:
- Patients who need a temporary or immediate denture (e.g., after extractions).
- Those who require full dentures (complete set for upper/lower jaw).
- Patients with sufficient bone support can hold the denture securely.
Metal Dentures (Cobalt-Chrome Dentures)
- Material: Made from a cobalt-chrome metal framework with acrylic attachments for artificial teeth.
- Structure: Thinner and more lightweight than acrylic dentures while still being strong.
- Cost: More expensive than acrylic dentures due to the material and fabrication process.
- Fit & Comfort: Designed for a more precise fit, reducing movement and discomfort.
- Durability: More resistant to fractures and wear over time.
- Oral Health Benefits: Less palate or gum tissue coverage, helping with taste sensation and reducing gum irritation.
- Best Suited For:
- Patients with some remaining natural teeth (partial dentures).
- Those looking for a long-term, durable denture solution.
- Individuals with good bone support and healthy gums for stability.
Can I get a second opinion about my treatment plan?
Absolutely! If you’re uncertain about a proposed treatment plan, you are always welcome to seek a second opinion from another qualified dentist. We aim to ensure you are completely confident in your treatment choices.
FAQs
What Are Dentals Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They provide a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth, mimicking the function and appearance of natural teeth.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Most healthy individuals with good oral hygiene and sufficient jawbone density are candidates. However, factors like uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and severe bone loss may require additional treatments like bone grafting.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells (usually porcelain or composite resin) bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They are often used for:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Slightly misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
- Closing small gaps between teeth
Who Can Have Veneers?
- People with healthy teeth and gums but cosmetic concerns
- Those looking for a minimally invasive option to enhance their smile
- Patients without severe decay, gum disease, or significant bite issues
What Are Crowns?
Crowns (caps) are tooth-shaped covers placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, size, and appearance. They can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Crowns are used for:
- Teeth with large fillings or fractures
- After root canal treatment to protect the tooth
- Strengthening worn-down or weak teeth
- Improving the appearance of severely discoloured or misshapen teeth
Who Can Have Crowns?
- Patients with structurally compromised teeth but healthy root
- Those with significant tooth wear or damage
- People undergoing a smile makeover
What Are Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or zirconia. They help:
- Restore function and aesthetics after tooth loss
- Prevent shifting of adjacent teeth
- Maintain bite alignment
Who Can Have Bridges?
- Patients with one or more missing teeth but healthy supporting teeth or implants
- Those who want a fixed solution rather than dentures
- People with good oral hygiene and healthy gums.
What Are Dentures (Metal And Acrylic)?
Acrylic and metal dentures are two common types of removable dentures used to replace missing teeth. Each has its advantages and is suited to different patients based on their oral health needs.
Acrylic Dentures
- Material: Made primarily of acrylic resin (a type of plastic).
- Structure: The entire denture, including the base and artificial teeth, is usually crafted from acrylic.
- Cost: Generally more affordable than metal-based dentures.
- Adaptability: Easier to adjust and modify if more teeth need to be added.
- Bulkiness: Often thicker than metal dentures for strength, which can feel bulkier in the mouth.
- Durability: Less durable than metal frameworks and more prone to fracture.
- Best Suited For:
- Patients who need a temporary or immediate denture (e.g., after extractions).
- Those who require full dentures (complete set for upper/lower jaw).
- Patients with sufficient bone support can hold the denture securely.
Metal Dentures (Cobalt-Chrome Dentures)
- Material: Made from a cobalt-chrome metal framework with acrylic attachments for artificial teeth.
- Structure: Thinner and more lightweight than acrylic dentures while still being strong.
- Cost: More expensive than acrylic dentures due to the material and fabrication process.
- Fit & Comfort: Designed for a more precise fit, reducing movement and discomfort.
- Durability: More resistant to fractures and wear over time.
- Oral Health Benefits: Less palate or gum tissue coverage, helping with taste sensation and reducing gum irritation.
- Best Suited For:
- Patients with some remaining natural teeth (partial dentures).
- Those looking for a long-term, durable denture solution.
- Individuals with good bone support and healthy gums for stability.
Who Can Have Dentures?
- Acrylic Dentures are suitable for patients missing all teeth (full dentures) or some teeth (partial dentures). They are also suitable for those needing a cost-effective solution or a temporary replacement.
- Metal Dentures are ideal for patients who are missing some teeth but still have strong remaining teeth and healthy gums to support the denture framework.
Both types of dentures require proper care, regular dental check-ups, and adjustments to ensure comfort and function.