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FAQ /Dentistry Links
FAQ
Can
my tooth pain be caused by grinding my teeth?
Yes, it can. Bruxism is the action of grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. Many people are bruxing while they sleep and many are not aware of it. Symptoms can include headache and a sore jaw. Bruxing can make teeth sore and cause chipping and wear. Your dentist can fit you with an occlusal guard or nightguard that is worn while sleeping to protect your teeth.
Why are sealants recommended?
A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that protects a tooth from decay. While brushing removes food particles from the smooth surfaces of teeth, the toothbrush bristles are too large to reach all the way into the groves of the molars to remove food and plaque. A sealant is a plastic material applied to the chewing surface, bonding into the groves. It acts as a barrier to protect or seal out plaque and food. A sealant will usually last several years and may need reapplication to see the patient through their cavity-prone years.
Is tongue piercing safe?
We do not recommend it. Infection is a common complication of oral piercing due to the high level of bacteria in the mouth. Many symptoms and complication have been reported: pain, swelling, infection and injuries to gum tissue. Swelling can be expected with tongue piercing and can lead to difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage. The jewelry used in the piercing can also cause serious injury: chipped and cracked teeth, tissue damage, and if inhaled or ingested, surgery may be required.
Which one is stronger-a gold crown or a porcelain crown? Which is more expensive?
Both porcelain and gold are strong, durable materials when used in fabrication of a dental crown. Porcelain is recommended when esthetics is a patient concern. Porcelain does have a risk of fracture that gold does not have, although this rarely occurs. The cost of a porcelain crown is the same as a gold crown in our office. When the services of a lab ceramist are required to obtain a “custom shade” for a proper color match, there is a small additional fee added to the cost of a porcelain crown.
Do
you do implants in your office?
We have been successfully working with implants for over 20 years in our practice. Implants can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth or an entire arch. Because implants require surgery, you will be referred to a local oral surgeon or periodontist for consultation and actual fixture placement. After a designated healing time, we will make the replacement tooth (or teeth) and fit it to the post portion of the implant.
Do I choose silver amalgam or tooth-colored resin for my fillings?
Silver amalgam is a restorative material that has been well proven. It is relatively inexpensive, durable and simple to place. It can give teeth a blue-grey appearance, so we recommend tooth-colored resin instead, when a filling is in the “smile zone”. Composite resin restorations are esthetically pleasing and may strengthen your tooth by bonding to the tooth, though they are more complicated to place. They are slightly more expensive than amalgam and possibly less durable than a similar sized amalgam filling would be.
Is teeth bleaching safe?
The American Dental Association recognizes bleaching as the most effective short-term duration treatment in the lightening of tooth color when performed under dental supervision. The bleaching solution can cause teeth to become temporarily temperature sensitive. This goes away within a few days of bleaching completion and no long-term ill effects have been reported. It is important to recognize that whitening will not affect the color of bonded fillings or porcelain crowns, so diagnosis by a dental professional is important.
If I need a root canal do I also need a crown? If I need a crown do I also need a root canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process by which the dentist drills into the pulp chamber of an infected tooth and removes the pulp tissue. An x-ray and exam by your dentist will determine if a root canal is needed, if the tooth has not indicated this to you already. You may notice a pimple on the gums or the tooth may be badly damaged/decayed with or without pain and swelling. After endodontic treatment, the tooth may need to be protected with a crown to prevent breaking and to restore the tooth to full function. Over the years, root canal teeth can become brittle and prone to breakage. If the tooth previously had a large restoration, was badly damaged, or if a large amount of tooth structure was removed as a result of treatment, a crown may be required.
What is ultrasonic scaling?
The hygienists’ use of an ultrasonic scaler is one of the most effective tools in the treating of periodontal disease. The scaler consists of a wand with a small tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. Water flows gently through the vibrating tip to remove tartar from your teeth while decreasing the number of destructive bacteria below the gumline. Surface staining on the teeth is also removed. Less hand scaling is then required for difficult deposits resulting in greater patient comfort.
What is the difference between an adult prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance?
An adult prophylaxis is commonly called a dental cleaning. It is a preventive dental service which includes scaling and polishing of the teeth to remove plaque, calculus and stain above the gumline. It reduces gingivitis which is an inflammation of the gums which may cause bleeding. This service is routinely performed every six months. Periodontal maintenance is the recommended treatment for periodontal disease which is an infection of the teeth, gums and bone that surround the teeth. In this procedure, plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins are removed from root surfaces below the gumline. The goal is to prevent further progression of periodontal disease, prevent tooth loss and avoid surgical intervention. Once a patient receives treatment for periodontal disease and the infection is under control, continuous periodontal maintenance should be performed to maintain gum and bone health. The frequency of periodontal maintenance will be recommended by your dental hygienist based upon your periodontal condition, often a 3-4 month interval.
Dentistry Links
Dental Organizations
American Association of Dental Examiners
Washington State Dental Association
Quality Dental Products and Services - Helpful Information
Oral B - dental hygiene products
Sonicare - power toothbrush
Nobel Biocare - esthetic dental implants
Straumann - dental implants
Capital One/Healthcare Finance - Dental Financing options
Orthodontist Services in Yakima
Dr. Charles Gilmore - Orthodontic practice in Yakima, Washington
 Bruce
P. Kinney, D.D. S., P.S. |
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