FAQs: Dental

Cold sensitivity is normal for up to 6 weeks. If you experience sensitivity to hot or biting pressure that may require a follow up visit with your dentist.

An inlay or onlay is necessary when not enough natural tooth structure remains after the old restoration is removed from the tooth. Amalgam or resin filling material expands and can break a compromised tooth apart. The inlay/onlay ties the tooth together. It is more conservative than a full crown.

When the nerve tissue within the tooth becomes inflamed it becomes necessary to remove the diseased portion and refill the tooth with a synthetic material because the blood supply is now missing. A crown is place over the tooth for support.

A crown is required after a root canal because the tooth no longer has blood supply. The tooth can become brittle and break at the gum line. The purpose of a crown is to prevent the tooth from fracturing.

When a tooth is prepared for a filling, onlay, or crown slight trauma can occur at the supporting enamel dentin. Also decay can be insulating to the underlying structures of the tooth. When the decay is removed the tooth is not as insulated temporarily. The tooth will heal and lay down new insulation over time. In approximately one month most teeth will settle down.

Most dental anesthetics will last approximately 3 hours from the time it is administered. Some long acting anesthetics can las 6 to 8 hours. Each patient is metabolism also affects the length of numbness.

Eating after dental appointments has more to do with the numbness of tissue more than the procedure. If anesthetic is used we advice our patients to refrain from eating until the mouth is no longer numb.

Some food contains significant color (ex: red wine, mustard, coffee, cola) which over a lifetime stain the surface of our teeth. Most of these stains are removed w/ routine cleaning. Our teeth do in fact get yellow with age. Put also reflects the color of our hair, skin, and eyes. To whiten teeth our office offers an at home bleaching regimen.

You should not experience any pain during your dental procedure when giving the amount of local anesthetic. If you should feel any discomfort your dentist can always add anesthetic to the area being treated.

Replacing missing teeth is important to prevent shifting of adjacent teeth and eruption of opposing teeth.

Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. Tap water contains a safe and effective amount of fluoride to prevent cavities. Bottled water is fine but make sure to drink tap water also, especially your children.

In our practice we accept children 3-4 years of age. Younger children may be seen by a children’s specialist “pedodontist” if there are obvious dental problems at a younger age.

We like to meet with our new patients and get to know them before rendering any treatment. It’s very important to understand your concerns, know your medical and dental history so we can set up the proper amount of time with your hygienists to maximize your appointment.