FAQ
 Dental Frequently Asked Questions
Other Resources
• Q: Are my new tooth implants going to look like I have Chicklets in my mouth?
A: Having the proper technician is the answer to having the best quality porcelain in your mouth. Because this type of cosmetic dentistry is a form of artwork, the ability to make changes, in some cases, can take more time in order to get the exact results that both the doctor and patient are looking for.
• Q: Why do my gums bleed?
A: Gums bleed when there is an inflammation that can be caused by a multitude of irritants, the most common being plaque and calculus (tarter).
• Q: Is bleeding bad?
A: Bleeding of the gums is an indicator that osteoclastic activity, commonly referred to as bone loss, is occurring. The bacteria that causes the gums to become red and puffy is the same kind of bacteria that is causing the bones to decay. Bleeding of the gums is a sign that you should make an appointment with Madison Smile as soon as possible.
• Q: Will my new tooth have those grey lines above them?
A: Grey lines above the clinical crown of a tooth can come from two problems:
1. The tooth in question has previously been root canaled and is now dark and brittle. The grey lines come from the dark root that is showing through the thin, pink tissue.
2. As we get older, we naturally lose bone mass. As long as the tissue is healthy it will follow along with the bone level which is where the term “long in the tooth” comes from. A porcelain or metal crown has a small metal collar at its margin which will begin to show as the tissue around the crown recedes causing the grey lines. This problem can be easily corrected by replacing the crown.
• Q: Can we really match the shade to my own teeth?
A: Definitely. With the aid of digital photography, matching tooth-color shades has become significantly easier and much more predictable.
• Q: Is it going to hurt?
A: We wish that we could say no all the time! The bottom line is that any pain associated with correcting a dental problem will never be as bad as the pain you could experience if the problem goes untreated. All dental disease is progressive, which means that any dental problem will keep getting worse if it is not addressed. There may be some discomfort experienced during the actual dental procedure, but in most cases people find that “it wasn’t as bad as I expected”.
• Q: When getting an implant, crown or veneer, what will I use until I
get my real teeth?
A: Temporary or provisional teeth are always placed in the patient’s mouth during the waiting period so patients usually have an improved cosmetic result after the very first appointment.
• Q: Why are deep pockets bad?
A: Pockets between 1mm and 4mm in depth are usually cleansable. Pockets with depths of 5mm or more can not be cleaned with the same amount of certainty which is why uncleaned or stimulated pockets are clear precursors to bone loss. Bone loss, a progressive disease, eventually leads to tooth loss.
• Q: Do I need implants or a bridge?
A: The need for implants or a bridge depends on the individual and unique needs of the dental patient. If given a choice, and if it is a safe possibility for the candidate, Dr. Silverstein would always recommend implants. The choice is sometimes difficult if, for example, the surrounding teeth are already compromised.
• Q: Will I die with all of my teeth?
A: With proper maintenance and a comprehensive at-home oral care routine – absolutely!
|
