FAQs

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Tell us if you have very sensitive teeth or tooth pain.

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

Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing daily is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine, you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and oral hygiene protocol for home care will prevent periodontal disease and other gum problems.

What is periodontal disease?

Gum disease is a quiet disease that begins with few or no symptoms. It is caused when bacteria surround the teeth and enter the gums. The immediate condition is known as gingivitis. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear:

Bad breath
Gum recession
Gum sensitivity to acidic foods
Abscesses
Tooth pain
Tooth loss

How do you treat periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of periodontal cleanings, root planing and scaling, laser therapy and local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

What’s the difference between a white filling and silver filling?

Silver fillings, known as amalgams, have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was once considered the best restoration for fillings. Metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for very few bacteria to enter a tooth once filled, keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

White fillings, also known as composites, are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match your tooth color.

How can I improve my smile?

There are several ways in today’s dental world to enhance your smile, including:

Teeth whitening/teeth bleaching
Bonding
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain crowns

We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact us about a customized treatment plan.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening/teeth bleaching is a cost-effective, safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride is has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Teeth whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning. The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it can stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

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! Bonding, like teeth bleaching, may also change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine staining.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of your teeth. Dr. Rivet uses this procedure to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Patients often ask for porcelain veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

What are crowns?

Crowns are permanent restorations that cover the entire tooth. We can change the size, shape and color of your teeth in as few as two visits.

What is a tooth implant?

A tooth implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth and tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted directly into the upper or lower jawbone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a few months, the tooth implant and jawbone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the tooth implant.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants look and function like your natural teeth.

They are a permanent solution for missing teeth.

They are maintained by routine hygiene visits.

They decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement and further tooth loss.

They replace the need for removable full or partial dentures.

They focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional dental bridge would involve compromising two or more adjacent teeth to create a false tooth in between.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

With major advancements in dentistry and dental implants, most people are candidates for dental implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease or severe osteoporosis.

What is involved in the tooth implant procedure?

The typical tooth implant procedure takes 3 to 4 visits. The first visit is to X-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant. The next visit is to place the implant. The dentist applies local anesthesia to the area. (Additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist,) The tooth implant is placed into the jawbone. The area is then covered with sutures. This procedure is usually completed with only minor pain. You will then return to the dentist in approximately three months to have a solid porcelain crown placed on top of the tooth implant.