Q & A

Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth often result from the fact that your gums have receded slightly. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to become exposed, which allows thermal stimuli to more readily be recognized by the tooth's pulp. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be recommended. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?
Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing or even using a water pik or water flosser on a daily basis 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 reverse the condition and prevent it 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. Our goal is happy checkups and patients who keep their smiles for a lifetime!

What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that 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. They include:

  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Recession
  • Sensitivity to sweet or 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 & Scaling, Systemic and Local antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. At times referral to a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) is recommended.

What is the Difference Between a White Filling and a Silver Filling?
Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The alloy expands and contracts at a rate similar to natural tooth structure. Once filled, this sealed the tooth, preventing bacteria from re-initiating decay.

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 is adhesively bonded into a tooth to prevent decay. These materials are quite chameleon-like and closely match the tooth's natural appearance..

How Can I Improve My Smile?
There are several ways in today’s Dental World to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include:

  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Porcelain Crowns

We have the capability to improve your smile using some or all of these procedures. For a consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, fluoride is has been added to the whitening product, this reduces much of the passing tooth sensitivity associated with the whitening process.

Professional Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist should be done after a proper exam and cleaning.

The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine may reduce the longevity of the result. Also not all teeth are created equal.  Although most teeth whiten quite well, some, especially those with grey, banded or tetracyclene staining are particularly slow to whiten.  Bonding or ceramic veneers may be an option to consider.

What is Bonding?
Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.

What are Ceramic Veneers?

Ceramic Veneers are thin pieces of Ceramic 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 a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or correct mal-oriented teeth.  Many times, patients ask for Ceramic Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

What are Crowns?
Crowns are a restorative procedure that covers the entire visible part of the tooth known as the "crown"  A crown could also be described as a man-made replacement layer of enamel.   Most crowns are fabricated from high-strength ceramics, although gold and metal alloys are sometimes used as substrates.

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

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

  • Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.
  • Dental Implants are a lasting solution for missing teeth.
  • Dental Implants are maintained at home and by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.
  • Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone attrition, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.
  • Dental Implants can replace the need for a removable appliance like a full or partial denture.
  • Dental Implants minimize the need to prepare or alter adjacent teeth (such as would be required for a bridge or partial).


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, and severe osteoporosis.

What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?
The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 - 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 site.

The next visit is to place the Implant. This is typically performed by an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist.  There is typically minimal postoperative discomfort following implant placement.

Once the implant is properly fused to the bone (about 3 months following placement) definitive restoration can begin.  It takes about 3-4 weeks to have an implant crown fabricated in the lab for a standard case.  There are however special protocols where provisional crowns can be placed on an implant the same day as surgical placement of the implant body.  An entire arch of teeth can even be provided to a patient within 24-48 hours of surgery using an innovative approach known as "all on four"

How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?
Fees from Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

How long does a Dental Implant last?
 
Dental Implants do not have an expiration date.  With proper care and good health, dental implants can last from many years to a lifetime!
 
Does your office offer financing for services provided?
Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

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OUR LOCATION

1180 High Street | Hanover, PA 17331

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7:00 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

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