In an effort to continually education
patients, Dr. Glenn and Dr. Claiborne have listed some common asked questions he has received
over the past twenty five years of dentistry.
- How
do you sterilize instruments?
- Why
are my teeth so yellow?
- Is
tooth whitening safe?
- Should
I replace my silver fillings?
- When
should my child have his\her first visit?
- What
are sealants?
- What
is cosmetic dentistry?
- Do
you do implants?
- What
should I do for bad breath?
- What
is periodontal disease?
- Will
my insurance pay for this?
- Why
do I need x-rays?
- What
is the difference between bonding and porcelain veneers?
- Why
do I need a crown?
-
What is a
dental implant, and how does it work?
-
What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Am
I a good
candidate for dental implants?
-
What is involved in the implant procedure?
-
How can dental implants improve my appearance, confidence, and freedom?
1. How
do you sterilize instruments?
All multi-use instruments
are ultrasonically cleaned and then steam autoclaved. Many supplies are
disposable and only used on one patient. All surfaces are disinfected
between patients. For more information please refer to our
sterilization
procedures page.
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2. Why
are my teeth so yellow?
This is a natural
change as we age. Your teeth may also appear dark from tobacco products,
tea, and coffee. Professional cleaning will get your teeth clean, but
even removing the plaque and stains will not always whiten your teeth
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3. Is
tooth whitening safe?
Tooth whitening, or
bleaching, has been shown to be safe and effective. It lightens the shade
of teeth without removing enamel. Some sensitivity may occur, but usually
subsides quickly.
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4. Should
I replace my silver fillings?
Amalgam fillings have
been used for many years, with no reported danger to the patient. Silver
fillings do not require replacement, for replacement's sake. Most patient
concerns are about the mercury which the fillings contain. Newer materials
are available, and patients often elect these tooth colored restorations.
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5. When
should my child have his\her first visit?
I recommend starting
children very young, about three years old. At a young age, they will
learn to accept dental care more easily, with less apprehension. Treat
the visit as normal everyday occurrences, and do not build up the appointment's
importance.
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6. What
are sealants?
Sealants are a treatment
that helps block the deep groves that exist on back teeth. Sealants fill
in the grooves where many cavities start. They are usually recommended
for recently erupted teeth.
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7. What
is cosmetic dentistry?
For me this means
any procedure that improves a patient's smile. Today, many techniques and
materials are available. Please refer to our
Smile
Gallery, where frequently requested services are displayed with pictures.
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8. Do
you do implants?
Yes we do. Our staff can place and restore implants.
Restoration is a wonderful service that should always be considered
as a possible replacement solution. Please call for an appointment, (434)
384-7611 to discuss the many applications of implants.
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9.What
should I do for bad breath? (The medical term for bad breath is HALITOSIS.)
Your first step should
be to have a dental examination to check for gum disease or other other
dental problems. Some additional things you can do to help avoid bad breath
are:
A) Brush after each
meal and floss every day.
B) Brush you tongue to clean away odor causing bacteria.
C) Keep your mouth moist. This tends to keep the saliva flowing.
D) Make diet changes. Some foods cause bad breath.
E) Stop Smoking.
F) Ask about mouth care products or visit
our products and
services page for a full line of the products we carry.
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10.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease
is when bacteria causes inflamation in the gum tissue, leading to a loss
of the tooth's supporting structures. Periodontal disease is classified
by the amount of bone loss, as measured with a dental probe. Periodonial
disease can lead to an increased amount of circulating bacteria, and is
suspected of contributing to various systematic diseases including heart
disease. Treatment involves scaling, root planing, frequent recare appointments
and possibly gingival surgery.
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11.
Will my insurance pay for this?
When I first started
practicing, dental insurance was rare. Today there seems to be almost
as many plans as there are patients. Because we file so many claims, my
front office staff is familiar with most of the local carriers. Some plans
cover 100% for services - other plans only pay pennies on the dollar.
