FAQ’s

I’ve lost a filling, What could happen to my tooth?

A lost filling often indicates affected tooth structure beneath the filling. You need to visit your dentist as soon as possible to have a new restoration placed. Failure to do so in a timely manner may result in the need for a root canal or loss of the tooth.

I’ve broken a tooth. What should I do?

Depending on the severity and cause, treatment ranging from smoothing the rough area, to a filling, root canal or extraction may be required. Due to the body’s response, over time the root may resorb or the nerve (pulp) may become non-vital requiring further treatment.

What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out?

If a tooth is lost due to an accident, the tooth may be saved with prompt emergency treatment. Do not scrub the tooth, but place it in the mouth resting against the cheek and see your dentist within one hour. The tooth may then be able to be re-implanted and splinted into place. Usually the tooth may reattach with only loss of the nerve (pulp).

I want whiter teeth. What can I do?

Depending on the cause of the discoloration, several options may be available. For stain on the outside or near the surface of the tooth (extrinsic), bleaching is the best option. For deeper stains (intrinsic), bonding (white filling material) or porcelain bonded veneers may be a better and lasting option.

My gums bleed when I brush. What does this mean?

If not removed regularly from teeth and gums, bacteria grow out of control. They produce toxins that irritate your gums. Tartar along the gum line forms a rough surface that attracts more plaque. This adds to gum irritation and swelling. Symptoms may include sore, bleeding gums or bad breath.

Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads to the bone. The most common causes are plaque and tartar build up under the gum line. This can irritate the gums. If there are symptoms, they may include bright red gums that bleed easily or shrink back (recede). As ligaments break down, the gums pull away from the teeth. Pockets deepen and fill with more bacteria. Bone starts to be destroyed, and teeth may loosen.

What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy consists of removing the inflamed or infected pulp. The first step is to make an opening in the tooth. The dentist then cleans the pulp chamber and canals. These spaces are later filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, which acts as a permanent bandage. Finally, restoring the crown of the tooth protects the tooth from further damage or infection.

What can happen if I lose a back tooth?

Plaque builds up more easily as the teeth crowd together or shift increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. When teeth shift so that the upper teeth no longer correctly mesh with the lower ones, chewing can be impaired and can create stress on other teeth and the jaw. If back teeth are lost, adjacent teeth can shift into vacant spaces. Shifting can also cause the cheeks to sink in and the face to change appearance. The lips may thin and straighten, the chin may jut out and upward, and pouches may appear on the sides of the jaw

What is an implant?

Implants are artificial tooth supports surgically set in the jaw. An incision is made at the implant site. After the site is prepared, the fixture is screwed or pressed into place in the jawbone. The site is left for 1-4 months to allow the bone to grow around the implant. After this period, an abutment is then attached for use with a bridge, crown or denture.