FAQ

a procedure in which the jaw bone is smoothed out in preparation for a denture or partial denture. Re-contouring can also be performed around the base of a fractured or worn-down tooth to help it support a crown.

a permanent, custom-made appliance designed to bridge the gap created by one or more adjacent missing teeth. The artificial teeth (or “pontics”) are anchored by crowns on either side of the bridge.

dentistry aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Cosmetic procedures are often elective, but can also be beneficial to oral health.

a cap placed on top of a damaged tooth that restores its normal appearance and function. They can made of gold, ceramic, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.

an easy and cost-effective way to repair chips, cracks, stains, and gaps using a moldable, custom-tinted composite resin. The composite is applied and quickly cured, or hardened, with a UV light.

holes that form in your teeth as a result of decay. Cavities form when bacteria produce acids that “eat away” at the outer layer of the teeth, called the enamel. If they go untreated, they can get larger and start to affect deeper layers causing pain, sensitivity, and tooth loss. Good oral hygiene, including post-meal brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, can kill harmful bacteria and prevent cavities from forming.

a restorative treatment that uses an artificial substance to fill holes or gaps in the enamel of decayed or damaged teeth. They can be made of composite resin, amalgam (mixture of metals), gold, ceramic, or glass ionomer. Material considerations include allergies, appearance, and cost.

an imprint of the teeth made by biting into a quick-setting, gel-like substance. Impressions are used to create a three-dimensional cast or model of your teeth and the surrounding tissues. They aid in the creation of everything from whitening trays to mouthguards to prosthetics.

custom-made appliances that replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace all the teeth, while removable partial dentures are a cost-effective option when some natural teeth remain. Artificial teeth are attached to a gum-colored acrylic base held in place by metal clasps, or precision attachments, which fit into slots added to crowns on supporting teeth. Sometimes dental implants can be used to increase the stability of a denture.

treatment that addresses urgent dental issues, like a tooth that has been fractured or knocked out; an abscessed infection; or lost, broken, or painful restorations (fillings, crowns, implants, dentures, etc.). Some issues can be life-threatening, such as severe tooth or gum pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or swelling that restricts your breathing. In these scenarios, you should call 911 immediately.

removal of a severely damaged or decayed tooth as a last resort when the tooth cannot be restored. The type of extraction—simple or surgical—depends on the tooth’s shape, size, position, and location in the mouth.

a bacterial infection that occurs when plaque accumulates on the teeth and causes inflammation of the gums, or gingiva. Symptoms include swollen, tender, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; or a persistent bad taste in the mouth. It is a common and mild form of gum disease, but untreated, it can progress to a more serious form called periodontitis. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, unhealthy diet, smoking, age, stress, and certain medications or medical conditions.

an artificial tooth structure that attaches to a dental implant, which is a surgical screw placed in the bone of the jaw. Together, the dental implant and implant crown work as a total tooth-root replacement, although the crown is the only part you will see.

a systematic check for signs of cancer in and around the mouth, including the tissues of the cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, palate, and floor of the mouth. If any lumps, sores, or irregularities are found, you may be referred to an oral surgeon.

refers to the health of your teeth, mouth, and surrounding structures (skull and face), which affects your ability to speak, smile, chew, make facial expressions, etc. You can improve your oral health by avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and by prioritizing preventive dental care (brushing, flossing, scheduling regular cleanings, and eating a healthy diet).

a severe gum disease that occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) is not treated. When the inflammation spreads to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, the gums start to pull away, the bone deteriorates, and eventually, the teeth fall out. Symptoms include pain; bleeding while brushing or flossing; tender, swollen, or receding gums; loose or missing teeth; and bad breath.

a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink, which can destroy your enamel and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing gets rid of plaque.

a procedure that can save a natural tooth when the soft center, or pulp—full of nerves, blood vessels and other tissues—becomes infected. The inflamed tooth pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, then the space is filled and sealed with a filling or crown.

thin, protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent cavities.

a rough, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth that has to be removed professionally. When minerals in your saliva combine with plaque on your teeth, they calcify to form a hard deposit called tartar (or “calculus”).

a thorough cleaning that should be performed by a dental professional every six months to help prevent cavities and gum disease; reduce the chances of needing more serious/costly dental treatments; and keep your teeth looking their best. First, the hygienist uses a scaler to gently scrape away dental plaque and tartar. Next, the teeth are polished with a high-powered brush, then flossed. Additional steps may include X-rays or a fluoride varnish, which is painted onto the teeth.

a process that removes both surface stains and deep stains to lighten the teeth by several shades. Whitening can be performed as an in-office treatment or at home with custom-fitted trays. Professional whitening kits contain solutions with higher concentrations of the bleaching element (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide), so they tend to produce results faster.

thin, custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are permanently bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers require multiple appointments to achieve durable, natural-looking results, but with them, we can address many issues, including the size, length, shape, texture, or color of your teeth.

an image generated with a low level of radiation that allows a dentist to see the condition of teeth, gums, and bone to find and treat dental problems early, saving patients time, money, and discomfort.