Although we cannot recommend our treatment plans based on insurance coverage,
we recognize the concerns of our patients. Often we can obtain information
from your provider to help you understand the coverage. WE ELECTRONICALLY
FILE YOUR CLAIMS AT EACH APPOINTMENT. In the final analysis, however,
insurance is the patient's responsibility.
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12.
Why do I need x-rays?
Cleanings and examinations
provide much information to prevent dental problems. X-rays provide the
only check on areas between the teeth, where most adults will experience
decay. Without these films, cavities often become detectable only when
they are large.
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13.
What is the difference between bonding and porcelain veneers?
I think bonding is
best used to replace lost sections of anterior teeth. They provide a natural
appearance, but need periodic replacement. Porcelain veneers are used
as an esthetic correction for fractures, color, stains, or shape. Porcelain
veneers are often used on multiple teeth. Full porcelain crowns must be
considered as an alternative to porcelain veneers or bonding where the
remaining tooth structure cannot support a more conservative restoration.
Please refer to our Smile
Gallery for examples.
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14.
Why do I need a crown?
Often a crown is needed
where a filling would just be too large. A crown covers the tooth and
prevents further breakage. Many teeth are broken because large fillings
act like a wedge and actually split the tooth. Also, following a root
canal, a tooth becomes slightly more brittle, and a crown is needed for
additional protection.
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15. What is a dental implant and how does
it work?
A dental implant is a small "anchor" made of titanium. It is inserted into
the jawbone to take the place of your missing tooth root. After
osseointegration, or when the surrounding bone has attached to the
implant, a replacement tooth is secured to the top of the implant. The new
tooth looks, feels, and performs just like your natural teeth.
Dental implants can be used in a variety of situations, whether you need
to replace a single missing tooth or many teeth. They can even be used to
replace a full denture. As anchor points, implants can also securely
attach a partial denture or bridge.
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16. What are the benefits of dental
implants?
Choosing Zimmer Dental implants offers you a number of significant
advantages including:
More healthful and beautiful: When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone
begins to shrink. This unhealthy bone loss can make your jawline recede.
Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by
loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.
As an alternative to bridgework, dental implants eliminate the need to
grind down healthy teeth when replacing one or more adjacent teeth.
More comfortable: Because dental implants are securely anchored, there is
no slipping or movement as there is with dentures. This eliminates some of
the key worries of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain
from exposed nerves.
More confident: With dental implants, you’ll never need to cover your
mouth when laughing, smiling, or speaking. You can eat your favorite foods
without pain or fear of embarrassment - and taste every bite. You’ll look
better, feel better, and live more confidently.
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17. Are you a candidate for dental
implants?
If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably
healthy enough to have an implant - whether your missing teeth are the
result of injury, disease, or decay. General good health and adequate bone
in the jaw are the key requirements. Our practice can assist you in
deciding whether implants are good for you.
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18. What is involved in the implant
procedure?
The dental implant process involves several steps that take place over a
time period that averages from 4 to 9 months. The typical process will
include:
Initial implant placement: This procedure is typically performed in
your dentist’s office under either a local or general anesthesia. Your
doctor places the small Zimmer Dental implant into your jaw. Over the next
several months, bone will attach to the surface of the implant anchoring
it into position. Depending on your particular case, an additional minor
procedure creates an opening through which your artificial tooth will
emerge.
Implant prosthetic attachment: During this phase, your dentist
painlessly attaches a Zimmer Dental prosthetic "post" to the implant. A
simple impression will be taken and over the next few days an artificial
tooth will be created for a functional natural restoration.
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19.
How can dental implants
improve my appearance, confidence, and freedom?
Since dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, they naturally
enhance your appearance. More importantly, the securely attached implant
gives you the confidence of eating what you like, speaking easily and
clearly, and freedom from embarrassment. And, by following a regular
routine of careful oral hygiene and regular checkups, your implants can
last for many years.
To find out if implants are a solution for you, ask Dr. Glenn or Dr.
Claiborne to
evaluate you today.
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